You’re driving through the Irish Hills in Michigan, and honestly, if you aren't looking for it, you might just cruise right past some of the best wine in the state. People always talk about Traverse City. They rave about Old Mission Peninsula or Leelanau. Those places are great, don't get me wrong. But Cherry Creek Winery MI is doing something different in a part of the state that usually gets overlooked for viticulture. It’s tucked away in Brooklyn, Michigan. Yeah, the place with the race track. But instead of the roar of engines, you get this massive, 100-year-old schoolhouse that’s been flipped into a tasting room. It’s weirdly charming.
I’ve spent a lot of time talking to folks who think Michigan wine starts and ends with sweet Riesling. That’s a mistake.
The Schoolhouse Vibe at Cherry Creek Winery MI
The first thing you notice isn't the vines. It’s the building. This isn't some sterile, corporate tasting room with marble countertops and minimalist lighting. It’s a literal schoolhouse from the 1800s. You walk in, and the floors creak. There’s history in the wood. The Burtka family, who took over the reins years ago, kept that soul alive. They didn't gut it to make it look like a Napa Valley transplant.
They kept it Michigan.
The setting matters because it dictates the pace. You aren't being rushed through a flight by a sommelier who’s checking their watch. It’s more like hanging out at a friend’s house who happens to have a really extensive cellar. Outside, there’s a massive pergola and plenty of space to just sit. If you go on a summer Thursday, they usually have live music. It gets packed, but in a "community picnic" way, not a "congested tourist trap" way.
What’s Actually in the Glass?
Let’s get into the booze. Because look, a cool building doesn't matter if the wine tastes like vinegar.
Cherry Creek Winery MI handles the classics, but they shine when they lean into the local terroir. Michigan’s climate is brutal. You’ve got late frosts and humid summers. Most people go for the Chardonnay or the Cabernet Franc, which honestly holds up surprisingly well against some of the bigger labels up north. The Cab Franc has that earthy, peppery finish that tells you the grapes actually struggled a bit in the soil—which is exactly what you want.
But we have to talk about the fruit wine.
Usually, "fruit wine" is code for "syrup in a bottle." Not here. Their cherry wine—the Montmorency Cherry—is iconic for a reason. It’s tart. It’s crisp. It doesn't coat your mouth in sugar. It tastes like the actual fruit you’d pick off a tree in July. They also do a lot with cider. If you’re not a wine person, the hard ciders are a massive draw. They use Michigan apples (obviously), and they keep the carbonation tight and the flavors clean.
The Irish Hills Factor
Why Brooklyn? Why the Irish Hills?
Historically, this area was a massive vacation hub in the mid-20th century. Then it sort of faded. But places like Cherry Creek Winery MI are part of this quiet revival. The rolling hills here provide a microclimate that’s slightly different from the lake-effect-heavy regions of the north. You get more heat units in the summer, which helps with ripening certain reds that struggle elsewhere in the Great Lakes state.
It’s a bit of a gamble growing grapes here.
One bad frost in May can wipe out a vintage. But the Burtkas and their team have figured out how to manage the canopy and the soil to produce consistent yields. It’s grit. Pure Michigan grit.
The Tasting Experience Isn't What You Think
If you go to a winery in California, you might pay $50 just to sit down. Here? It’s accessible. You can grab a flight, find a spot on the lawn, and actually relax.
- The Flights: You usually pick five or six pours.
- The Food: Don't expect a five-course meal. It’s small plates. Think local cheeses, charcuterie, and maybe some fresh bread. It’s meant to support the wine, not distract from it.
- The Butter: Okay, this sounds weird, but they often have these specialized wine butters or preserves. Buy them. Don't ask questions, just put them in your bag.
The staff usually knows the story behind every bottle. They’ll tell you about the 2012 vintage or why the winter of 2019 was a nightmare for the vines. That’s the E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness) factor that Google loves, but more importantly, it's what humans love. You're talking to people who actually get their hands dirty.
Common Misconceptions About Southern Michigan Wine
Most people think if you aren't in Traverse City, the wine is just "filler."
That’s a lie.
Southern Michigan wineries, specifically those in the Pioneer Wine Trail (which Cherry Creek is a part of), are producing award-winning dry reds. I've seen blind tastings where a Southern Michigan Teroldego or Chancellor beats out more expensive bottles from the West Coast. The acidity is higher here. That makes the wine food-friendly. It’s not a "fruit bomb." It’s structured.
Another myth: It’s only for summer.
Wrong. Cherry Creek in the winter is arguably better. The schoolhouse gets cozy. They do mulled wine. The crowds thin out, and you can actually talk to the winemakers. It feels like a secret club.
Technical Details for the Wine Nerds
For those who care about the chemistry, the acidity levels in Michigan grapes are naturally high due to the shorter growing season. This requires a delicate touch in the cellar. You’ll find that many of the whites at Cherry Creek undergo malolactic fermentation to soften that sharp malic acid (think green apples) into something creamier (think butter).
Their sparkling program is also worth a look. The "Celebration" series uses the Charmat method—the same process used for Prosecco—to keep the fruit flavors bright and the bubbles lively. It’s not Champagne, and it’s not trying to be. It’s refreshing, straightforward, and perfect for a Tuesday afternoon.
Planning Your Visit: What to Actually Do
Don't just show up and leave. That’s a waste of a trip.
If you’re coming from Detroit or Ann Arbor, it’s a quick hop down US-12 or M-52. You can hit a couple of other spots on the Pioneer Wine Trail, like Sandhill Crane Vineyards or Flying Otter, but Cherry Creek is the anchor.
- Check the Calendar: They do "Yoga in the Vines." If that’s your thing, great. If not, avoid those mornings because it gets crowded.
- The Patio is King: Even if it’s slightly chilly, sit outside. The view of the vineyard against the backdrop of the old trees is the whole point.
- The "Old School" Red: If they have it in stock, try the Old School Red. It’s their flagship blend. It’s easy-drinking, non-pretentious, and basically sums up the whole vibe of the place.
- Buy a Case: Seriously. The price point at Cherry Creek Winery MI is significantly lower than what you’ll find in the northern boutiques, and the quality is comparable.
Practical Steps for Your Trip
To get the most out of your visit, you need a plan.
First, check their social media or website for the "Music on the Lawn" schedule. These events are the highlight of the summer season in Brooklyn. If you're coming with a group larger than six, call ahead. The schoolhouse is charming but it isn't infinite. They need a heads-up to move tables around.
Second, bring a cooler. If you buy cheese or a few bottles of the sparkling cider, you don't want them cooking in your trunk while you grab dinner in town.
Third, explore Brooklyn itself. It’s a classic Michigan small town. There are local antique shops and small eateries that pair perfectly with a morning spent at the winery.
Finally, keep an open mind. If you usually only drink dry reds, try the spiced apple wine. If you only drink whites, try the Cab Franc. The beauty of a place like this is the low stakes. You’re there to explore.
Cherry Creek Winery MI represents a specific kind of Michigan success story. It’s about taking something old—an abandoned schoolhouse, a forgotten hillside—and turning it into something that brings people together. It’s not flashy. It’s not "luxury" in the way a glossy magazine defines it. It’s better. It’s real.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Check the Weather: The experience is 90% better when you can sit on the patio.
- Join the Wine Club: If you’re a local, their wine club offers significant discounts and access to small-batch releases that never hit the general tasting menu.
- Sample the Cider: Even if you're a wine purist, the craftsmanship in their hard ciders is some of the best in the Midwest.
- Pack a Picnic: While they have small plates, you're often allowed to bring your own snacks for the outdoor seating areas (just check their current policy on the website before you pack the heavy basket).