This summer, the huz and I visited paid a visit to Michigan’s Leelanau Peninsula in the northern lower peninsula, which included a stay at the Inn at Black Star Farms over the Fourth of July weekend. During our stay, we heard from multiple folks in the area that a few of the local wineries were teaming up to bring their wines to Ann Arbor soon. Happily, they are now here!
VinBar is Ann Arbor’s newest wine bar, exclusively featuring wines from three Michigan wineries (two of which we have visited!):
VinBar is located on Liberty Street in downtown Ann Arbor, one block west of Main Street. It is quite lovely inside. (Huge fan of the red accent wall – probably because is really similar to the color of our dining room!)
We elected to sit in a cozy nook in the front of the bar, in a pair of cozy lounge chairs facing large floor-to-ceiling windows. Nice people-watching!
The menu offers sparkling wines from MAWBY, as well as various white, red, and dessert wines from Good Harbor and Black Star Farms, available in half-glasses, full glasses, and dine-in or carry-out bottles. I love the half-glass option, which allows me to try more wines in one visit.
Our server informed us that VinBar’s intention is to have a frequently updated and constantly evolving menu and selection of wines. Which means I’ll need to return ASAP.
The day we visited was rather hot outdoors, and sparkling wine from MAWBY sounded perfect. Two half glasses each. I love bubbles! I especially enjoyed the M. Lawrence Freestyle Extra-Sec (on the far left) wine from Mawby.
The staff are friendly and knowledgeable, which is a great thing at such an establishment. Previously, our server worked in the Black Star Farms tasting room upnorth, and she clearly knew a lot about the product from her experience there! The vibe is chill, relaxed, and classy, with low-key music playing in the background. I am a huge fan. I can see myself visiting here frequently for a pre- or post-dinner glass (or flight!) of wine.
VinBar would be a great place to go on a date or with a group of friends to design your own wine flight of half glasses. If you find something you love, you can purchase a bottle to carry-out as well. Snacks like cheese and olives are available too, which I have yet to try.
All in all, I’m really excited that these three Michigan wineries have brought their wonderful wines to us here in Ann Arbor. I think this city is a great fit for it – what with our huge food and drink scene and locals’ desire for Michigan-made products. Can’t wait to return!
Meg Goes Nom Nom 
I was walking by and popped in on their first night – didn’t even have a sign yet. I’m a fan of Mawbys and am coming around to Black Star. I had their wines 5 yrs ago and was not impressed. They’ve improved quite a bit. I think it’s more of a tasting room than wine bar. Unfortunately that means that they probably won’t be bringing in some of the other terrific wines from there. Bummer. Whatevs, it’s a nice spot for a casual glass.
Oh nice! Yes, I think the sign had just recently been installed within a day or two prior to our visit.
I became an instant fan of Mawby when first introduced this summer! I’ve got a bottle just waiting to be popped in my wine rack right now.
My first taste of Black Star Farms wines was also about 5 years ago (4 actually now that I calculate). I definitely saw an improvement during our second visit to their tasting room more recently, this past summer. 🙂
This looks so cool. I can’t wait to visit!
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