Raftshol Vineyards is one of the more historically significant producers on Leelanau Peninsula — a family farm that brothers Warren and Curtis Raftshol transformed into a winery in 1985 and which helped pioneer red vinifera viticulture in a region better known for aromatic whites.
The rustic barn tasting room sets a tone that's distinctly different from more polished estate operations nearby — this is a working farm winery where the focus is squarely on the wine and the conversation, without the polish of purpose-built hospitality venues. For visitors who prefer authenticity over atmosphere, Raftshol is a genuine discovery.
The Cab Franc and Merlot are standouts that demonstrate just how far Leelanau red wine has come since the Raftshol brothers first bet on red vinifera, and the estate Riesling holds its own against any white on the peninsula.