About Modales Wines
Modales is one of Michigan's few certified organic wineries. Jim and Carol Gonzalez bought the La Esperanza vineyard outside Fennville in 2014, on land where one of the area's early families planted peach and cherry orchards and later grapes. Today the 76-acre farm has about 40 acres under vine across the La Esperanza and La Gracia vineyards, certified organic since October 2024. It lies about four miles from Lake Michigan and eight from Saugatuck, in the Fennville wine area.
Winemaker Andrew Backlin works with a light hand, making small batches of cool-climate wine from the glacial sandy soil: dry reds and whites, an off-dry Riesling and some sweeter bottles, plus cider. The tasting room is open every day from noon to 7.
A guided tasting at the bar costs $22 per person and takes about an hour, for groups of up to six; booking ahead is recommended, though walk-ins are often seated Monday through Thursday until 5:30. The Vine to Wine Tour walks through the organic La Gracia vineyard for about 70 minutes, weather permitting, at $45 per person ($40 for wine club members) and needs a reservation; it cannot include children or pets. You can also reserve a table on the enclosed patio for up to eight. Outside food isn't allowed, but meats, cheeses and crackers are sold on site, along with non-alcoholic drinks. Dogs are welcome outdoors; only service dogs may come inside. The winery also holds a Modales Nouveau Celebration.
Summerhouse Lavender Farm is about 10 minutes away on 65th Street. Visit during its early summer open days, then book an afternoon tasting at Modales.
What to do
- Book a guided tasting of organic estate wines ($22)
- Walk the organic La Gracia vineyard on the Vine to Wine Tour ($45)
- Reserve a table on the enclosed patio
- Pair a tasting with a board of meats and cheeses sold on site
- Try the estate cider
Season, hours and prices
- Season
- Tasting room open daily; vineyard tours depend on the weather
- Hours
- Posted on their website (2026): daily noon–7 p.m.
- Admission
- Guided tasting $22; Vine to Wine Tour $45, or $40 for wine club members (posted 2026)
Good to know
- Age
- 21 or older to taste or drink alcohol
- Dogs
- Outdoors only; service dogs inside; no pets on vineyard tours
- Reservations
- Recommended for tastings, required for tours
Tips for your visit
- Book online at least 24 hours ahead for tastings
- Arrive on time for tours; more than 15 minutes late forfeits your slot
- Leave kids at home for the vineyard tour, which cannot accommodate them
- Plan a designated driver if you are visiting other Fennville wineries
Pair it with a lavender farm
Summerhouse Lavender Farm · about 10 minutes away
Summerhouse Lavender Farm is about 10 minutes away; tour the lavender in the morning and book a tasting at Modales for the afternoon.
Getting there
Questions
Is Modales really organic?
Yes. About 40 acres of vines were certified organic in October 2024.
Do I need a reservation?
Recommended for tastings and required for the vineyard tour; walk-ins are often seated Monday–Thursday until 5:30.
Can I bring food?
No outside food, but meats, cheeses and crackers are sold on site.
Are dogs allowed?
Outdoors only; service dogs may come inside. No pets on tours.
🗺️ Part of the guide Things to Do Near the Lavender Farms of Holland, Saugatuck & Fennville, Michigan
Checked in October 2026 against the business’s own website and local tourism pages. Hours and seasons change, so check with them before you go. How we check listings · Is this your business? Claim it free
