Awesome Mitten’s Guide to Visiting Lemon Creek Winery in Berrien Springs
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There are many hidden gems along the shore of Lake Michigan. One of these is Lemon Creek Winery in the small town of Berrien Springs. This historic vineyard and fruit orchard has been in the same family for close to 200 years.
Though it didn’t become a winery until the 1980s, the family has seen enormous success in the industry. Lemon Creek wines have won countless awards and are widely considered some of the best in Southwest Michigan.
If you plan on visiting the Berrien Springs area, you won’t want to miss a trip to this beautiful vineyard.
About Lemon Creek Winery
Lemon Creek Winery is a historic, award-winning vineyard and winery in Berrien Springs Michigan. With a century and a half of history behind it, this winery has become one of the top attractions in Southwest Michigan.
The vineyard gets its name not from the fruit but from the Lemon family, who emigrated to the area in 1834 and took ownership of the mill there.
Lemon Creek Fruit Farm was established in the 1850s, its success bolstered by the perfect grape-growing climate alongside Lake Michigan. After more than a century of success as a fruit farm, the Lemon family established Lemon Creek Winery in the 1980s.
Today, it remains a successful fruit orchard where visitors can buy pre-picked fruit or go out into the fields to pick their own. But, its winery is the most successful part by far, with 170 acres of wine grapes.
Things to Do at Lemon Creek Winery
When visitors come to Lemon Creek Winery, there are many things to do and see. You can tour the vineyard itself and learn about the variety of grapes grown and how they benefit from the unique Michigan climate. Depending on the time of year, you can even watch the process of making wine.
Wine Tasting
Of course, one of the most popular activities is tasting wine. The tastings are guided by an expert sommelier who not only provides the wines but also teaches about the art of wine and the best ways to appreciate it.
You can even learn about wine pairings and which vintages go best with meats, cheeses, fish, and other foods. There is always something new in production at Lemon Creek Winery too, so you will find wines of all kinds to suit all tastes, with options varying from season to season.
Also, you can purchase bottles both online and in person, including the award-winning sweet riesling, cabernet franc, merlot reserve, and pinot noir rose.
U-Pick Fruit
Of course, if you are interested in more than just tasting wine, there are plenty of other things to do at Lemon Creek. It is a popular place throughout the year for visitors to enjoy U-pick fruit. Or, you can buy pre-picked fruit at the orchard or local farmers market.
The fruit varieties include cherries, grapes, apples, pears, peaches, blueberries, plums, and more. These are available at different points throughout the spring, summer, and fall, so you’ll want to check what is in season before you visit.
Live Music & Events
Like any good winery, Lemon Creek holds plenty of events throughout the year. You will find everything from live blues music performances to food trucks, holiday celebrations, and more. Many of these events are family-friendly, while others are marked as 21 and older.
Also, there are art festivals and other big events for which Lemon Creek partners with other local vendors. During this time, you’ll find food trucks, art pieces from local artists, live music, and many other attractions.
On top of that, Lemon Creek representatives make an appearance at the local farmer’s market every week to sell wines, fresh fruit, jams, and other preserves.
Restaurants Near Lemon Creek Winery
Before and after your visit to Lemon Creek, there are several awesome restaurants where you can stop for a bite to eat. These are just a few of the top-rated dining options in Berrien Springs Michigan.
Town Hall Pizza
Town Hall Pizza is one of the best places in Berrien Springs to enjoy delicious, high-quality handmade pizzas.
For nearly 50 years, this pizzeria was Roma’s, a family-owned establishment. It passed to new owners in 2018 but retains many of the classic elements of the original established by an Italian immigrant couple.
Baguette de France
Baguette de France is the place to go in Berrien Springs if you’re looking for fresh, delicious bistro food, such as soups, salads, and baked goods. Whether you want a fresh pastry or hot soup in a bread bowl, there are countless amazing options for brunch, lunch, and dinner.
Hopper’s
Hopper’s is a classic family diner open daily for breakfast and lunch. This family-owned establishment serves traditional diner fare, as well as healthy options, children’s dishes, and special items like Friday fried fish plates.
This simple diner is a favorite of locals and visitors alike, making it a must-visit when you’re in Berrien Springs.
Nikki’s Cafe
Nikki’s Cafe is a highly rated cafe located in Berrien Springs Michigan. This family-owned spot serves classic American diner fare, much of which is sourced locally.
That means that you’ll get to enjoy blueberry pancakes made with Michigan blueberries and more. Many of the menu items are family recipes that have been passed down to the current owners.
AJ’s Uptown Bar & Grill
AJ’s Uptown Bar & Grill has been a part of Berrien Springs for many years, though not in its current form. It was updated in 2015 and is now a trendy but comfortable place to enjoy comfort food and great drinks. Also, you’ll find regular events going on — from comedy open mics to trivia, live music, and much more.
More to Explore Near Lemon Creek Winery
If you want to experience other things to do in Southwest Michigan near Lemon Creek Winery, you have several options. Here are just a few that we recommend.
Lake Chapin
While Michigan is home to many lakes and nature preserves, Lake Chapin is widely considered to be a hidden gem. Located close to Berrien Springs in the St. Joseph Valley, this beautiful lake covers 600 acres and is an excellent spot for swimming, fishing, kayaking, and more.
NOTE: You may need to ask a local for directions to get here as the lake is difficult to access.
Love Creek Nature Center
Love Creek Nature Center is a beautiful 200-acre park in Berrien Springs Michigan offering countless opportunities for outdoor sports and other activities. It includes 6 miles of hiking trails, which wind through diverse systems, including maple forests and wetlands.
Love Creek is a popular spot for outdoor fun at any time of the year, including the winter when it draws cross-country skiers.
Curious Kids’ Museum & Discovery Zone
The Curious Kids’ Museum & Discovery Zone is located close to Berrien Springs in the nearby town of St. Joseph. This interactive discovery zone is the perfect place for kids — from toddlers to preteens — to learn about a variety of topics in a fun, hands-on way.
Exhibits let kids step into pint-sized play environments, such as a farmer’s market, a veterinarian’s office, and even a volcano.
The Acorn
The Acorn is a nonprofit performing arts center in the nearby town of Three Oaks Michigan. Performances of all kinds take place here throughout the year — from live music to community plays, concerts, and much more.
With an emphasis on local artists, The Acorn makes it possible to see acts that you can’t see anywhere else.
Institute of Archeology & Siegfried H. Horn Museum
The Siegfried H. Horn Museum features one of the most impressive collections of ancient archeological finds in Michigan.
Open only on Saturday afternoons or by appointment, this amazing exhibit has more than 8,500 artifacts, including 3,000 ancient Sumerian cuneiform tablets. The museum is associated with the Institute of Archeology and Andrews University.
Enjoy Your Visit at Lemon Creek Winery in Berrien Springs
Lemon Creek Winery is one of the best places in Berrien Springs to find authentic, expertly-made Michigan wine. But, it has plenty of events and attractions for visitors of all ages.
Whether you are looking for a fun afternoon picking fresh fruit with the family or hoping to enjoy a wine tasting, you can find it all at this family-run vineyard.
With nearly 200 years of history behind them, the experts at Lemon Creek know what they are doing — making the location a must-visit no matter what you are interested in.