Red Top Winery

Red Top Winery produces unique wines and ciders in Baroda, Michigan, designed for laughter and conversation as much as taste. Located on a working farm in the Lake Michigan Shore region, Red Top makes custom barrel-aged offerings and serves everything on tap in an intentionally casual tasting setting.

Philosophy and Identity

Red Top aims to be “daringly different” which means crafting creative wines and ciders that you will either love or hate. The winery grows its own grapes and sources apples regionally, then ages beverages in barrels formerly used for bourbon, tequila, rum, or cognac. Many products undergo flavor “co‑mingling” or include unexpected elements like jalapenos, peaches, pineapple, cinnamon, or blueberries to deliver memorable experiences. Less common grape varieties such as Chambourcin, Traminette, Seyval, Vignoles, or Zweigelt are staples of their portfolio. About half of their offerings are sparkling, and all are served on tap to reduce oxidation and packaging waste, creating both an environmental benefit and an unconventional tasting presentation. The tasting room plays laid-back reggae music, hosts outdoor seating where guests can bring blankets or picnic baskets, and intentionally avoids pretension or wine jargon.

Wines and Ciders

Their wines and ciders page describes offerings like El Vino, a tequila barrel aged dry white with agave and caramel notes, and Staycation, a sparkling white with ginger spice. Their reinvented Pinot Grigio is slightly sweet and transformed into a sparkling wine. Lake Effect is a blue sparkling wine inspired by Lake Michigan conditions. Mi Happy Wine is flavored with watermelon, orange, and banana. Caribbean Twist tastes like a pineapple coconut cocktail. Red Top’s reds include Bourbon Barrel Merlot aged in whiskey barrels, Le Vin made from Chambourcin and aged in blackberry brandy barrels, Red Red Wine which blends Merlot and Lemberger with natural blueberry accents, Top Wire from Chambourcin with jammy fruit and no oak, and Hooray for Rose, a sparkling red with strawberry notes. Dessert-style wines include Rock’n Red, a sparkling red rich in chocolate and blueberry flavors. Their cider lineup includes Raspberry Cherry, Turtle (caramel pecan chocolate), and Hollerpene jalapeno apple cider.

Visiting and Tasting Experience

Tastings cost $16 per person and take place in a “tasting room” designed as a bar‑like space with tap service rather than bottles. As described in The Difference section, the experience is intentionally informal, decor is eclectic, and staff is welcoming to all. The property features expansive outdoor seating overlooking 18 acres of vineyard, with room to relax and picnic. The winery also offers occasional live music, especially on Saturdays during summer and fall.

Location and Local Context

Red Top Winery is part of the Lake Michigan Shore Wine Trail, located near other area wineries and local attractions. It is listed on visitor guide sites such as Visit Southwest Michigan, where it’s praised for its laid-back vibe and creative offerings. It is accessible, has outdoor seating, and stands out as a relaxed destination in Michigan’s wine country.

Summary

Red Top Winery is a low‑stress destination that mixes bold flavors and playful design with farm‑based production. With wines aged in interesting barrels, sparkling presentations, off‑beat flavor combinations, and a tap‑room model, the winery offers an experience that feels more like a beach retreat than a formal tasting room. Everything about Red Top is meant to be different, unpretentious, and memorable. More details on location, wines, events, and shop options are available at redtopwinery.com.