Nestled along the shores of Lake Leelanau, Bel Lago is located near the village of Cedar, just 18 miles from downtown Traverse City, Michigan. A short drive from beautiful Leland, crystal-clear Glen Lake, and the famous Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, our winery and cidery is en route to some of northern Michigan's most treasured destinations.
With views of the lake and our well-established vines, there's no better place to enjoy a glass of wine or cider. Established in 1992, Bel Lago began serving wine on the edge of Lake Leelanau in 1999. Today, our northern Michigan winery is known for crafting flavorful and complex red, white and sparkling wines.
With views of the lake and our well-established vines, there's no better place to enjoy a glass of wine or cider. Established in 1992, Bel Lago began serving wine on the edge of Lake Leelanau in 1999. Today, our northern Michigan winery is known for crafting flavorful and complex red, white and sparkling wines.
Services
Bel Lago Vineyards and Winery earns its name from our tasting room's picturesque view overlooking our vineyard and south Lake Leelanau, in the heart of the Leelanau Peninsula. Founded in 1992 by Domenic, Ruth and Amy Iezzoni, and Charles Edson, Bel Lago's vineyards were first planted in the late 1980s, and our tasting room opened in 1999.
Rich, dark cherry, plum and berry flavors, aged in French oak offering earthy complexity and a lingering finish. The perfect balance of fruit, structure, and silk, a multi variety blend with a Cabernet Franc backbone. Blended from 80% Pinot Noir and 20% cherry wine, Bouquetti is perfect for those who love fruity, red wines with a hint of sweetness.
Our friends Slim and Crickets grow Ida Red Apples in an elderly orchard across the lake. We pressed their fruit in below freezing temperature to create a cider with high acidity and concentrated big apple flavors. We sweetened our Apple cider with fresh Balaton cherry juice to create this classic northern MI beverage.
Wine releases are twice a year, in May and September. The releases are carefully selected by our winemaker. Once packages are released, you will have the opportunity to edit your order or enjoy as is. If we don't receive order edits by the announced deadline, the winemaker selected default package will be automatically chosen and your card on file will be charged for that amount.
Join us for a conversation between Abra Berens, chef and author, and Alex Beggs, journalist and senior writer for Bon Appetit Magazine, as they talk about Abra's new book. Grist: A Practical Guide to Cooking Grains, Beans, Seeds and Legumes is Abra Berens' newest book. Like Ruffage before it, she wrote this book to continue to celebrate and demystify these pantry staples.
Reviews (24)
Teresa Harlow
Nov 15, 2021
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Andrew J.
Nov 06, 2021
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Nicholas Farris
Sep 12, 2021
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First winery I’ve ever been to in leelanau county and it was great. Friendly staff and tucked along a gorgeous hilly backdrop featuring lake leelanau. Decent sized outdoor space that is also dog friendly. We tried their pizza and it was pretty good too, lots of cheese but a little light on the other toppings.
Justin H.
Aug 31, 2021
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Renee Kaufman
Aug 28, 2021
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Mike Krueger
Aug 25, 2021
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Art Hurtado
Aug 21, 2021
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Kristina Blanchard
Aug 14, 2021
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Martin Shelly
Jun 13, 2021
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Great wines, great service. One of the two best wineries in the mid-west, let alone Traverse City. Georgian (sp, sorry) was wonderful, and it was good to see Patrick, he's awesome. Moses is still in charge, and does a fine job. Tempesta is to die for, and thanks for introducing us to the Auxerrois Brut!
Lisa S.
May 28, 2021
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At Bel Lago they ask that you either purchase a wine flight of 4 varieties for $15 or a glass. So my husband and I both got individual flights. Unfortunately, our server was distracted while puring my flight so when I picked my favorite for another glass, I got the wrong one and was never able to actually figure out which it was.
Their prices are high for tastings and I'm extremely disappointed in the service. Would rather spend my time at Leelanau Cellars!!
Their prices are high for tastings and I'm extremely disappointed in the service. Would rather spend my time at Leelanau Cellars!!
Timothy Daugherty
Aug 15, 2020
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They really are doing a great job at keeping people safe and making good wine. We drove up to grab a few of their modestly priced wine and enjoy a glass overlooking the lake. Had a great time (weather could have been better). I always LOVE to see an owner take so much pride and time to greet every guest.
Sophia Shepard
Sep 19, 2019
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Absolutely beautiful tasting room and beautiful view of the lake . We had the pleasure of tasting with Jimmy. He was so knowledgeable and so friendly. I cant recommended this enough. The wines we tasted were superb. My sister and I both walked away with a bottle . I cannot wait to come back soon. Thank you guys for such a great tasting and for the wine .
Jessica Ann T.
Aug 17, 2019
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Lizzie K.
Oct 22, 2018
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Jennifer B.
Jul 24, 2018
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Kait J.
Jul 08, 2018
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Emily E.
Mar 23, 2018
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Dennis P.
Jul 29, 2017
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Ashley H.
Sep 20, 2014
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We had a great experience here, I was with my husband and my in-laws and John was incredibly helpful. I have a cherry and apple allergy so unfortunately I was not able to try the bouquetti but he did explain how the aroma of fruit are really just the profile of the wine and not necessarily the ingredients. Also how any wine that is vintage will only have grapes, no fruit. Really changed my wine buying style! I bought the northern vineyard Pinot noir 2012 and hoping to have enough composure to wait til thanksgiving to drink it!! Also bought the table red to drink in the meantime. Will absolutely
Linda T.
Mar 10, 2014
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Our entire trip to Bel Lago was wonderful! We enjoyed a scenic drive getting there (including a beautiful view of the lake!), found parking easily, and had a fun wine tasting experience. Our host who led our tasting did a great job engaging us all, even though our group varied widely in terms of wine experience. He pride in their wine was obvious, which definitely enhanced the experience. My favorite was a dessert cherry wine. The alcohol content was high at 19%, but definitely didn't taste like it. The gewurztraminer was also awesome -- very fragrant.
If you have the opportunity to
If you have the opportunity to
Caleb Y.
Oct 09, 2013
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Michele L.
Sep 20, 2013
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This place is by far the best winery around! It's off the beaten path a tad but their wine exceeds all others.
You won't find much in terms of size, but you will find awards as far as the eye can see.
Classy and friendly enough for the novice.
The staff is passionate about wines and will even give you a lesson if you need one. Be sure to shell out the five dollars for the special tasting. It's well worth the taste experience as well as the glass. You will want to remember this place!
I went to nearly all the wineries on the Leelanau Peninsula and bought nearly a case at this
You won't find much in terms of size, but you will find awards as far as the eye can see.
Classy and friendly enough for the novice.
The staff is passionate about wines and will even give you a lesson if you need one. Be sure to shell out the five dollars for the special tasting. It's well worth the taste experience as well as the glass. You will want to remember this place!
I went to nearly all the wineries on the Leelanau Peninsula and bought nearly a case at this
Brittany A.
Aug 10, 2013
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Atlantis A.
Oct 11, 2011
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This was the first stop on a 2 day wine trip. Being the first place you don't want to spend all your money just to be broke for the rest, but that rule was shot. The wines are lovely great yummy smooth and award winning.
Our server was SO helpful being it was our first time in the area she helped us on where to stay the night and where to get good food and such, offered a BIG helping of information without being asked.
Bel Lago has great views and wonderful service. Perfect little stop and the drive in was on back country winding roads with stunning views.
I would rank this little gem
Our server was SO helpful being it was our first time in the area she helped us on where to stay the night and where to get good food and such, offered a BIG helping of information without being asked.
Bel Lago has great views and wonderful service. Perfect little stop and the drive in was on back country winding roads with stunning views.
I would rank this little gem
