Taking a day to savor the wines and the gorgeous landscapes of Traverse City and Old Mission Peninsula is a delightful Northern Michigan vacation attraction (designated driver recommended) that delights food and drink lovers. And this guide to wineries in Traverse City and Old Mission Peninsula makes planning your summer wine vacation a breeze.
Wineries on Old Mission Peninsula:
2 Lads
16985 Smokey Hollow Rd. | 231.223.7722Vintners Cornel Olivier and Chris Baldyga have made a name for themselves teasing out delicate, nuanced flavors from sustainably grown wines. The Two Lads’ state-of-the-art facility specializes in cool-climate reds, sparkling wines and small-batch whites.
Black Star Farms Old Mission
360 McKinley Rd. | 231.944.1300The cool atmosphere of this tasting room includes a cozy fireplace and a bar made of wine barrels. Try award-winning wines and brandies from the onsite distillery.
Bonobo Winery
12011 Center Rd. | 231.282.9463Founded by brothers Carter and Todd Oosterhouse, Bonobo Winery offers world-class wines in a rustic, yet elegant atmosphere with a breathtaking view.
Bowers Harbor Vineyards
2896 Bowers Harbor Rd. | 800.616.7615Sample this boutique winery’s award-winning varietals in a casual tasting room near Bowers Harbor Park. Don’t miss the signature meritage blend, 2896 Langley Vineyard.
Brys Estate
3309 Blue Water Rd. | 231.223.9303The luxe tasting room here is a perfect complement to vintner Coenraad Stassen’s sophisticated wines. Sip on artful reds and crisp whites while enjoying the scenery from the brick patio. Explore the seasonal Secret Garden at Brys Estate, consisting of over 5,000 lavender plants, a fresh flower garden, strawberry and blueberry patches and an herb garden. (Garden open Memorial Day weekend through November)
Chateau Chantal
15900 Rue de Vin | 800.969.4009This Old World–inspired winery and B&B sits on a hilltop, affording gorgeous views of grapevine-trellised hillsides and Grand Traverse Bay. Here’s an inside look at a wine cellar tour at Chateau Chantal!
Chateau Grand Traverse
12239 Center Rd. | 231.223.7355This winery helped put Michigan on the map for world-class wines. Showcasing fine reds, whites, rieslings and specialty cherry wines.
Hawthorne Vineyards
1000 Camino Maria Dr. | 231.929.4206Only 4 miles north of Traverse City, Hawthorne offers single-estate bottlings and a secluded tasting room overlooking West Grand Traverse Bay.
Mari Vineyards
8175 Center Rd. | 231.938.6116
Sample an extensive selection of wine, including a wide variety of reds unlike anything else in Michigan, while enjoying beautiful views of East Grand Traverse Bay.
Peninsula Cellars
11480 Center Rd. | 231.223.4050A historic one-room schoolhouse serves as the tasting room for this family-run winery. The line here includes a selection of memorable fruit wines made from tart cherries, sweet cherries and apples.
Wineries and Tasting Rooms in Traverse City:
Cherry Republic
154 E. Front St. | 231.932.9205This “all ages” tasting room and shop celebrates the Cherry Capital’s namesake fruit with a number of cherry wines for adults and cherry sodas for kids.
Left Foot Charley
806 Red Dr. | 231.995.0500Find hard cider and great wines at this warehouse-cool tasting room at the Grand Traverse Commons. Don’t miss the live music on the patio or the Thursday Happy Hour featuring ethnic eats.
Olives and Wine
201 E. Front St. | 231.943.2850
The newly opened wine bar is bringing a taste of the Middle East to Front Street. Serving wines from around the world including bottles from Lebanon, Israel, Argentina and France mixed in with local Northern Michigan wines and a rotating menu of Greek and Mediterranean dishes.
