Makers Trail

10/07/2026

🍷 16 years of showcasing what Southwest Michigan can grow.

White Pine Winery recently celebrated its 16th anniversary, and we’re raising a glass to a Makers Trail stop rooted in a passion for Michigan w**e. 🎉

Founded by Sandy and Dave Miller, White Pine brings decades of w**emaking and grape-growing expertise to every bottle, with a focus on letting the vineyards and unique growing conditions of Michigan’s Great Southwest shine through.

If you’re exploring downtown St. Joseph, step into their tasting room to discover locally crafted w**es and get a taste of the region without leaving downtown. Then, let it inspire your next stop along the Makers Trail. 🍇🥂

Happy 16th anniversary, White Pine Winery! Here’s to the people, places and pours that continue to tell Southwest Michigan’s w**e story.

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10/06/2026

Your Tuesdays just got a little cozier. 🍷🍂

Every Tuesday this October, Lazy Ballerina Winery is pairing fall vibes with a little creativity during their DIY Fall Candle Making experience! 🕯️

Stop in from 1–4 p.m. to create your own fall-scented candle. And while you’re there, sip a glass of w**e and settle into the season.

Who are you bringing along? Tag them below!

10/02/2026

🍷 53 makers. One trail. Plenty of reasons to explore!

From w**eries and breweries to cideries and distilleries, the Makers Trail is about more than what's in your glass. Discover welcoming destinations, unique experiences and plenty of ways to make memories along the way.

And this year is extra special! We're celebrating 10 years of the Makers Trail Passport Challenge! 🎉 Check in as you explore participating makers and work your way toward exclusive prizes, including special 10th-anniversary rewards.

🎙️ Want to hear more? Visit swmichigan.org/radio
📍 Ready to start checking in? Download the "Visit Southwest Michigan" app and start exploring!

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09/29/2026

🥃 Michigan Craft Spirits Month is almost over…but your Southwest Michigan tasting tour doesn’t need to be.

From locally distilled wh***ey and vodka to creative cocktails and one-of-a-kind pours, there’s plenty to sip and discover along the Makers Trail all year long.

Meet the makers, discover local distilleries, and find your next favorite pour! 🔥

Celebrate Michigan Craft Spirits Month with a tour of Southwest Michigan distilleries. Discover local wh***ey, rum, gin, vodka, cocktails and more.

09/25/2026

🍂 Fall festival season is officially pouring into Southwest Michigan! 🍷🍺🥃

The last weekend of September is packed with reasons to hit the Makers Trail, from new w**e and wh***ey releases to live music, early Oktoberfest celebrations, local food and plenty of fall fun.

Here’s what’s coming up:

🍷 Merlot Fest at Filkins Vineyards | Sept. 25–27
Three days celebrating Merlot with new releases, food trucks, and live music on Saturday.

🍺 Oktoberfest at Lake Time Brewing & Spirits | Sept. 26
Raise a stein to games, contests, grilling and the release of their Altbock, “Bock Hopper.”

🍻 Oktoberfest at North Pier Brewing Company | Sept. 26
Keep the fall festivities going with another Oktoberfest celebration along the Makers Trail.

🥃 Wh***ey Strings Fest at Round Barn Winery & Estate | Sept. 26
Bluegrass meets handcrafted wh***ey, w**e and bold new releases in the heart of Southwest Michigan w**e country.

Which festival are you adding to your fall weekend plans? 🍁 Tag your festival crew below!

📍 Explore more Southwest Michigan w**eries, breweries, cideries and distilleries at swmichigan.org/makerstrail

09/21/2026

🎉 There’s a birthday bash brewing in downtown St. Joseph!

St. Joe Community Taproom (St. Joe Community Taproom) is celebrating its 5th Anniversary this Thursday, Sept. 24, and you’re invited to join the fun! 🍻

Stop by for special b**r tappings, b**r macarons, live music, extended hours throughout themarketstjoe, and a few more surprises along the way.

📍 301 Main St., St. Joseph, MI, 49085

Tag or send this to someone you’d bring along to celebrate! 🥳

09/18/2026

🍷Cheers to 20 years, Hickory Creek Winery!

For two decades, Hickory has been crafting w**e, welcoming guests, and adding its own special chapter to Southwest Michigan’s w**e story. 🍇

We’re grateful to have them as part of the Makers Trail and excited to celebrate this incredible milestone alongside the community.

Here’s to 20 years of pours, passion, and memories made- and to many more to come! 🎉

Help us raise a glass to Hickory Creek Winery in the comments!

09/18/2026

🍺 Sometimes the best pairing is a good pour and even better company.

At Fulcra Brewing Company in Sawyer, the focus goes beyond what’s in your glass. The brewery was created as a comfortable, community-minded space where family and friends can gather, unplug and enjoy time together — no TVs required.

🎙️ In our latest Meet the Makers feature, hear more about the vision behind Fulcra and the experience they’re creating along the Makers Trail.

🎧 Stream here: swmichigan.org/radio?podcastid=149

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