Black Star Farms

Specialties

A unique agricultural destination that features two winery production facilities with adjacent tasting rooms, a distillery, an Inn, and an equestrian facility. Our winery and distillery produce some of the most sought after and awarded Michigan wines and spirits. Our luxurious Inn is the perfect place to host private special events including weddings, corporate retreats, and family celebrations. Enjoy culinary offerings including dinners at the Inn or wood-​fired pizzas at the Hearth & Vine both located on our Suttons Bay site.

History

Established in 1998.

In 1998 founding partners purchased Sport Valley Farm, a 120 acre equestrian facility, renowned for its palatial red estate house, stables, barns, and outlying paddocks. Upon purchase the partners realized that the farm presented a unique opportunity to create a world class winery and agricultural tourism destination. The property was named Black Star Farms after the stylized star in the marble foyer of the estate house.

The «lake effect» climate enables the growing of classic vinifera grape varieties such as Chardonnay, Riesling, Cabernet Franc, and Pinot Noir. Our varietal wines are of high character, acidity, and balance. Fruit is sourced from both our own vineyards and local grower partners. This diversity allows us to obtain consistent quality across vintages. Our wines reflect this care from the premium Arcturos, A Capella, Leorie Vineyard, and Isidor’s Choice varietals to our sparkling and fruit wines, and represent the best efforts of our skilled winemaking team.

Meet the Manager

Lee L.

Manager

Born and raised in Michigan — resident of Traverse City since 1975.

Graduate of Michigan State University — BA in Finance, 1987

Committed substantial time in the wine regions of South Australia, Barossa Valley and Long Island, New York prior to living in Northern Italy as an assistant winemaker at Abbazia di Valle Chiara.

Founded Peninsula Cellars with Kroupa Family, Old Mission Peninsula, in 1994 where I remained as winemaker and general manager until 1998.

In 1998 was hired to develop and manage the construction of the Winery at Black Star Farms on the Leelanau Peninsula where I currently reside as winemaker/​distiller/​general manager of this 25,000 case winery.

A personal goal is to help showcase the exceptional wine quality and regional beauty of north west Michigan while promoting viticulture as an agricultural alternative to land division and urban sprawl.