Mt. Tabor Trails

A walk through the woods is always good for the soul. Add a glass or two of wine to the mix, and you’re in for a spirited hike that’s bound to bring a smile to your face and a spring to your step as you wander from winery to winery. At Mt. Tabor Trails in southwest Michigan, guests are invited to hike and sip along 3 1/2 miles of scenic trails that meander through woods and vineyards.

While Michigan is well known for its many quality craft breweries, the state’s wine industry dates back decades earlier, with many wineries opening in the 1970s. Today, Michigan is home to approximately 130 wineries, according to the Michigan Grape & Wine Industry Council. Tabor Hill, Round Barn and Free Run Cellars — also located in this southwestern corner of the state — collectively represent Michigan’s fourth-largest winery. A hike on the winding Mt. Tabor trails is especially scenic at harvest time, when the grapes are ripe and ready to be picked, crushed then bottled into award-winning wines.

The trails can be accessed at either Round Barn Estate or Tabor Hill Winery & Restaurant. As the location of a stunning turn-of-the-century Amish round barn relocated from Indiana, the family-owned Round Barn Estate is known for its fine wines and live vineyard entertainment, so try to plan your visit around one of the many musical events. Tabor Hill Winery & Restaurant offers chef-crafted menus and patio seating with breathtaking views of the surrounding vineyards.

As far as the hikes go, you can choose from three different trail types (field, woods or vineyard) and three levels of difficulty (easiest, moderate or hardest), with the shortest route being a 1.3-mile round trip. Both wineries offer a variety of tasting experiences, including preselected flights of wines produced on-site, and you’re also welcome to take a glass or bottle to go: Both wineries allow drinks on the trail.

Round Barn Estate, 10983 Hills Rd., Baroda, MI, 269/422-1617, roundbarn.com; Tabor Hill Winery and Restaurant, 185 Mount Tabor Rd., Buchanan, MI, 269/422-1617, taborhill.com