Our Story

Mike and Jamie Sheneman, along with their son Charlie, own and operate Torch Lake Cellars, a vineyard and winery that is located in beautiful Bellaire, MI, nestled among rolling hills just East of Torch Lake.  The scenic venue at TLC offers tranquil views of its vineyard, Lake Bellaire, and Torch Lake.

It was Mike and Jamie’s vision to establish a family business and someday retire with the satisfaction that they are using their land to its fullest potential and leaving a family legacy.  Their son Charlie soon joined them in this vision.

Charles Sheneman, Mike’s dad, originally bought the family farm after WWII.  He raised cattle and used the 102 acres that now encompasses the vineyard and winery, for grazing.  Later, in the 1980’s he planted a Christmas tree farm on the land.

The family farm would then become the place for Mike and Jamie to build their home and raise their family.  All grown up, their children now have families and own acreage of the very property where they were raised.  65 acres is designated for the family’s wine business.

It is the family’s desire to grow quality wine grapes and turn them into delicious wine.  For them, wine making starts in the vineyard.  It is about terroir, as the French would say, “The taste of the earth!”

A special note:  Our vision for the future is to incorporate events and activities that will enhance the experience of visitors to our winery.  Most importantly, we hope to yield the best grapes with passion, patience and determination.  From our family to yours, we hope you enjoy the property, tasting room and wine.  Each has a little bit of our heart and soul.  

~Mike, Jamie and Charlie