Verterra Winery
- Established Year - 2006
- AVA - Leelanau Peninsula
Origin Story
Our love for wine began like it does for many—savoring a crisp Riesling on a warm afternoon or a bold Zinfandel with smoky BBQ ribs. Over time, this appreciation of wine grew into a deeper curiosity: could we create something so vibrant and elegant from the Leelanau Peninsula? That question, paired with the right circumstances, inspired a journey for the Hamelin family that started in 2006 with the planting of our first vines. Today the Hamelin family farms 50+ acres of grapes on the Leelanau Peninsula with a tasting room in Leland and in the vineayrd, at The Ridge at Verterra, with expansive view of Lake Michigan and Grand Traverse Bay.

Brand Story
Our mission is to create the highest quality wines that embody the essence of the Leelanau Peninsula. Our journey starts from the ground up with ideal vineyards sites – high, sloped land with the ideal soil. We carefully selected varietals, clones, and rootstocks known to thrive in our region and resonate with both visitors and our own palates. In the vineyard, we focus on sustainability and quality, embracing hands-on practices like pruning, tying, and harvesting. Once picked, the fruit is quickly transported to our crush pad, where it begins its transformation into wines that express both our passion and the place we call home – Leelanau.

Mission Statement
Nestled in the heart of Michigan’s Leelanau Peninsula, Verterra Winery is dedicated to producing world-class wines that reflect the unique character of our farms. With a focus on sustainable practices and a passion for quality, Verterra has become a standout name in the wine industry, earning accolades and loyal fans alike.

Top 3 Wines
This winery is known for:
Pinot Blanc
Pinot Grigio
Reserve Red Cab/Merlot
Accolades
San Francisco Chronicle 2025 – Best of Class 2023 Pinot Grigio, Dbl Gld – 2023 Pinot Blanc, 2023 Dry Riesling, 2021 Verterra Brut Sparkler
San Francisco Chronicle 2024 – Best of Class 2022 Pinot Grigio, Dbl Gld – 2021 Pinot Blanc
Texsom – Judges Selection 2022 Late Harvest Riesling
Michigan Governors Cup Best Michigan Wine – 2023 Rose of Merlot
Texas International Wine Competition – 2023 Pinot Gris Best of Class, 2023 Chaos White Gold
Wine & Spirits – 91 Points 2021 Dry Riesling, 91 Points 2019 Dry Gewurztraminer, 90 Points 2021 Pinot Blanc