Shady Lane Cellars now hosting weddings, events
Suttons Bay, MICH. (March 13, 2023) – When Luke and Kendra Hershey were looking for the perfect place to host their Northern Michigan wedding reception last year, they were immediately drawn to the vast possibilities that Suttons Bay-based estate winery Shady Lane Cellars had to offer.
“Placed right in the middle of 150 acres of historic farm land, it was the perfect space for couples to take a walk in the vinesand for kids to run around and be entertained,” said Hershey. “With 125 years of history, the buildings and beautifully-maintained gardens appealed to everyone – and made our wedding really special.”
Hershey is no stranger to the amenities available at Shady Lane Cellars. In fact, he works on the property as e-commerce and wine club manager. And now, the public will have the same opportunity to host their own special event on site.
Missy Check, hospitality and event sales manager at Shady Lane Cellars, said Shady Lane Cellars is perfectly situated for hosting memorable events – from wedding welcome parties, to rehearsal dinners to the big event – the wedding and reception itself.
Encompassed by the rolling hills of the vineyard, amid the fresh winds gliding in from the lake, guests are treated to the amenities that can’t be found just anywhere. The expansive patio is framed by Northern Michigan trees and vines that stretch across the vineyard. It includes an outdoor chimney fireplace and the option to add roaring fires around the property.
“To have the chance to sit by the outdoor fireplace and look out at the vines with a glass of wine that was handcrafted right here, it’s a whole experience,” said Check. “It’s the epitome of Northern Michigan. Just sitting here, you won’t want to leave.”
Shady Lane Cellars is easily accessible from Traverse City, where hotels and activities are plentiful. But Check says there’s something truly special once you leave the city and enter Leelanau County. The combination of expansive farms, rolling hills of vineyards, stretches of sandy beach and of course the lakes creates an instant sense of calm.
“It’s just really a laid-back, earthy vibe,” said Check. “Here, you won’t find chain restaurant but you will find original and unique small businesses and friendly local residents.”
It’s now possible to rent the entire venue for a full day or a half-day. Or, hosts can choose to rent semi-private areas of the estate for a special event while the winery is open to the public.
“We want to invite people to come and experience this beautiful space and enjoy the day,” said Check.
Shady Lane Cellars can accommodate groups up to 150 people outdoors. The indoor tasting room has a 50-person capacity and is suitable for intimate events. Check said an indoor-outdoor wedding allows guests to customize the space by adding tents to create the exact look and feel they envision.
“It’s the perfect size for a personal event,” said Check. “It’s not overwhelming. It’s still very intimate. You feel like you’re part of the vineyard.”
The meticulously landscaped property includes an outdoor patio with two bars and an indoor tasting room bar as well as catering space. The space features bistro lighting, surround sound, power and wi-fi access, and the option of adding smokeless fire rings, lawn games and heat towers outdoors.
Event staff and wine stewards are available. It’s even possible to create a signature wine cocktail as a drink option alongside all of Shady Lane Cellars sustainably-crafted wines.
The entire property is ADA compliant, which isn’t always the case when seeking an outdoor venue. And Shady Lane Cellars is among the few locations in the region to welcome dogs on the property. So if Fido is part of your wedding party or wedding photo shoot, Check said, you’re welcome to bring him along.
“Couples will find that our venue can be a canvas upon which to create whatever they’d like to create,” said Check.
Hershey can attest to that.
“We held a cocktail hour at the outside patio and bar, then enclosed the dance floor, tables and DJ booth underneath a large 40×80 tent,” he said. “We hired two food trucks, a classic van photo booth and more. Being able to customize all of the amenities and make each space feel separate, yet connected, was exactly what we were looking for in our outdoor wedding.
“We had one guest say it was the closest they will ever get to attending a royal wedding – and that’s all to do with the Shady Lane Cellars venue.”
ABOUT SHADY LANE CELLARS
Shady Lane Cellars produces one of the largest percentages of estate-grown wine in its region. Offering hilltop views of the Leelanau Peninsula in northern Michigan, the winery and its staff create a comfortable approach to wine. The winery was founded in 1999. Since 2017 all Shady Lane Cellars wines are 100 percent estate-grown. In 2020, Shady Lane Cellars’ vineyard earned Sustainability in Practice – or SIP Certified – status. Hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday.
