Clink, Clink! 3 Michigan Locations Are Top 10 Best Winery Hotels

Step aside California because Michigan wine country is comin' for ya.

Those who have never experienced it may be surprised to learn that Michigan has some of the finest wineries in the world. For years the west coast has been considered wine country, but the Mitten State has something to say about that and now the country is beginning to agree.

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USA Today recently released the results of its yearly USA Today 10Best Reader's Choice Awards. Each year readers weigh in on their top picks for the "best" in various categories. In the category of "Best Winery Hotels in the United States", Michigan made the list with not one, but three locations with one landing smack dab in the top spot.

These particular 10 winery hotels from across the country, were nominated by a panel of wine industry experts and voted as the best by USA Today readers. Each place made the specialty list by "providing a perfect place to relax over a glass of wine after a day of wine touring and tasting".

Three locations in Northern Michigan finished in the top 5 of the list beating out locations in Oregon, Virginia, and of California. All three are pretty well known to Michiganders and now to the entire country due to the honor.

Which Michigan Hotels Made USA Today's List of Best Winery Hotels in the U.S.?

So what hotels caught USA Today experts' and readers' eyes? In the #4 spot was the charming Hotel Walloon on Walloon Lake. The lakeside vintage vibe boutique hotel is situated perfectly in the Petoskey Wine Region.

Photo: Facebook

Finishing in the #2 spot is the Inn at Black Star Farms. Known for giving guests perfect access to wineries and tasting rooms on the Old Mission and Leelanau Wine Trails, the inn is a popular spot for overnights on the Traverse Wine Coast.

Photo: Black Star Farms Facebook

Both hotels offer beautiful accommodations amongst all that's fantastic within Michigan's Wine Country, but one hotel, in particular, was considered the best of the best.

Taking the top honors as the "Best Winery Hotel in the United States" was the diamond known as Chateau Chantal, located just north of Traverse City, Michigan. According to USA Today, the hotel was selected because it,

"...combines a vineyard and winery with luxurious B&B lodging. All suites and rooms have exceptional views of vineyards or Grand Traverse Bay, many with private patios or balconies, and several that offer wet bars and whirlpool tubs. The inn’s amenities include fireplaces and sitting areas, plus an exceptional breakfast".

Photo: Facebook

Just more reasons to love all that Michigan has to offer!

Check out the full list of "Best Winery Hotels in the United States" here.

Historic Mackinac Island Estate Can Be Your Own Private Grand Hotel For $5M

It's not the Grand Hotel, but it sure looks like a miniature version, porch and all. Cairngorm Cottage, built in 1888, is an 8,000 square foot Mackinac Island West Bluff Victorian era home currently on the market for $5,150,000. It features beautifully renovated and decorated rooms that come completely furnished with the selling price. The estate features 7 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms, plus a completely furnished 2 bedroom, 2 bath carriage house behind the home. In addition to the magnificent porch with a breathtaking view, the new owner will enjoy a beautifully landscaped backyard with a swimming pool, Jacuzzi, gazebo, and stone terraced gardens. This piece of Michigan history is a must-see. Take a look!

LOOK: Here are the 50 best beach towns in America

Every beach town has its share of pluses and minuses, which got us thinking about what makes a beach town the best one to live in. To find out, Stacker consulted data from WalletHub, released June 17, 2020, that compares U.S. beach towns. Ratings are based on six categories: affordability, weather, safety, economy, education and health, and quality of life. The cities ranged in population from 10,000 to 150,000, but they had to have at least one local beach listed on TripAdvisor. Read the full methodology here. From those rankings, we selected the top 50. Readers who live in California and Florida will be unsurprised to learn that many of towns featured here are in one of those two states.

Keep reading to see if your favorite beach town made the cut.