We have an online store available, so you can order and pick up wine directly from the winery by appointment. You can also call 567-302-0476 to schedule a pick up time. We are often working out at the winery where communication is limited, so please leave your contact info (name, phone and/or email) along with your preferred pickup times and we will get back with you!
Services
Our family operated vineyard and winery is the culmination of a life long love of wine. It has been said that wine is sunshine in a bottle. We agree with that sentiment and also firmly believe that the sunshine is meant to be enjoyed with friends and family while sharing good times and good food.
We stay focused on the basics - sustainable vineyard practices using a great deal of hand labor, starting with the planting of the vine until we harvest the grapes.This hands on approach and attention to detail allows us to produce the best quality grapes that can be locally grown, because you can't make great wine unless you start with great grapes.
We stay focused on the basics - sustainable vineyard practices using a great deal of hand labor, starting with the planting of the vine until we harvest the grapes.This hands on approach and attention to detail allows us to produce the best quality grapes that can be locally grown, because you can't make great wine unless you start with great grapes.
Receive an additional 25 points for including your email address during sign-up so we can notify you of future specials. When you accumulate 1000 points you will automatically become an "Elite" member of our Rewards Club. Elite members will be invited to special events including pre-release wine tastings, barrel tastings, educational events, and just plain fun get togethers.
The Flying part is simple; it's a reflection of my interest in aviation and the fact that I'm building my own airplane. The otter part comes from my last name, Utter. My oldest known ancestor, Nicholas Mattson Utter was the first "Utter" in America. He came to the New Sweden Colony aboard the ship Orn in 1654.
The ground has been disced three times.: The rows are laid out 10 feet apart and the first row is staked for the grape vines - 7 feet apart. Bob and Jeff: We used a 12 inch auger for the grape vine holes. This dug a nice sized hole that we made plenty deep to loosen up the soil and promote root growth.
Flying Otter Vineyard grows grapes that are specifically adapted to cold weather climates. Frontenac is the first in a series of grapes specially developed for cold weather climates by the University of Minnesota. It was introduced in 1995/96 and is a cross of V. riparia 89 with the French hybrid Landot 4511, resulting in a grape exhibiting some of the best characteristics of each.
Reviews (21)
Chris Hass
Aug 23, 2021
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Terrie Campbell
Aug 21, 2021
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Graham Crook
Jun 28, 2021
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Robbie Anderson
May 26, 2021
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Hillary C.
Jul 11, 2020
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Flying Otter is a cozy and peaceful vineyard space where you can kill an afternoon trying locally grown varietals and enjoying simple but delicious bites. Friendly service, reasonable prices, plenty of outdoor seating and a pretty view of all their vines! Such a gem! Support local and try out Flying Otter!
Jennifer P.
Jul 07, 2020
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Diana Schulz
Jan 29, 2020
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Ben Tselis
Jan 13, 2020
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I highly recommend visiting this winery! My fiancee and I went and had a great time! The reds were made from these grapes that are supposed to be better suited to Michigan weather. They were flavorful, deep, and delicious. Despite the facade of being a curmudgeon, the owner and his wife were wonderful people that were quite pleasant to chat to! They explained all about their winery and what they're all about.
Diane Arbogast
Jan 03, 2020
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My husband I were here on a nice quite Sunday afternoon. Awesome setting great wine, the bread and cheese plate were amazing ! Would have love to have the owner come talk to us, soooo many other winery's the owners walk around talk to everyone we love that . Makes it so much more personal. Owners were there sat about 5 feet from us , walked pass us even. Never once said a word. The girl behind the counter was very nice during the tasting , no small talk. Just told us the name of the wine that we had marked on our sheet that we were tasting. Over heard more in a conversation from the owner to another
Catherine M.
Sep 08, 2019
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Sierra V.
Sep 08, 2019
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The wine and food was great, the service not so much...the ladies behind the bar weren't very friendly, and would watch us stand there waiting a while before helping us. One lady even made a smart remark about other customers right in front of me. Other than them the experience was fun, and the slushies are a must try!
Lauren D.
Sep 07, 2019
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Alexandra M.
Jun 29, 2019
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Michele T.
Jun 22, 2019
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The Flying Otter Vineyard was an amazing experience . We found the
" pic nic in the vineyard " advertised on groupon. Great deal , wine tasting , select your bottle of wine , choose 2 entrees ...fruit and cheese platter included . Canopy set up table chairs beautiful and romantic setting . Thanks to the owners .
" pic nic in the vineyard " advertised on groupon. Great deal , wine tasting , select your bottle of wine , choose 2 entrees ...fruit and cheese platter included . Canopy set up table chairs beautiful and romantic setting . Thanks to the owners .
Lola Cosmica
Jun 15, 2019
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Jeanna B.
May 26, 2019
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Betty M.
Apr 29, 2018
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Sarah S.
Apr 16, 2018
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Visited on 4/14/18- This was my favorite stop on our mini wine tour in SE Michigan. All of the wines we tried were great and the gentleman tending bar was very knowledgeable about their wines, the grapes they grow, and really just wine in general. It was really wonderful having a chat with him. The day I visited it was cold and dreary-- I can only imagine the beauty of the location on a warm summer day!
Denise C.
Jul 02, 2016
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Tom C.
Nov 28, 2012
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Kate B.
Aug 12, 2012
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Brand new winery; just opened the tasting room/winery in November of 2011. The owner is a pilot who always wanted a winery and his family couldn't distract him from the idea! The winery's name is a combination of the pilot( flying) and the family name, Utter, to make Flying Otter! We sampled a white wine blend called "Northern Lights" and an excellent dessert wine called the 2011 Cherry Pie. The whole family is involved in the winery and are very warm and welcoming. Call first, for the hours open and because it's tricky to find!
