Left Foot Charley Winery, Traverse City

Left Foot Charley Winery offers a distinctly urban take on Northern Michigan winemaking, rooted in a philosophy that celebrates collaboration over convention. Rather than sourcing from a single estate, Left Foot Charley partners with a network of dedicated grape and apple growers across the region. Located in the historic Village at Grand Traverse Commons-formerly the Traverse City State Hospital-the winery embraces its unconventional setting and delivers wines and ciders that reflect the individuality of each farm, vintage, and winemaker’s vision.

Established in 2004 by winemaker Bryan Ulbrich, Left Foot Charley began as a passion project-born from an impromptu effort to rescue a Riesling vineyard on the verge of ruin. That first salvaged harvest laid the foundation for a winery that would go on to produce balanced white wines, bold reds, sparkling selections, and hard ciders, all made with old-world techniques and regional character. Drawing inspiration from Austrian heurigers, Left Foot Charley fosters a relaxed and flavorful atmosphere where wine is part of everyday life.

Visitors can experience the full winemaking journey on-site, as the tasting room is located within the same building as the production facility. Guests can enjoy wines by the glass, bottle, or flight, with helpful staff to guide each selection. The spacious patio offers a year-round retreat-shaded and breezy in summer, tented in fall, and fire-warmed in winter.

Just behind the main facility, the 19th-century root cellar serves as the Barrel Room, where curated tastings and private events unfold among aging barrels. With its peaceful garden, thoughtful design, and vibrant community energy, Left Foot Charley truly lives up to its motto: a modern-day Asylum-where people gather, relax and savor the craft of wine.