- Attraction: Modales Wines
- Location: 2128 62nd Street, Fennville, MI 49408
- Industry: Winery
- Website: https://modaleswines.com/
Forget everything you think you know about Michigan wine. Just four miles from Lake Michigan’s shoreline, a revolutionary winery is challenging perceptions and crafting bottles that rival Napa Valley’s finest.
Modales Wines stands as one of Michigan’s only certified organic wineries, producing cool climate, terroir-driven wines on their 76-acre estate in the heart of the Fennville AVA.
You’ll discover that this isn’t just another weekend tasting room – it’s a destination where passionate winemaking meets sustainable farming practices, creating an experience that transforms wine skeptics into devoted enthusiasts.
Owners Jim and Carol Gonzalez began their journey in 2014 when they purchased their first vineyard, La Esperanza (The Hope), initially planning to sell grapes to local wineries.
But when those wineries started winning awards with their fruit, the couple decided to craft their own wines. They hired renowned Northern California winemaker Andrew Backlin, previously of prestigious Steele Wines and Duckhorn, and opened their doors to the public in 2019.
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Estate Grown Varietals: You’ll find an impressive selection that goes far beyond typical Michigan offerings. Established varieties like Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc share space with experimental plantings including Rkatsiteli, Semillon, Alicante Bouschet, Teroldego, Lagrein, Tannat, and Petit Manseng. These adventurous choices reflect the winemaker’s commitment to pushing boundaries and discovering what’s truly possible in Michigan’s climate.
Contact Orange Wine: The standout “Contact” is a remarkable amber wine that showcases the winery’s innovative spirit. This estate-grown blend of Rkatsiteli and Pinot Blanc ferments with native yeast and sits in contact with colorful skins until it develops a beautiful copper hue, creating fresh orchard fruit flavors with impressive energy and focus.
Limited Production Bottles: You’ll encounter small-lot reserves and limited edition releases that demonstrate the terroir differences between their two vineyard sites. La Esperanza’s heavy clay soils produce concentrated, mineral-rich wines, while La Gracia’s sandier composition yields livelier wines with bright fruit character.
Wine Club Exclusives: Members of their VI Six and XII Twelve Bottle Clubs receive allocations three times per year – in March, around Memorial Day, and around Labor Day – featuring wines you can’t find anywhere else.
Tasting Experience: The guided tastings provide an educational journey through their diverse wine portfolio. You’ll learn about the unique terroir of each vineyard site while discovering wines that challenge preconceptions about Michigan’s winemaking potential. The knowledgeable wine ambassadors help expand your palate with thoughtful pairings and detailed explanations of their winemaking philosophy.
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Rustic Elegance: The tasting room beautifully incorporates reclaimed lumber from historic barn structures that previously stood on the property, creating a rustic yet comfortable and spacious environment. You’ll appreciate how the design honors the farming heritage while providing a sophisticated wine tasting experience.
Vineyard Views: The expansive outdoor areas offer stunning panoramic views of the estate vineyards. The property provides spectacular sunset viewing opportunities, making this an ideal spot for evening tastings. The covered outdoor patio creates perfect spots to enjoy beautiful vineyard vistas while sipping your favorite selections.
Historic Connection: The land carries deep agricultural roots, previously owned by the Wadsworth family, early area pioneers who filled these 80 acres with peach and cherry orchards dating back to 1875. You’ll sense this agricultural heritage throughout your visit.
Dog-Friendly Space: Your four-legged friends are welcome to join you on the outdoor patio, making this one of the area’s most pet-accommodating wine destinations. The grassy areas feature Adirondack chairs where you can relax with your pets while enjoying the serene setting.
Other Considerations
Pricing & Value: You’ll find the pricing reasonable considering the exceptional quality and organic certification. The investment reflects the premium nature of small-batch, estate-grown organic wines while remaining accessible to wine enthusiasts seeking authentic experiences.
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Keep Exploring →Reservations Recommended: While walk-ins are welcomed with open arms, reservations are recommended to ensure the best possible tasting experience. This allows the knowledgeable wine ambassadors to provide more personalized attention and education about each selection.
Food Options: The winery occasionally hosts food trucks and offers charcuterie options to pair with your tastings. You’ll sometimes find unique additions like gourmet ice cream, adding an unexpected twist to the typical winery experience.
Location Benefits: Situated just 8 miles from Saugatuck and about an hour from Grand Rapids, it’s perfectly positioned for day trips or weekend getaways. The proximity to Lake Michigan’s cooling influence directly contributes to the exceptional growing conditions.
Family-Friendly: The spacious grounds accommodate large parties and offer activities like cornhole, making it suitable for family gatherings and celebrations.
Modales Wines
📍 2128 62nd Street, Fennville, MI 49408
