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Dune Bird Winery in Northport Putting a Twist on Traditional Wine Tasting

If you’re looking for a glass of red or white wine with a bit of a twist, Dune Bird Winery in Northport may be the next stop to add to your Northern Michigan wine tour.

Along with wine, Dune Bird winery also has an upscale espresso bar.

“We really wanted to elevate the nonalcoholic. We really wanted to make a place for families to come and people who weren’t necessarily in search of a glass of wine, but the atmosphere that a winery provides,” said Nicole White, Dune Bird Winery Co-Owner.

The owners, Nicole and Beau White, have two young kids of their own and wanted the family to be at the heart of Dune Bird.

“We wanted to create a space where kids feel welcome, where they want to come. But it’s not just okay; mom and dad are going out on a date, or mom and a bunch of her friends, and I don’t have a babysitter, so I have to tag along, but that they have a place that they can recognize and remember the fun things that are there,” said White

Their children served as the inspiration for Dune Bird boxes. Each kid who comes gets a box with toys to play with while they are at the winery.

“It’s the same thing that they probably have in their playroom at home, but they get to feel special,” said White

And having a solid family foundation is how the White’s, a military family, have dealt with the challenges of opening their small business.

This was the first year Beau wasn’t deployed, but the war in Ukraine quickly changed. He’s now working overseas for a non-government organization, but that’s not stopping them from living out their dream.

“Ultimately, like in the grand scheme of life, having him serve in his capacity gives us such strength because it gives us perspective,” said White. “I will value that forever, and I think he is exactly where he needs to be.”

The staff at Dune Bird are stepping up to help Nicole keep the doors open when her partner is not around.

“I don’t think I’ve ever experienced this much acceptance as like who I am in other employees and other employment that I’ve had,” said Miah McCallister, Tasting Room Assistant. “Leaning on each other has been a big thing for all of us.

Nicole says this is just the beginning for Dune Bird Winery. They plan to open a big sandbox for kids to play in and offer lawn games.

They also have a wide range of small hot plates.

To read more on Dune Bird Winery, .

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