SUTTONS BAY (WWJ) - If you ever wanted to own your own winery and vineyard in Michigan's wine country, now is your chance — and it's not just any property that's up for sale.
Nestled on a hilltop with unobstructed views of Grand Traverse Bay, the 78-acre Ciccone Vineyard and Winery owned and operated by Madonna's family has hit the market for $4.925 million.
According to the company's website, Silvio Anthony “Tony” Ciccone established the property located at 10353 E. Hilltop Road in Leelanau County's Suttons Bay back in 1995.
He and his wife Joan had made Rochester Hills their home for over three decades, raising eight children, including "Queen of Pop" superstar and best-selling female recording artist of all time, Madonna.
Upon retirement, the couple acquired the Hilltop Rd. property in October of 1995.
“I saw the hills, the barn, the house and realized most of my work was done except to plant the vines and create a winery, and that’s what I did,” Ciccone said.
By the following spring, they planted the first five acres of grapes by hand that included Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, and Gewürztraminer varieties.
The winery and vineyard has since been passed down to the capable hands of two of Tony's children, Mario and Paula, who serve as manager and winemaker respectively.
Blake Bernard of Blake Bernard Group and Homewaters Commercial Real Estate told MLive that the property has been meticulously maintained by the family and is now ready for its next owner.
“Ciccone is an incredible property, primed and ready for the next steward to continue the vision, or make it their own,” Bernard stated. “There are many value-add opportunities throughout the property as well, making this Leelanau gem a solid investment.”
In addition to the 7,750 square-foot tasting room, winery, event space and historic barn, the property also boasts a 3,520 square-foot winemaker’s home built in 1990.
The two-story house has five bedrooms, 4.5 bathrooms and a stunning open floor plan on the main level. The large living room space offers views of the surrounding bay or vineyard, Bernard added.
"The home is freshly painted, and has adequate storage areas as well as an attached three car garage. The Winemaker's home is also on its own 2 acre lot, which could be beneficial for flexible uses - or, it's a lovely primary home and perfectly positioned to oversee the entire Ciccone operation," Bernard said.
A number of outdoor entertainment spots surround the home that also features a three-car garage.
For winemakers, 13 acres of the vineyard is currently in use with the potential to plant up to 10 more acres of grapes. Ciccone Vineyard and Winery is among the first 10 wineries in Leelanau County.
"They are in good company with L. Mawby, Bel Lago, Willow, Black Star Farms, and Boskydel (which was the first in the County and no longer operates)," the company's website states.
For additional information abut the winery, visit the Ciccone Vineyard and Winery here.
For information about the listing, you can contact Blake Bernard Group and Homewaters Commercial Real Estate at 231-714-4787 or at this listing site here.