Sandhill Crane Vineyards

Sandhill Crane Vineyards is a family-owned winery in Jackson, Michigan, making wine, beer, and cider entirely from Michigan-grown fruit. The business grew from Norm Moffatt's post-retirement hobby of growing grapes and making wine; his wife Alice, sister Annie, and daughters Heather and Holly joined in, and they opened to the public in 2003. Holly Peterson now serves as owner and winemaker, with Kirk Peterson managing the vineyard. The winery produces more than 35 wines in small batches, including dry and off-dry Riesling, Vignoles, Pinot Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Marquette, plus semi-sweet blends and port-style dessert wines made from estate-grown Frontenac, Chambourcin, and other Michigan fruit. Several wines honor the founding family, including Norm's Legacy, Traminette dedicated to Alice, and Annie's Mapleshine. Visitors can taste year-round indoors or on the patio and lawn, with fireplace tables for cooler weather. Tasting is offered as choose-your-own flights of four wines, and the taproom also pours beers, ciders, summer wine slushies, and winter mulled wine. Live music plays on the deck and Sandhill stage. Groups of 5 to 10 can reserve indoor seating by phone; the winery cannot accommodate bus groups or parties larger than 10, and children must be closely supervised because the property remains a working farm.

Written by Ava from public sources. Not written or reviewed by the winery.