Several glasses of white wine on a tray at Mawby Vineyards in Traverse City, Michigan, photographed from below, with a snowy, winter outdoor background.
View of a pebble beach at sunset under the Mackinac Bridge, with the straights of Mackinac in the background and a bridge overhead that connects the upper and lower peninsulas of Michigan.

The Grapest Lakes

A serene lake scene in autumn in Detroit, Michigan at Palmer Park with trees in fall colors, ducks swimming in the water, and a small lighthouse-like structure on a stone foundation.

At Grape Lakes Tours, we believe the best way to experience The Great Lakes is one glass at a time. Founded by wine lover and local expert Samantha Mertins, Grape Lakes curates personalized and bespoke wine adventures that celebrate the beauty, flavor, and vibes of the Great Lakes region. Upon deposit, we walk through a unique discovery call, learning your unique 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.

A wooden dock extending into a calm Lake Michigan at sunset from Saugatuck, Michigan, with a cloudy sky and distant treeline.