Illustrative stock image; not a photograph of the featured venue or event. Photo by Ben Young on Pexels

October’s wine calendar has an option for readers who would rather choose their own day than build a weekend around a fixed festival. The Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail’s Hunt for the Reds runs October 1–31, 2026, according to its official events calendar. That monthlong window gives local residents and visitors time to make a more deliberate outing.

What the $35 ticket includes

The event page lists a $35 ticket price per person. It describes a selected two-ounce red wine pour and $10 in “cork cash” usable at participating wineries, with possible purchase exclusions. Before buying, review the current ticket terms and participation details so you understand how the offer works at the stops you choose.

A modest itinerary is a good way to approach the event. Rather than trying to fit an entire peninsula into one afternoon, pick the places you most want to explore and leave room to ask questions. The pass is an invitation to discover red wines; it need not become a race to collect the largest number of stops.

Reserve first, then build the route

Organizers recommend reservations and say they may be required for larger groups because space is limited. A monthlong event does not mean every tasting room will be open whenever your group arrives. Contact the wineries you plan to visit, confirm their hours for your date and ask how event guests should book.

For a shared outing, agree on the driver or transportation before buying passes. Include time for food and any other purchases in your plans. The advertised ticket is an event offer, so avoid treating it as an all-inclusive afternoon budget. Winery-specific extras and the final ticket checkout deserve their own look.

The official event page is the best starting point for the ticket link. It also lists featured wines, including Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir and Merlot options. Use it to decide what you would like to investigate, then ask each winery which pour it is serving when you visit. A tasting can be more interesting with a specific question in mind.

A stop to investigate near Leland

For route planning, the trail’s Dune Bird Winery profile describes a winery on M-22 just north of Leland, at 5620 North Manitou Trail. Its listed offerings include a craft espresso bar, nonalcoholic choices and small hot plates alongside wine. That mix may be helpful when friends have different preferences.

Treat that profile as a planning lead and confirm details directly before setting out. It lists Tuesday and Wednesday closures and directs visitors to call for tasting-fee information. I cannot confirm a current standalone tasting price from the profile. The posted winery phone number is 231-613-4100.

The distinction matters: the Hunt for the Reds pass has its own advertised price and benefits, while an ordinary visit can have separate charges. Ask how the event applies on your chosen day and which purchases accept cork cash. Those questions help prevent a misunderstanding at the counter.

Keep the calendar flexible

A midweek plan might suit one group; a short weekend itinerary might suit another. Choose the day based on confirmed opening hours and transportation, then give yourself time to enjoy the visit. Fall scenery can be a pleasant backdrop, but the event does not promise a particular leaf-color peak or weather forecast.

If October is already full, the wine trail calendar also lists Toast the Season weekends on November 6–8 and November 13–15. Those are separate events, so consult their own offers rather than assuming October’s pass carries over. For now, the local opportunity is straightforward: choose a date before October ends, confirm a few stops and explore the reds at your own pace.