- Attraction: Maple Moon Sugarbush and Winery
- Location: 4454 Atkins Rd, Petoskey, MI 49770
- Industry: Winery
- Website: https://www.mmsyrup.com/
Deep in Michigan’s maple country, something extraordinary bubbles away in fermentation tanks that would make traditional vintners scratch their heads.
The Peterson family has transformed their 80-acre property into America’s first and only maple winery, where liquid gold from sugar maples becomes something entirely unexpected.
Since opening in 2012, this family-run operation has been turning heads and converting skeptics with wines that defy every expectation you might have about what fermented maple syrup can become.
You’ll discover a rustic tasting room that feels authentically “Up North” – the kind of place where you can watch maple trees through the windows while sipping wines that taste nothing like pancake syrup.
What started as a family project to teach four children about hard work has evolved into a destination that wine enthusiasts and curious visitors seek out from across the Midwest.
Related
More in Michigan
Feed Bears & Walk With Peacocks At This Hidden Michigan Zoo Just Minutes From Lake Michigan
Keep Exploring →Unique Wine & Cider Varieties
Maple Wine Selection: Your wine flight will introduce you to eleven different maple wine varieties, ranging from bone-dry to dessert-sweet. The fermentation process creates wines with the same mouthfeel and texture as traditional grape wines, but with flavor profiles that are entirely their own. The Maple Gold stands out as a bourbon-barrel aged option with 18% alcohol content that drinks more like a port than a traditional wine.
Maple Ginger Hard Cider: This signature beverage combines the natural sweetness of maple with warming ginger spice. The cider offers a refreshing alternative for those who might find the wines too sweet, delivering a crisp finish that balances complexity with drinkability.
Seasonal Specialties: You’ll find options that cater to every palate preference, from the Maple Peach and Maple Blackberry blends that highlight fruit flavors, to the Maple Royal that offers more traditional wine complexity. The tasting flights come with keepsake glasses, making your visit a memorable souvenir experience.
Root Beer & Non-Alcoholic Options: The maple root beer transforms this classic beverage with real maple syrup, creating something completely different from commercial versions. Perfect for designated drivers or anyone wanting to experience the maple magic without alcohol.
Farm Store & Maple Products
Pure Michigan Maple Syrup: You’ll taste the difference immediately between their Grade A light amber and Grade B dark robust syrups. The Grade B option delivers an intense, almost brown sugar-like flavor that many visitors prefer for its boldness. They also offer a bourbon barrel-aged syrup that adds smoky complexity to your morning pancakes.
More in Michigan
Farm-Fresh Since 1946, This Michigan Bakery Creates Cupcakes That Taste Unlike Anything Else
Discover MoreArtisan Food Products: The farm store features locally-made Amish jams and salsas that pair beautifully with their cheese plates. The mango salsa provides tropical sweetness that complements the maple theme surprisingly well.
Maple Confections: From powdered maple sugar to handcrafted maple candies, you’ll find traditional treats made the old-fashioned way. These make perfect gifts for anyone back home who couldn’t make the trip.
Cheese Plates: Their small plates feature selections from Petoskey Cheese Factory alongside dried Michigan cherries and artisan crackers. The combination creates an ideal palate cleanser between wine tastings.
Atmosphere & Setting
Rustic Tasting Room: The cozy interior maintains that authentic northern Michigan cabin feel, with exposed wood and comfortable seating that encourages lingering conversations. During busy periods, outdoor seating at picnic tables lets you enjoy your tasting surrounded by the actual maple trees that produce the syrup.
Educational Tours: The property offers guided tours that walk you through the entire maple syrup production process, from tree tapping through the evaporation and bottling stages. Spring visitors can witness the actual sugaring process during March and April peak season.
Related
More in Michigan
You Have To Try The Massive Goat Shank At This Award-Winning East African Restaurant In Detroit
Keep Exploring →Natural Setting: The 80-acre property provides a genuinely peaceful escape, with nature walking trails and seasonal activities like snowshoeing in winter. The wetlands and mature maple groves create a backdrop that feels worlds away from typical commercial wineries.
Pet-Friendly Policy: Your four-legged family members are welcome to join you for outdoor tastings, making this an inclusive destination for pet-loving travelers.
Other Considerations
Pricing & Value: The tasting flights are reasonably priced, especially considering you keep the commemorative glass. The wines are sold in attractive 375ml bottles rather than standard 750ml sizes, which makes them more affordable while still providing enough wine to enjoy at home. The pricing reflects the fact that maple wine costs significantly more to produce than traditional grape wine.
Seasonal Hours: The winery operates on varying seasonal schedules, closing entirely in January but extending hours during peak summer months. Check their Facebook page for current hours, as they can change based on maple production schedules and local events.
Tour Reservations: While walk-ins are welcome for tastings, the educational tours require advance reservations. The private two-hour tours with the owners include tastings from the entire menu and provide the most comprehensive experience.
More in Michigan
Farm-Fresh Since 1946, This Michigan Bakery Creates Cupcakes That Taste Unlike Anything Else
Discover MoreFamily-Friendly Experience: Despite being a winery, the atmosphere welcomes families with children who can enjoy the maple root beer, ice cream, and educational aspects of the maple production process.
Parking & Accessibility: The rural location provides ample parking, and the single-story tasting room offers easy accessibility for visitors with mobility considerations.
Maple Moon Sugarbush and Winery
📍 4454 Atkins Rd, Petoskey, MI 49770
