The Inn at Bay Harbor on Little Traverse Bay in northern Michigan announced the return of its popular wine weekend May 1 – 2, 2026, for its fourth annual year. Verterra Winery — the first Michigan winery to win Best in Show at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition — is partnering for the two-day event that includes guided tastings and a multi-course paired dinner.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Verterra as our partner for this year’s wine weekend,” said Chris Hilty, director of food and beverage at the Inn at Bay Harbor. “Paul Hamelin and his team have built something truly exceptional in Leelanau Peninsula, and bringing their wines to the Inn during Michigan Wine Month lets us celebrate both the region and the craft.”
The dinner includes a special menu to compliment each wine pairing, starting with a Brie tartlet paired with Verterra’s 2023 Double Gold Dry Riesling and an apple asparagus salad with their 2023 Double Gold Pinot Blanc, then seared duck breast with 2022 Pinot Noir, dual presentations of New York strip — one 35-day dry-aged, one wet-aged — each paired with different vintages of Verterra’s Reserve Red Cabernet Franc & Merlot blend. The evening concludes with apple galette and Verterra’s 2022 Lake Harvest Vignoles.
Tickets are $285 per person and include the Friday welcome reception, Saturday educational tasting and Saturday evening paired dinner. This event is open to ages 21 and up and space is limited. Guests booking accommodations at the Inn at Bay Harbor receive 15% off their weekend stay. Reserve lodging at innatbayharbor.com or call 866.759.3427 and use promo code VERTERRA. Event tickets are available for purchase separately by visiting innatbayharbor.com/events/verterra-wine-weekend.
PHOTO: INN AT BAY HARBOR FACEBOOK
