Paw Paw
Michigan wine history, a river running through town, and the kind of old buildings that deserve a second life.
Paw Paw is a historic center of Michigan winemaking.
The Winery History Lesson
Book a St. Julian tour on a published date, examine the production process, and finish with dinner at La Cantina. A practical investigation of what happens to Michigan grapes after harvest.
A Playhouse With a Second Act
Visit The Lucky Wolf inside the former Paw Paw Playhouse, wander the downtown historic buildings, then hear scheduled live music at Paw Paw Brewing.
Saturday: Browse downtown, explore St. Julian, and enjoy dinner and scheduled live music at Paw Paw Brewing. Sunday: Take a quiet walk around public Maple Lake access points, stop at Walt and Marie's, and finish with a meal at La Cantina or Sly's.
Begin at The Lucky Wolf, walk downtown, and have lunch at 120 Taphouse. Take a scheduled St. Julian winery tour or visit its tasting room, then finish with Italian dinner at La Cantina.
- 01
La Cantina Ristorante Italiano
A longstanding Italian restaurant known for pasta, seafood, and hearth-baked pizza.
139 W Michigan Ave, Paw Paw, MI 49079 · 269-657-7033 · Website ↗
- 02
120 Taphouse & Bistro
Scratch-made cooking, craft beer, stuffed burgers, and distinctive filled egg rolls.
120 E Michigan Ave, Paw Paw, MI 49079 · 269-657-3654 · Website ↗
- 03
Paw Paw Brewing Company
A longstanding neighborhood brewery with food, live music, and a gathering-place atmosphere.
780 S Gremps St, Paw Paw, MI 49079 · 269-415-0145 · Website ↗
Stuffed burger
Form two thin beef patties, sandwich cheddar and caramelized onions between them, then seal the edges. Grill gently so the center cooks through without losing the filling.
Hearth-baked Italian pizza
Prepare a thin yeast crust, spread with tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, and olive oil. Bake at high temperature until the rim is deeply golden.
Three things most people walk past.
- Details of the former Paw Paw Playhouse at The Lucky Wolf
- The old Water Works architecture associated with Warner BrewHaus
- The river and downtown buildings in low winter light
- 01
Paw Paw Brewing Company
Craft beer and scheduled Saturday evening music through December.
780 S Gremps St, Paw Paw, MI 49079 · 269-415-0145 · Website ↗
- 02
120 Taphouse & Bistro
A downtown bar with craft beer, cocktails, and a full kitchen.
120 E Michigan Ave, Paw Paw, MI 49079 · 269-657-3654 · Website ↗
- 03
St. Julian Winery & Distillery
Year-round wine tasting, spirits, and guided winery tours. This is a tasting room, not a late-night cocktail club.
716 S Kalamazoo St, Paw Paw, MI 49079 · 269-657-5568 · Website ↗
- 01
The Lucky Wolf
Coffee, food, and a welcoming creative space inside an old playhouse.
404 E Michigan Ave, Paw Paw, MI 49079 · 269-913-4153 · Website ↗
- 02
Walt and Marie's Country Market
A specialty grocery and café offering regional pantry goods, sweets, and casual refreshments.
44947 Red Arrow Hwy, Paw Paw, MI 49079 · 269-254-9729 · Website ↗
- 03
Starbucks at Family Fare
A dependable coffee stop before a winery visit or a drive farther west.
847 S Kalamazoo St, Paw Paw, MI 49079 · 269-657-1778 · Website ↗
- 01
Winery tasting
Open year-round, with published holiday exceptions.
- 02
Guided winery production tour
Specific November and December 2026 dates published; reserve ahead.
- 03
Winter lakeside photography
Photograph the water and winter shorelines from established public access points.
Local customLocal brewing and winemaking provide two distinct parts of the food culture.
- Wine tasting is a year-round activity rather than something reserved for harvest season.
- The village's holiday celebration was expanded with a new program in December 2025.
- Riverfront walks and downtown restaurant visits are convenient combinations.
- St. Julian and Warner are two of Michigan's oldest winery names.
- The Paw Paw River and Maple Lake define much of the village landscape.
- The historic Paw Paw Playhouse has been adapted into The Lucky Wolf.
- The annual Wine and Harvest Festival reflects regional grape-growing heritage but occurs in September.
- The area's winemaking history extends through the Prohibition period.
November 7, 14, 21, 28; December 5, 12, 19, 26, 2026
Paw Paw Brewing Saturday Live Music
Live local performers on Saturday evenings.
December 12, 2026
Paw Paw Brewing Christmas and Ugly Sweater Party
A holiday gathering with live music by Tony Fields.
November 21; December 12 and 19, 2026, 11:30 AM
St. Julian Winery Tours
A guided production tour with barrel tasting and winery history. Reservations required.
Established December festival; 2026 dates unconfirmed
Christmas in the Village
A celebration introduced in 2025 with a lighted parade, market, tree lighting, and community activities. Confirm whether the program returns in 2026.
Wednesdays through December 23, 2026, 6–8 PM
Paw Paw Brewing Music Bingo
A casual midweek music game that does not require specialist knowledge, only very selective memory.
- 01
Comfort Inn & Suites Paw Paw
Breakfast, indoor pool, and convenient access to I-94 and the wineries.
- 02
Baymont Inn & Suites Paw Paw
An economical highway-area hotel with an indoor pool and breakfast.
Bring a little Paw Paw homeThe cabin-issue throwFor the couch, the car, and the second half of the hockey game.Have a look ↗