New concepts from Michigan by the Bottle are coming soon along with new ownership.
The Detroit News recently reported that Michigan by the Bottle is now under new ownership. The Leelanau Peninsula-based owners are planning on redesigning current wine bars as well as opening new locations including one in Lake Orion at 146 S Broadway Street. The Lake Orion wine bar is expected to open sometime in the fall.
The new owners, Sam and Taylor Simpson, are siblings who own Aurora Cellars and manage Good Harbor Vineyards. Their experience in wine made them prime candidates for the new ownership. The two, along with Paul and Geoff Hamelin from Verterra Winery, will focus on continuing the tradition of offering Michigan-based wines in wine bar settings.
“We’re trying to replicate and build upon the true tasting experiences,” Sam told What Now Detroit.
The initial sale for the company from co-founders Shannan and Cortney Casey was in December 2024, and the deal was closed in June. The Simpsons have a long history with wine as their family started farming vines in the 1950s and eventually created Good Harbor Vineyards. Eventually, Sam became the owner of Good Harbor in 2009.
Michigan by the Bottle offers dessert wines, dry whites, reds, roses, sparkling and sweet flavors. The company currently offers bottles from 15 wineries across the state. Their current wine bars are in Auburn Hills, Royal Oak and Shelby Township.
“We’re trying to open up to six stores around the metro Detroit market,” Sam said. He added the Lake Orion location is under construction.
For more information on the company and expansions, visit michiganbythebottle.com.
