At Grape Lakes, we believe the best way to experience The Great Lakes is one glass at a time.

Passionate about the land in which grapes grow, Grape Lakes aims to guide you through a bespoke tasting of the earth that makes up the Great Lakes Region. Founded by wine lover and local expert Samantha Mertins, we curate personalized and bespoke wine adventures that celebrate the beauty, flavor, and vibes of the Great Lakes region. Upon deposit, we walk through a discovery call, learning your dream event details to help design the most one-of-a-experiences for you and yours. From the sunlit vineyards of the Leelanau and Old Mission Peninsulas to the charming wineries of Southwest Michigan and across the lake to Essex County, Ontario, we’ll curate a tasting designed to connect guests to the people and places behind every pour.

Whether you’re toasting a milestone, planning a team outing, or simply exploring the region’s fast-growing wine scene, our experiences blend education, elegance, and ease. We take care of every detail — tastings, pairings, and planning — so you can slow down, sip deeply, and savor the journey. At Grape Lakes, it’s not just about wine tasting; it’s about creating memorable moments rooted in local flavor and shared discovery.