California Classics With a Ski Lodge View
Harbor Springs · Harbor Springs · American · Visit Website ↗
Reviewed May 1, 2026
Wingman Metrics
Walking into the Slopeside Lounge after a day on the slopes, the wine list feels like a warm handshake — familiar, comfortable, and heavy on California hits. It's the kind of list that won't surprise you, but it won't disappoint you either, especially if you've got a thing for Napa Cabs. Wine Spectator handed them an Award of Excellence in 2023, and you can see why: the program is curated and cared for, even if it doesn't take many risks.
The 80-120 bottle list leans hard into California — Caymus, Silver Oak, Jordan, Stag's Leap, Far Niente — the greatest hits of Napa and Sonoma, all present and accounted for. If you're looking for Burgundy deep cuts, skin-contact weirdness, or anything from the southern hemisphere, you're in the wrong lounge. That said, for a ski resort in northern Michigan, this is a genuinely well-assembled California-focused program, and the presence of two sommeliers on staff (Abby Zelenak and Erin Kuethe) means the list isn't just a wine distributor's default order. There are gaps in diversity, but what's here is solid.
The by-the-glass program runs 12-18 options in the $10-$18 range, which is respectable for a resort setting. You can reliably find something worth drinking without committing to a full bottle, and the Rombauer Chardonnay almost certainly shows up as a pour — which is either great news or expected news depending on your feelings about buttery Chard. Rotation doesn't appear to be a major feature here, but the core lineup is dependable.
Jordan Cabernet Sauvignon — $65
Jordan typically retails around $35-$40, so the markup is real, but it's one of the most food-friendly Cabs on the list — earthy, restrained, and a much better dinner companion than the bigger, oakier options. Worth the ask.
Duckhorn Merlot
Everyone at the table is reaching for a Cab, and that's exactly why you should order this. Duckhorn's Merlot is serious wine — plush, structured, and criminally underordered. It outperforms its reputation every time.
Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon
Caymus is everywhere, and the markup at a resort property makes it one of the worst value plays on the list. You're paying a premium for a brand, not a wine experience. Pick almost anything else.
Stag's Leap Wine Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon + Beef Tenderloin
Stag's Leap is classic Napa at its most elegant — refined tannins, dark fruit, and enough structure to stand up to a tenderloin without steamrolling it. This is the move when you're going full après-ski splurge.
✔️ The Bottom Line
Slopeside Lounge won't change how you think about wine lists, but it'll keep you warm and well-poured after a day on the mountain. Lean into the California program, trust the sommeliers, and skip the Caymus.
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