Gill's Pier Vineyard & Winery occupies a special niche on the Leelanau Peninsula — a small, quality-focused estate producing limited quantities of handcrafted wines. Located in the northern reaches of the peninsula near Northport, the winery benefits from the unique microclimate created by the surrounding bodies of water.
The estate vineyard is planted to varieties that thrive in the cool climate, including Riesling, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Gris. The winemaking approach is hands-on and attentive, with small lot sizes allowing for careful control at every stage of production.
Gill's Pier wines are known for their purity and sense of place. The Riesling is elegant and mineral-driven, the Pinot Noir is delicate and earthy, and the Pinot Gris is crisp and aromatic. Production is limited, so certain wines sell out quickly.
The tasting room is intimate and personal — you may well find yourself chatting with the winemaker. The drive to the northern end of the peninsula is scenic and rewarding, passing through cherry orchards and along the lakefront.