Our Story

Originating from the Great Lakes shoreline and the beautiful lakes and grapes surroundings of Traverse City, Michigan, Lakes and Grapes is a clothing and lifestyle brand rooted in the adventures of a lake, outdoor and wine country way of life.

Abby Clear is the founder & creative visionary behind the water, woods and wine inspired lifestyle brand. Lakes and Grapes was born out of Abby’s home in 2018, and has since grown into a national lifestyle brand. The brand was founded on the idea of connecting people with experiences. From traveling to new places, hiking new trails, swimming new waters, trying new wines, or just meeting a new friend. We aim to create and design apparel that empowers you to explore and experience more.

Our Products

We create products that are adventure inspired, ethically made and founded from a passion for great design.  Every one of our pieces reflects the #lakesandgrapes lifestyle. Our products are inspired from the trails, waters and vineyards we love. It’s clothes you can feel comfortable in whether you’re at the lake, at a winery, or just dreaming of being there. It’s about the memories that were made and the people they were shared with around a Lakes and Grapes moment.

“Living around a Great Lakes wine region, summers meant escaping to the lake, taking the boat out at sunset, enjoying happy hour at the marina or indulging in the local wine scene. Simply, life was better at the lake, surrounded by grapes. From boat cruises to sunset sips in the vines, some of my best memories were created with friends and family around the Lakes and Grapes lifestyle.” - Abby Clear, Founder

Our Founder

Lakes and Grapes is female owned and operated by Owner and CEO, Abby Clear. She created the brand in the Summer of 2018 out of her home off of two profound influences: lake life and the landscape and romance of a wine region. Having grown up in Traverse City on and around the water, along with a professional background in the wine industry, you could say she knows a few things about living a lakes and grapes filled lifestyle.
  
Prior to starting Lakes and Grapes, Abby was a D1 College Volleyball player. She continued on with her love of sports to work in the media/marketing departments for college & pro teams, along with the Big Ten Network as an on air commentator and sideline reporter. After having worked in sports Abby was ready for a change and moved back to Traverse City to follow in her passion in wine. After a few years working in wine marketing and winery operations, Abby decided it was time to start her dream of becoming an entrepreneur, and Lakes and Grapes was created. There was a journey to take before becoming the entrepreneur she dreamed of, but now she’s living and enjoying the Lakes and Grapes life. 
 
When Abby’s not working you can find her out boating, tasting at a local winery, enjoying downtown Traverse City, traveling to the west coast to see her family or taking advantage of all that the outdoors have to offer. 
 
It’s been over 4 years in and some things have changed, but still the same at its core. Abby is still having fun, creating a community of awesome people, building a business, designing gear, and sharing the gift of Lakes and Grapes with everyone she can.

Giving Back

We know we are small, but we also know that small is mighty. From donating meals, to creating apparel that gives back to different organizations, to planting trees with the National Forest Foundation, we are passionate about Lakes and Grapes doing good and making a positive impact.
 
We recognize the impact the fashion industry has on the world, and we’re dedicated to being better stewards of the planet. We’re always looking to do more and leaving the world better than we found it.
 
We’re a small business trying to make a big impact.