Rove Winery
- Established Year - 2016
- AVA - Leelanau Peninsula
Origin Story
An Irish family legend becomes a Northern Michigan legacy. We are a fifth-generation family farm with a centuries-old story.
Long ago, thousands of Irish were forced to flee their native land, spreading across the world in what has become known as the “Flight of the Wild Geese.” Many went on to establish the most renowned wineries across the globe, now referred to as the “Winegeese.”
McKenzie and Creighton make wine to not only pay homage to these forgotten Irish ancestors, but to also honor the original Gallagher family—some of the region’s very first cherry farmers—as well as the generations of immigrants who bring food to our table and all those who dare to spread their wings toward the unknown.
How They Started
Five Generations of Family Farming:
Though Rove Winery opened in 2016, the Gallagher Estate has been an integral part of the Traverse City region’s agricultural history for over a century.
As a child, Creighton spent his summer days working on the cherry farm with his father and 9 siblings. After pursuing a degree in accounting, he left his cubicle to work at a winery on Old Mission Peninsula, developing a passion and craft for wine while returning to his roots. In 2010, he and McKenzie purchased a portion of the family farm including a block of cherry trees that needed to be replaced.
For a couple whose first date included wine-tasting and often dreamt of opening their own winery, the replacement crop was an obvious choice: grapes.
With McKenzie’s background in business and marketing and Creighton’s experience in farming and winemaking, together they built their dream vineyard along with a beautiful family.
Mission Statement
Our mission is to be a leading family farm and winery dedicated to sustainable practices, preserving our heritage, and being stewards of the land. We craft high-quality wines and ciders that reflect the Traverse Wine Coast while fostering community and connection to nature.
Our vision is to inspire appreciation for sustainability and tradition, becoming a trusted cornerstone of the Traverse Wine Coast through exceptional products and authentic experiences.
Our philosophy is rooted in harmony between the land, our heritage, and those we serve. We honor our legacy through sustainability, meaningful connections, and a commitment to excellence in every offering.
Wine Making Philosophy
Truly exceptional wine and cider are born from the terroir of the vineyard or orchard itself. The unique microclimate and elevation at the Gallagher Estate create the perfect conditions for grape-growing: southern-exposed slopes, abundant sunlight, and cool-air drainage with protection from the frost. By allowing our grapes to express themselves in the final product and minimally manipulating the season’s harvest, we carefully craft wines that are a direct representation of our heritage land.
Top 3 Wines
This winery is known for:
Sauvignon Blanc
Fíona Rúnda
Trí
Accolades
2021 Pinot Noir, Platinum, Texsom 2024
2022 Select Harvest Riesling, Gold, Texsom 2024
2021 Cabernet Franc Merlot, Silver, Texsom 2024
