Aurora Cellars, a gem in the Simpson Family Estates crown, reflects the deep agricultural roots of siblings Sam and Taylor Simpson. Intrigued by the unique potential of the land's compact clay soil and rolling hills, they acquired the property and envisioned a vineyard pushing the boundaries of viticulture and winemaking.

The Simpsons, with their rich farming heritage and forward-thinking approach, embraced the challenge of crafting world-class cool-climate reds on the northern edge of a viticultural region. Their innovative spirit and edgy business practices have garnered national recognition for these distinctive cool-climate wines.

Aurora Cellars specializes in cool-climate red wines, particularly Blaufrankisch, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot. These grapes thrive in the unique terroir of the Leelanau Peninsula. The region's rolling hillsides boast a distinctive hard-compact clay soil composition, while the nearby lakes moderate the climate. These factors combine to create ideal conditions for grapes that favor cooler temperatures, resulting in wines with refreshing acidity.

Beyond their signature reds, Aurora Cellars' commitment to cool-climate varieties extends to white wines like Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, and Pinot Gris, and even reds like Pinot Noir and Zweigelt.

Aurora Cellars embraces the inherent advantages of cool-climate viticulture. Cooler temperatures allow grapes to retain vibrant acidity, a hallmark of their wines. While ripening may take longer, the resulting reds are lighter-bodied with lower alcohol content. This balance is complemented by a core of robust flavor, creating an elegant and nuanced expression. These characteristics, often described as tart and fresh, are what make cool-climate wines so captivating to wine enthusiasts.