Bel Lago was founded by Dr. Charles Edson and his wife, Dr. Amy Lazone, along with her parents

Bel Lago, in Italian, means ‘beautiful lake’, for which the tasting room is nestled on the hills of.

The first vines were planted in the late 1980’s on this site, just north of Cedar. In the early 90’s the vineyard was expanded with a land purchase in Northern Leelanau Peninsula, off of Houdek Rd.  These two growing sites are beautiful south-west facing slopes that grow grapes which exude bright minerality and balanced acid along with strong fruit characteristics. 

The Bel Lago vineyards have been lovingly cared for by both Dr. Charles Edson, and The Moreno Family since they were planted. Tomas Moreno Jr.  took over primary vineyard management that was held by his father, the late Tomas Moreno Sr.  and continues to lead a devoted, knowledgeable group of full time employees.

In 2018 The Heekin Family purchased 100 acres that was formerly Longview Vineyard and Winery, north of Leland.  The land is adjacent to Bel Lago’s North Vineyard, and the vines were being cared for by the Bel Lago Vineyard Crew. Bel Lago Winery was currently for sale during that period and was also purchased by John Heekin and his wife, Lynn. 

The Heekin Family has strong ties to the Leland area including a family home on North Lake Leelanau where they have visited for four generations.

These acquisitions of fertile terroir on the Leelanau Peninsula fulfilled a lifelong dream of owning a farm in their families favorite place.