There, Madonna's sister Paula worked as winemaker, and over the years, Ciccone Vineyards and Winery grew into a family business.
But in June of this year, the property was suddenly put on the market for $4.925 million.
Blake Bernard of Homewaters, LLC, handled the 78-acre property in Suttons Bay. It features a 15-acre vineyard with a renovated barn and a main house built in 1990.
Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Riesling, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Dolcetto and Sangiovese grapes are all harvested on site and used in the winemaking. The winery's first vintage was 1998, and a tasting room was added in 2000.
Bernard says, "They were one of the first to grow grapes in Northern Michigan." We now have 40 wineries. I've been licensed [as a real estate broker] for 10 years. This is the second time I've seen a property like this and the first time I've seen a property of this size.
Plus the celebrity of the winery makes it a hot property.
We've already had a few offers, and people have been coming to see the property every day this week," says Bernard. The next owner can either continue with the Ciccone brand, which has 700 wine club members and is sold locally, or launch a new brand.
The winery will also be able to plant another 10 acres of grapes and already has a licence to host up to 48 events a year.
Says Bernard, "It was built from the ground up by Tony and Joan." It's in a very solid location. The land is immaculate.
The Ciccones live in the 5-bedroom, 4.5-bath home, but it can also be used as a holiday rental or a venue for weddings and corporate retreats.
The listing includes an attached three-car garage.
Bernard notes, "The kitchen has had some updates." In 1990, they pioneered the spacious floor plan. The way they placed the house on the lot is also remarkable. You can see West Grand Traverse Bay with no homes standing between you and the water.
According to the listing information, the next owners can share plans for an on-site cafe, a new production building, expanded vineyard potential and an event gazebo.
Bernard notes that there are two main types of potential buyers interested: those who are "already in the hospitality, hotel or beverage business and would add this to their portfolio"; and those "like Tony and Joan, who are looking at this as a project for their retirement."
