Mackinaw Trail
- Established Year - 2004
- AVA - Tip of the Mitt
Origin Story
Our family’s viticultural history started when Ralph Stabile was younger and remembered making his families supply of wine alongside his grandfather, Phillip Stabile. Since then, Ralph has had a passion for making wine. In 2003, Ralph and his wife Laurie Stabile moved to commercialize his wines and open a winery of their very own. Together, Ralph and Laurie became the proud owners of the first winery license in the Upper Peninsula. They then opened their first tasting room on the harbor in Manistique, under the name Mackinaw Trail Winery in 2005. Today, Mackinaw Trail Winery is family owned and operated by Ralph, Laurie, and their son, second generation wine maker Dustin Stabile.
How They Started
With a rich family history in making wine, especially with his grandfather, Ralph Stabile knew one day he wanted to share his passion of wine making with others. In 2003, he and his wife, Laurie Stabile, moved to commercialize his wines and open a winery of their very own. After becoming the first licensed winery in the U.P., Mackinaw Trail Winery quickly grew and expanded to having multiple tastings rooms all over Northern Michigan.
Mission Statement
Wine Making Philosophy
We here at Mackinaw Trail Winery aim to produce crisp and elegant whites alongside balanced and smooth reds. 2023 marked the first year that we produced wine from 100% estate grown grapes. We are very focused on showing the terroir of the Petoskey Wine Region in our 50 acre vineyard. We thrive on producing cold climate wines in Northern Michigan. Due to being so far north, we have to be selective on which varietals and clones. At this current time, we have 18 different varietals planted across our three estate farms. We take pride in our collection of wines and featured products that any wine lover would like.
Top 3 Wines
This winery is known for:
Unrestricted Cuvée No. 7
Estate Grown Itasca
Late Harvest Riesling
Accolades
2024 Petoskey Wine Region Wine Competition
Best of Class Sweet White Wine- Late Harvest La Crescent
Gold Medal- Late Harvest La Crescent
Gold Medal- 2020 Estate Grown Marquette
Gold Medal- Miscela Rossa
Gold Medal- Estate Grown Itasca
