Lazy Ballerina Winery

Lazy Ballerina Winery is a boutique, women-owned winery located at 321 State Street in St. Joseph, Michigan. It sits just blocks from Silver Beach and Lake Michigan. Founded in 2015 by cousins Melanie and Lauren, the winery is rooted in their Coloma upbringing and inspired by their grandmother’s homemade wine recipes. The name “Lazy Ballerina” references a specific grapevine trellis system and captures the winery’s spirit: relaxed, creative, and proudly unconventional.

Wine and Spirits Portfolio

Lazy Ballerina produces wine, cider, and spirits in small batches using locally grown grapes and fruit from the Lake Michigan Shore AVA. Their winemaker, Jason Hayes, oversees production of both classic varietals and fruit-driven blends.

Featured offerings include the Cabernet Franc Reserve, a dry red awarded gold at the 2023 Michigan Governor’s Cup, and Legs Chardonnay, barrel-aged in medium-toast French oak. Grigio on the Green was selected as the official white wine of the 2024 Senior PGA Championship. Their wine list also includes semi-dry and sweet wines such as Cherry Kissed Red, Cran Jeté, and Blueberry Blonde, along with signature house-made spirits like Prima Spiced Rum and Rye Rouge.

Tasting Room Experience

The tasting room in downtown St. Joseph is part of the city’s Social District, where guests are permitted to enjoy wine or cider while walking the surrounding area. The space is walkable to nearby restaurants, retail, and Lake Michigan views.

Tasting options include a traditional tasting of five wines with a chocolate truffle from Patricia’s Chocolate and a take-home glass for twelve dollars. Wine flights are served on a ballerina-shaped board with four two-ounce pours for sixteen ninety-nine. A chocolate flight pairing is available for an additional five ninety-nine. Wine by the glass is available for indoor or to-go consumption under Social District rules.

Group Visits and Private Events

Groups of eight or more are asked to book in advance through the Group Tasting Info page. Group tastings are available from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM daily and require a non-refundable deposit. The experience includes five one-ounce samples, a chocolate pairing, and gratuity for fourteen dollars per person.

Private after-hours events are available for groups up to 70 people and can be arranged for birthdays, showers, and business gatherings. Decorations and outside food may be allowed upon request.

Wine Club and Retail

The Lazy Ballerina Wine Club offers members exclusive access to limited releases, free tastings, and private event invitations. Members can choose from a sweet or dry preference and receive quarterly wine shipments. The tasting room sells a rotating collection of locally made merchandise, including barnwood signs, custom glassware, seasonal decor, handmade chocolates, and apparel.

News and Awards

Lazy Ballerina is an official wine partner of the Senior PGA Championship and is regularly featured in regional wine competitions. Their Cabernet Franc Reserve has earned critical praise from Wine Folly and other industry resources. The winery is listed on TripAdvisor and Google Maps as a top-rated attraction in St. Joseph.