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MAWBY Vineyards & Winery

4.6
·327 reviews·Suttons Bay, United States

MAWBY Vineyards & Winery: Michigan's premier destination for exquisite sparkling wines, offering a unique dual-winery experience with bigLITTLE Wines.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, more relaxed tasting

CrowdLow
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Experience Table Four2, an intimate food and wine pairing offered June- August.

MAWBY Vineyards & Winery

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, more relaxed tasting

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

MAWBY Vineyards & Winery: Michigan's premier destination for exquisite sparkling wines, offering a unique dual-winery experience with bigLITTLE Wines.

4.6
(327 reviews)

"The vibes? Immaculate. Highly recommend all around."

Vertical photo
TIP

Complimentary Tastes First

Start with 2 complimentary tastes to guide your selection. Chips provided between tastings!

Kid-Friendly Atmosphere

MAWBY and bigLITTLE are welcoming to children, making it a great stop for families.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

MAWBY Sparkling Wines

MAWBY Sparkling Wines

Experience Michigan's premier sparkling wines, crafted with meticulous care using the traditional method.

Instagram
bigLITTLE Wines

bigLITTLE Wines

Explore a diverse range of wines from their sister winery, offering a complementary tasting experience.

Reddit
Sandpainting Champagne-Method Wines

Sandpainting Champagne-Method Wines

Discover complex and impressive wines with real complexity and length, a true standout for connoisseurs.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Bubbles

MAWBY Vineyards & Winery specializes in sparkling wines, offering a unique tasting experience. Arrive early or be prepared for a potential wait, especially on weekends, as it's a popular spot for wine enthusiasts seeking Michigan's best bubbles. Reddit

Two Wineries, One Location

MAWBY shares its property with its sister winery, bigLITTLE Wines. This means you can enjoy a wider variety of wines and potentially split your tasting experience between two distinct offerings. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Fewer crowds, more relaxed tasting
Crowd
Low
When
Weekend mornings
Why
Beat the rush for prime spots
Crowd
Medium
When
Late summer/early fall
Why
Beautiful vineyard views
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

🍇 Harvest for both MAWBY and bigLITTLE is officially OVER! And with that, it’s time to say goodbye to the harvest beards.🧔‍♂️ NGL I don’t think anyone is upset about either one coming to an end… 😆
mawbywinery
106 likes • 3.6K views

Complimentary Tastes First

Start with 2 complimentary tastes to guide your selection. Chips provided between tastings! Reddit

Kid-Friendly Atmosphere

MAWBY and bigLITTLE are welcoming to children, making it a great stop for families. Reddit

Episode 109 is Live! 🍾 Mike Laing of MAWBY and bigLITTLE joins us to talk bubbles, brothers, and bold moves like Safe Sex 🥂 From vineyard roots to sparkling innovation, this one’s full of fizz and fun 🎧 More at mawby.wine and biglittlewines.com Questions? info@mawby.wine Link in bio or: https://tinyurl.com/ifvinescouldtalk The podcast is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Bul...
if_vines_could_talk
23 likes • 837 views
MAWBY Vineyards and Winery in Suttons Bay is the place when looking for sparkling in Michigan. Take a trip and grab those holiday must haves for the upcoming days made for the clink! This Detroit Sparkling is also sold @localpourmi Cheers 🥂
grapeandgraintours
19 likes • 456 views

Book Ahead for Groups

For larger groups, consider joining the Fizz Club for priority access and benefits. Reddit

Explore Both Wineries

Don't miss the chance to sample wines from both MAWBY and bigLITTLE on the same property. Reddit

🌟 **Spotlight Reel: Mawby Vineyards & Winery** 🌟 This week, we’re highlighting L. Mawby Vineyards and Winery, a unique producer of sparkling wine from Michigan! 🍾✨ Founded by Larry Mawby in 1973, they crafted their first méthode champenoise wine in 1984 and shifted focus exclusively to sparkling wines in the late 1990s. Cheers to L. Mawby and their exceptional bubbles! 🥂🍇 #WineSpotlight #ma...
tcwinegirl
4 likes • 513 views

Tips

from all over the internet

Complimentary Tastes First

Start with 2 complimentary tastes to guide your selection. Chips provided between tastings! Reddit

Kid-Friendly Atmosphere

MAWBY and bigLITTLE are welcoming to children, making it a great stop for families. Reddit

Book Ahead for Groups

For larger groups, consider joining the Fizz Club for priority access and benefits. Reddit

Explore Both Wineries

Don't miss the chance to sample wines from both MAWBY and bigLITTLE on the same property. Reddit

Ask About Back Vintages

Inquire about older vintages; they might have some hidden gems available for purchase. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(327 reviews)

Reviews Summary

MAWBY Vineyards & Winery is highly praised for its superb hospitality, exceptional sparkling wines, and immaculate vibes, with staff like Dave and Flournoy going above and beyond to create memorable experiences. Visitors rave about the complexity of the 'Sandpainting' wines and the picturesque setting. However, some guests have expressed frustration with policies regarding purchasing bottles for table consumption, suggesting it can feel overly focused on driving wine club sign-ups.

"Superb hospitality. They start you with 2 complimentary tastes to help you figure out what wine might suit you best. They provide a bag of chips for between tastings. Open air seating and very pleasant wines. We'll come back."

Amy Floyd

"Dave, the Hospitality Director, is fantastic—he truly made our experience exceptional. He goes above and beyond, and honestly, deserves a raise.

The wines were solid across the board, but the standout for me was the “sandpainting” Champagne-method wines. Once they warmed up a bit in the glass, they showed real complexity and impressive length. I bought some back vintages they had in the back to compare.

The vibes? Immaculate. Highly recommend all around."

Bailey Klink

"For exceptional sparkling wines in a picturesque setting, look no further than Mawby. They have a truly impressive selection, and all of the wines I sampled (Green, Gold, and Mille 2019) were fantastic. On top of that, the staff are top notch, not just in the service they provide, but also in their knowledge of the many different wines Mawby produces.

And if sparkling wines aren't your jam, their sister winery, Big Little Wines, is on the other side of the building. So if you're in the area, it's definitely worth a stop. You won't regret it."

Travis Russell

What People Like

Exceptional hospitality
Complex sparkling wines
Picturesque vineyard setting

What People Dislike

Bottle purchase restrictions

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

MAWBY Vineyards & Winery is located in Suttons Bay, Michigan. It's accessible by car, and is a popular stop for those exploring the Leelanau Peninsula wine region. Consider using GPS for the most direct route. Instagram

Yes, there is parking available. However, the lot can get packed, especially on weekends, so arriving early is recommended. Reddit

While public transportation options are limited in the wine region, ride-sharing services or pre-booked tours might be available. It's best to check local services for availability. Instagram

Many visitors opt for self-driving tours, but consider hiring a driver or joining a guided wine tour for a more relaxed experience, especially if you plan to sample extensively. Instagram

The Suttons Bay area offers various charming inns, bed and breakfasts, and vacation rentals. Booking in advance is advised, particularly during peak season. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

While not strictly ticketed for entry, MAWBY can have wait times. They offer complimentary tastings to help you choose wines. Some visitors mention a waitlist system. Reddit

Operating hours can vary seasonally. It's always best to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date hours before your visit. Instagram

Reservations are not always required, but for larger groups or during peak times, it's wise to inquire about their policy or consider joining their Fizz Club for potential benefits. Reddit

Typically, there isn't a general admission fee to enter the grounds. Tasting fees may apply, but they often provide complimentary introductory tastes. Reddit

The Fizz Club is a wine club offered by MAWBY. Members often receive benefits like priority access, discounts, and exclusive wine selections. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

MAWBY typically provides complimentary chips to enjoy between tastings. For more substantial meals, consider visiting nearby restaurants in Suttons Bay or exploring options at bigLITTLE Wines. Reddit

Outside food policies can vary. It's best to check with the winery directly, but generally, wineries prefer you purchase their offerings. Reddit

Suttons Bay offers a variety of dining options, from casual cafes to more upscale restaurants. Many feature local ingredients and offer lovely views. Instagram

They offer a bag of chips to help cleanse the palate between wine tastings. Reddit

Some reviews indicate a policy where bottles may only be purchased for your table if you are a wine club member, or only by the glass. It's advisable to clarify this policy upon arrival. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The vineyard landscapes, open-air seating areas, and the charming winery buildings offer picturesque backdrops. Golden hour light can enhance the vineyard views. Instagram

Yes, you can generally take photos during your tasting experience. Capturing the beautiful presentation of the wines and the scenic surroundings is encouraged. Instagram

While generally permitted, be mindful of other guests' privacy and avoid intrusive photography. Professional photography sessions may require prior arrangement. Instagram

Photos of wine glasses with vineyard backdrops, close-ups of sparkling wine bubbles, and scenic shots of the winery grounds are popular. Instagram

The natural beauty of the vineyards and the winery architecture provide ample opportunities. Look for unique angles and lighting to capture the essence of your visit. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

MAWBY Vineyards & Winery and bigLITTLE Wines are excellent choices for families. They are known for being kid-friendly, offering a relaxed environment where children are welcome. Reddit You can enjoy wine tastings while your kids have space to be comfortable.

The complimentary tastes and the availability of snacks like chips are helpful for keeping everyone happy. Reddit The shared property with bigLITTLE also provides more variety, potentially keeping younger attention spans engaged. It's a great way to experience Michigan's wine country without leaving the little ones at home. Reddit

🥂 Sparkling Wine Aficionados

For those who appreciate the finer points of sparkling wine, MAWBY is a must-visit. They specialize in the traditional method, producing wines with notable complexity and impressive length, like their 'Sandpainting' series. Reddit You'll find a dedicated focus on quality and craftsmanship here.

Explore their range of sparkling wines and compare different vintages. The knowledgeable staff can guide you through their selection, offering insights into the production process and flavor profiles. Instagram It's an opportunity to discover some of the best Michigan has to offer in the world of bubbles. Instagram

🍷 Wine Explorers

If you enjoy exploring diverse wine offerings, the dual-winery setup of MAWBY and bigLITTLE is ideal. You can sample MAWBY's acclaimed sparkling wines and then move on to the distinct portfolio of bigLITTLE Wines, all on the same property. Reddit This provides a comprehensive tasting experience that caters to a wide array of preferences.

This setup is perfect for couples or groups with differing tastes, ensuring everyone finds something to enjoy. Reddit It's a chance to discover new favorites and appreciate the breadth of winemaking talent in the region. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Art of MAWBY Sparkling

MAWBY Vineyards & Winery has carved a niche as a premier producer of sparkling wines in Michigan. Founded by Larry Mawby in 1973, the winery shifted its exclusive focus to sparkling wines in the late 1990s, mastering the méthode champenoise (traditional method) for its creations. Instagram This meticulous process involves a secondary fermentation in the bottle, resulting in the fine bubbles and complex flavors characteristic of high-quality sparkling wine. Visitors can expect a range of styles, from crisp and refreshing to more complex and aged offerings.

The 'Sandpainting' wines are particularly noted for their complexity and impressive length, offering a sophisticated tasting experience that rivals international standards. Reddit These wines are a testament to the winery's dedication to quality and innovation within the Michigan wine scene. Beyond the signature sparkling wines, MAWBY also offers a selection of other wines, often with a focus on fruit-forward profiles that complement the region's bounty.

For those looking to delve deeper into the world of Michigan sparkling wine, MAWBY provides an exceptional opportunity to taste and learn. The staff's knowledge and passion for their craft enhance the tasting experience, making it both educational and enjoyable. Reddit It's a destination that truly celebrates the potential of Michigan terroir for producing world-class sparkling beverages. Instagram

The Synergy of MAWBY and bigLITTLE Wines

MAWBY Vineyards & Winery shares its property with its sister winery, bigLITTLE Wines, creating a unique dual-winery experience for visitors. This collaboration allows guests to explore a broader spectrum of wine styles and offerings without leaving the premises. While MAWBY focuses on its renowned sparkling wines, bigLITTLE often presents a more diverse portfolio, potentially including still wines, rosés, and other varietals. Reddit This partnership is a strategic move that caters to a wider range of palates and preferences.

The shared space fosters a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, where visitors can easily transition between the two tasting rooms. Reddit This setup is particularly beneficial for groups with varied wine preferences, ensuring everyone finds something they enjoy. The synergy between MAWBY and bigLITTLE is a key aspect of their appeal, offering a comprehensive wine-tasting journey that highlights the versatility and quality of wines produced in the region.

The concept of 'sibling synergy' is often highlighted, suggesting a collaborative spirit and shared vision between the two brands. Instagram This integrated approach not only enhances the visitor experience but also strengthens their presence in the Michigan wine market by offering a more complete and appealing destination for wine lovers. Reddit

A Family-Friendly Vineyard Experience

MAWBY Vineyards & Winery, along with its sister property bigLITTLE Wines, is recognized as a kid-friendly destination. This makes it an appealing choice for families looking to enjoy a wine-tasting experience without leaving the children behind. The open spaces and relaxed atmosphere contribute to a comfortable environment for both adults and younger visitors. Reddit

The wineries provide a welcoming setting where families can relax and enjoy their time. While the focus is on wine, the overall ambiance is conducive to a pleasant outing for all ages. This approach sets MAWBY and bigLITTLE apart from some other wineries that may have stricter policies regarding children. Reddit It's a place where parents can savor their wines while keeping an eye on their kids in a safe and enjoyable setting.

Visitors have specifically mentioned the welcoming nature of the staff towards children, making it a stress-free experience for parents. Reddit This family-friendly aspect is a significant draw for those traveling with young ones, ensuring that everyone in the group has a positive experience. Reddit

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