New wine tasting room is latest addition to Bridgman’s economy

BRIDGMAN, Mich. - The women behind the Lazy Ballerina Winery Tasting Room say Bridgman’s growing economy helped them decide where to open a second location.

“Bridgman is really up and coming,” said Lauren Kniebes, a co-owner of Lazy Ballerina Winery. “We just loved the vibe down here. It’s a small town feel like our hometown, but it’s still got something going on that we really liked.”

The Lazy Ballerina sashayed into Bridgman earlier this week and will have its grand opening on Friday at 11 a.m.

“We like to drink,” laughed Melanie Owen, the other co-owner.

Owen and Kniebes are first cousins who grew up in Coloma surrounded by grapes and wine.

They opened their first location in St. Joe two years ago this weekend.

But they decided to expand and chose Bridgman because of its potential.

“Part of it is just the accessibility of wine lovers and beach lovers coming to the southern part of the Lake Michigan Shore Wine Trail,” Kniebes said.

“Right from the get-go we started with Bridgman and said, ‘Hey, we have this idea. What do you guys think?’ And they’re like, ‘Come! Welcome! What can we do to help?’ So it’s been wonderful,” Owen said.

They’re now pouring glasses as they pour into this thriving community.

Bridgman is now home to this tasting room, three breweries, Weko Beach, Warren Dunes, and other attractions.

Kniebes and Owen hope tourists will come enjoy their new shop.

But their real goal?

“Our target market is local,” Owen said. “I mean, we’re local. We’re in the area. We’re here all year round.”

Kniebes’ father grows most of the grapes they use in Coloma.

And the women have local art hanging inside that you can buy.

The Lazy Ballerina Winery Tasting Room is located on Lake Street in downtown Bridgman.

Summer hours are Monday thru Friday from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.