Left Foot Charley breaks the mold of traditional Traverse City wineries. Located not on a scenic peninsula road but in the historic Village at Grand Traverse Commons — a beautifully repurposed former state hospital campus — the winery brings an urban, artisanal energy to the region's wine scene.
Winemaker Bryan Ulbrich is one of the region's most respected and innovative producers. His approach emphasizes natural winemaking: native yeasts, minimal intervention, and a deep respect for what the grapes and the vintage want to express. The results are wines of remarkable purity and character.
Left Foot Charley's Rieslings are widely considered among the finest in the state, ranging from bone-dry to lusciously sweet. The Blaufränkisch (a rare Austrian red variety) and the Pétillant Naturel sparkling wines showcase Ulbrich's adventurous spirit.
The tasting room has a lively, community-oriented atmosphere, with regular live music, food pop-ups, and wine release events. It's a must-visit for anyone interested in the cutting edge of Michigan winemaking.