A Family’s Belief in Michigan Wine

Nestled along the breathtaking shores of East Grand Traverse Bay, Mari Vineyards was founded on a bold vision: to produce world-class, 100% estate-grown wines on Michigan’s Old Mission Peninsula AVA. Named in honor of founder Marty Lagina’s Italian grandmother, Teresa Mari, the winery reflects a deep appreciation for family, heritage, and the enduring traditions of Italian winemaking. Inspired by generations of European wine culture, Marty set out to cultivate both traditional and unconventional grape varieties in Northern Michigan, including Nebbiolo and Sangiovese alongside classics such as Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Riesling. What began as a family dream has grown into one of Michigan’s most distinctive wine estates, blending Old World inspiration with New World innovation.

The Mari story began with the planting of our first vineyard in 1999, just a mile from the current winery. That vineyard gave rise to Row 7, our flagship field blend and first official production wine in 2006. More than a wine, Row 7 represents the ambition, perseverance, and pioneering spirit that helped establish Mari Vineyards and continues to guide us today. It remains one of our most beloved and enduring wines.

Seven Vineyards, One Peninsula

Today, Mari Vineyards farms 73 acres of estate vineyards throughout the Old Mission Peninsula AVA, where sandy glacial loam soils, cooling bay breezes, and a unique maritime climate create ideal conditions for growing exceptional fruit. Across seven estate vineyards—Jamieson, Bella Vista, Neason, Grishaw, McKian, Irish, and Six Feet Under—we cultivate 24 grape varieties, ranging from classic Bordeaux and Burgundian grapes to innovative Italian selections rarely found in the United States. Every bottle we produce is 100% estate-grown, allowing us to express both the character of our vineyards and the distinctive terroir of Old Mission Peninsula in every vintage.

A key part of that story is our proprietary Nella Serra™ hoop house system, developed to help traditionally warm-climate varieties thrive in Northern Michigan. By extending the growing season and creating optimal ripening conditions, Nella Serra allows grapes such as Nebbiolo and Sangiovese to achieve remarkable maturity while maintaining a true sense of place. This combination of innovation, sustainable farming practices, and meticulous vineyard stewardship has become a defining element of the Mari Vineyards legacy.

Inspired by Ancient Traditions, Built for Exceptional Wines

Innovation at Mari extends beyond the vineyard. Beneath the winery lies an impressive network of underground wine caves and tunnels inspired by centuries-old winemaking traditions. Spanning 8,000 square feet and extending up to 35 feet below ground, the caves provide naturally stable temperatures and humidity levels ideal for aging estate wines. At the heart of the cave system is the Oculus, a striking architectural centerpiece designed by Marty to celebrate the interplay of light, time, and the natural rhythms of the earth. The cave complex is aligned with the summer solstice sunrise, creating a remarkable experience that reflects both ancient inspiration and Mari’s dedication to thoughtful design. Each year, Wine Club members gather in the caves before dawn for a special Solstice celebration, watching the rising sun illuminate the passageway exactly as intended—a memorable tradition that connects guests to both the winery and the rhythms of nature.

Stewardship of the land is at the heart of everything we do. Mari Vineyards is certified through the Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP), reflecting our commitment to sustainable water use, soil conservation, nutrient management, and responsible farming practices. Across our vineyards, we continue to expand organic growing methods, eliminate unnecessary chemical inputs, and build healthier soils through composting and biodiversity initiatives. Through partnerships that support pollinator habitats, we are creating environments that benefit bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects while promoting long-term vineyard health.

Sustainability also extends to innovation. Renewable energy has long played an important role at Mari, from wind power to the solar energy systems that help offset winery operations. Within the winery, a gravity-fed production system, underground wine caves, wastewater recycling, and irrigation reuse help reduce energy consumption and conserve resources. Together, these efforts reflect our belief that exceptional wines begin with healthy vineyards and a long-term commitment to the land.

Whether you’re discovering a new favorite wine, exploring our story, or taking in the unparalleled views of Old Mission Peninsula, we invite you to experience the passion, innovation, and craftsmanship that define Mari Vineyards.