Welcome to the Vintage Inn at Veritas Estate Bed & Breakfast in South Haven, Michigan!
The Vintage Inn is a five-bedroom bed and breakfast with boutique accommodations and farm-to-table dining in a renovated 1904 farmhouse. The 5-acre estate surrounding the Inn is home to Veritas Estate Winery and vineyard, extensive gardens, a chicken coop, and forest trails. Experience the inn's upscale farm-fresh breakfasts and luxury amenities for well-deserved relaxation.
Guests enjoy a two-course farm-fresh breakfast, complimentary wine tasting for guests over 21, and fresh baked treats and beverages each evening from 4-5 p.m.
The inn's upscale rooms feature en-suite bathrooms, luxury linens, tea-infused deluxe mattresses, plush robes, and free Wi-Fi. In addition, each room is uniquely decorated with maps, art, and information about famous wine-producing regions similar to southwest Michigan.
Each of the rooms is named after famous winemaking regions that have growing conditions similar to those found in the Lake Michigan Shore AVA. The famous grape varieties grown in Bourdeaux, Loire Valley, Mosel, and even Champagne are all grown in Southwest Michigan!
About the Veritas Estate
Aerial view of Veritas Estate from the north includes blueberry fields bordering the north side of the property, while Baseline Rd is the south border. All the trees and open grass shown are also part of the 5.2-acre estate. An unnamed stream runs through the southeast corner of the property between the Inn and Baseline Rd.
A perfect estate to make the innkeeper's dream a reality that they now are sharing with their guests, and in their words, after visiting Veritas for the first time-"Walking the entire property that day, it was also obvious there was the potential to create a sustainable estate with vegetable gardens, forest foraging, and vineyards to supply incredible food and wine for the Inn. Chef Tim found over 20 pounds of the rare, choice mushroom Grifola frondosa on an ancient oak tree that very first day. We couldn’t believe how well the property and home fit perfectly with who we are and what we had envisioned for our business."
Future Plans for the Vineyard
The couple has just planted 200 vines, which will be the start of the Veritas Estate, located on the northwest corner of the property. They "have chosen two French grape varieties, Cabernet Franc and Pinot Gris; both do well in the Lake Michigan Shore American Viticultural Area (AVA) located in southwest Michigan—the state’s traditional fruit belt region. Cabernet Franc is more cold hardy than many red Vitis vinifera varieties and it ripens slightly earlier than Cabernet Sauvignon. It is versatile as well and may be used to make a rich, tannic red wine or picked and pressed early to make a wonderful rosé. Pinot Gris is also a versatile grape that may be used to make dry white wines, sparkling wine, and even skin-contact pink/orange wine. I hope to experiment with all of these styles in the future!"
Extraordinary Breakfasts
After 25 years of directing the culinary programs of large private clubs, Chef Tim, owner and innkeeper at the inn, is delighted to be able to share his passion for food directly with guests staying at the Vintage Inn. Quoted below from Tim:
"Even though I have been cooking for more than 30 years, I’m excited and inspired every day by fresh ingredients and the environment around me. When I find a mushroom in the forest, pick a fresh berry, dig fall potatoes, or catch a spring salmon, my mind immediately begins to construct the dish and flavors that I’ll create with the amazing bounty of food that I have found or grown. I also love to present food in artistic and creative ways with garnishes and sauces that bring both flavor and visual impact to the plate. I enjoy the daily challenge of working with seasonal ingredients, and I hope you will share in my excitement about what is on the table each day!"
Unique Experiences
at the Vintage Inn at Veritas Estate
Wine Trail
The South Haven area is home to many local vineyards and tasting rooms along the Lake Michigan Shore Wine Trail.
The area is known for perfect growing conditions for wines of all styles. Check out this link for vineyards nearby to the Vintage.
Craft Beer
You’ll find more than 17 brewpubs in the area, including the South Haven Brewpub, Harbor Light Brewery, and Three Blondes Brewing. With more than 350 breweries throughout the state, Michigan is a top-tier destination for beer enthusiasts.
Foodie
Your dining options are endless in the area and can even include a private catered event by your innkeeper and chef, Tim. From award-winning five-star restaurants to casual boathouse dining, there is something for everyone in the quaint coastal town.
Waterways
The Vintage Inn is 3 miles by car or 2.5 miles by bike from South Beach in South Haven.
Watersports galore- from kayaks to charter fishing boats and sunset cruises, there are lots of ways to get out on the water in South Haven! The harbor has many options, including exploring the Black River as well as Lake Michigan. Other water attractions nearby include a waterpark, water trail, boat charters, and the historic Michigan Maritime Museum.
Natural Wonders
With many state parks in the area, outdoor hiking options are endless. The nearly 2,000-acre Warren Dunes State Park is close by, and if you’re looking for a great hike near South Haven, check out Van Buren State Park. The park offers over 10 miles of trails to explore, including a 2-mile loop that takes you through a beautiful hardwood forest. There are also several scenic overlooks where you can take in views of Lake Michigan and the surrounding area.
Romance
The thoughtfully decorated rooms are perfect for cozy and romantic moments. Several romance packages can be added to your getaway. The inn is just a short drive from where you can watch a magnificent sunset over Lake Michigan. Book now to surprise that special someone in your life.
Adventure
The Kal-Haven Trail is close to the inn and continues all the way to Kalamazoo through natural areas and over bridges. More than 14 land and water trails radiate from South Haven. Boating, kayaking, paddle boarding, fishing, dragon boating, boat rentals, and horseback riding are all available nearby.
Lighthouses
Michigan has many lighthouses, and the South Haven Pierhead Light guides mariners into the Black River from Lake Michigan. The steel lighthouse, in operation since 1903, replaced a wooden one built in 1871. The Vintage Inn is a great option for lighthouse collectors because you can travel 30 minutes south to see the St. Joseph North Pier inner and outer lights or 30 minutes north to view the Holland Harbor Light.
