There’s no better way to spend an afternoon up north than exploring the local wineries, cideries, and meaderies surrounding Central Lake. Guests at The Dragonfly Cottage are just minutes from some of Northern Michigan’s most beloved tasting rooms — where small-batch wines, crisp hard ciders, and handcrafted meads are poured with passion. Whether you’re planning a laid-back day of sampling or picking up bottles to enjoy on the dock, here are the top nearby spots to sip and savor.
Northern Michigan is full of flavor, and some of the best tasting rooms and orchards are just minutes from The Dragonfly Cottage in Central Lake. Whether you’re into crisp hard ciders, local wines, or small-batch meads, here are the must-visit stops nearby:
1. Short’s Brewing Company & Starcut Ciders – Bellaire (10 min)
A local legend in downtown Bellaire, Short’s is famous for creative craft beers and their sister brand Starcut Ciders, made from Michigan apples. Enjoy a flight, great food, and a lively atmosphere just a short drive from the cottage.
👉 shortsbrewing.com
2. Bee Well Mead & Cider – Bellaire (10 min)
Just down the road from Short’s, Bee Well crafts small-batch meads and ciders using local honey and fruit. Their cozy tasting room often has live music and new seasonal releases to sample.
👉 beewellmeadery.com
3. Cellar 1914 – Central Lake (5 min)
Family-run and surrounded by vineyards, Cellar 1914 produces estate wines and ciders you can sample while overlooking the countryside. Their wine slushies are especially popular on summer days!
👉 cellar1914.com
4. Torch Lake Cellars – Bellaire (12 min)
A picturesque stop near Clam Lake, Torch Lake Cellars offers wine and cider tastings with beautiful views. Try a glass of their fruit wines or grab a bottle to enjoy back at the cottage.
👉 torchlakecellars.com
5. Mammoth Distilling – Central Lake & Bellaire (5–10 min)
With tasting rooms in both towns, Mammoth serves up small-batch spirits alongside craft cocktails featuring local ingredients. Their cherry vodka and whiskey flights are guest favorites.
👉 mammothdistilling.com
6. Royal Farms – Atwood (10 min)
This charming family farm and market offers fruit wines, hard ciders, and fresh bakery items. It’s a perfect daytime stop for cider tasting followed by a pie to go.
👉 royalfarmsinc.com
7. King Orchards – Central Lake (8 min)
A must-visit during harvest season! Stop by their Cider & Wine Garden to taste hard ciders, apple wines, and sweet ciders, all made from their own orchards overlooking Torch Lake.
👉 kingorchards.com
Bonus: WaterFire Vineyards – Kewadin (15 min)
Just a short scenic drive away, WaterFire is Michigan’s first certified sustainable vineyard, known for crisp whites and a peaceful tasting room experience.
👉 waterfirewine.com
Suggested Tour Itinerary (Sample)
- Morning – Start at Kings Orchard / cider producer for a mellow opening tasting.
- Midday – Head to Cellar 1914 or Torch Lake Cellars for wine conversions or fruit-wine contrast.
- Afternoon – Visit Bee Well Mead & Cider, then swing by Mammoth Distilling for something more bold.
- Evening – End at Short’s Pull Barn / Starcut Ciders for relaxed vibes, mixed flights, maybe live music.
🍷 Plan Your Perfect Tasting Day
All of these spots are within about 15 minutes of The Dragonfly Cottage, making it easy to design your own self-guided tasting tour. Start with ciders and meads in Bellaire, head to Central Lake for local wines, and finish the day with sunset cocktails at Mammoth or Torch Lake Cellars.
