Aurora Cellars hosts company and nonprofit events, private parties and weddings for up to 300 guests in a heated tent set among its vineyards. The winery is on East Horn Road in Lake Leelanau, on Michigan's Leelanau Peninsula.
Seminars and company events
Corporate and nonprofit groups use the same setup as weddings: a 40 by 80 foot high-peaked tent with a concrete floor, heated when needed at no extra charge. The winery furnishes it with wooden farm tables, chairs, cocktail barrel tables, bistro lighting and chandeliers, and adds lawn games and an optional bonfire for the evening. Free high-speed Wi-Fi and power are provided. The site lists no audiovisual equipment, so screens and sound for presentations come from your own suppliers. Groups may book any live musician or DJ. The Aurora team sets up the tent and seating, and two staff members stay on site for the whole event.
Weddings and receptions
Ceremonies take place outdoors under a weeping willow, with the patio, the lawn or the heated tent as other options. If it rains, clear bubble umbrellas cover the guests or the ceremony moves under the tent. Weddings include a two-night stay, Friday to Sunday, in the farmhouse with exclusive use for the weekend, and a private bridal suite with its own restroom. A rehearsal dinner can be added. Up to 30 guests may stay past 11 p.m. for a fireside afterglow. Couples can decorate with their own vendors or use the winery's furniture and lighting.
Rooms and capacities
The main event space is the tent, which takes up to 300 guests. A 20 by 20 foot chef's tent with a food preparation area stands beside it for caterers. The willow, patio and lawn serve for ceremonies and drinks. Guests park in a designated area, and an upscale restroom trailer is provided for them.
Accommodation
The 1875 Victorian farmhouse on the property has three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a living area and a large dining table. It comes with weddings for a two-night weekend stay. Other guests book their own lodging in the area.
Catering
You may hire any licensed caterer, who works from the chef's tent. A full bar is permitted and a barrel bar is included, but all wine served must come from Aurora Cellars. Trash removal is handled by your hired vendor, not by the winery.
History and setting
The winery grows its own vines on the Leelanau Peninsula, a wine area in northern Michigan. The event grounds combine the vineyard, the willow lawn and the 1875 farmhouse, so ceremony, dinner and the night's stay all happen on one property. The setting is rural and the format is outdoor, under canvas, which suits groups looking for a relaxed day in wine country.
Getting there
The address is 7788 East Horn Road, Lake Leelanau, Michigan. Cherry Capital Airport in Traverse City is the nearest commercial airport. Guests arrive by car and use the designated parking on site.
