Best Old Mission Peninsula Wineries to Visit this Summer
The Old Mission Peninsula, located just minutes from Downtown Traverse City, is the heart of Michigan’s wine region. It sits close to the 45th parallel, which is the same latitude as the Rhone Valley in France, or Piedmont in Italy. This, along with the Grand Traverse Bay, provides the ideal maritime climate and rich soil for growing delicious grapes.
This narrow 19-mile stretch of land is home to 10 wineries. With breathtaking views, Old Mission is the perfect wine destination for your next getaway.
Bowers Harbor Winery
2896 Bowers Harbor Road
The Bowers Harbor Vineyard produces over 30 wines and ciders, and offers wine tastings and dinners in a beautiful tasting room overlooking Grand Traverse Bay. They even have a dog-friendly patio for enjoying the amazing views of the vines with your best friend.
2 Lads
16985 Smokey Hollow Road
With 23 acres of established vineyards, 2 Lads Winery specializes in cool climate red wines like Pinot Noir or Cabernet Franc and sparkling wines, even a sparkling rosé. The modern, 10,500 sq ft facility is environmentally friendly and features stunning views of East Grand Traverse Bay.
Brys Estate Vineyard & Winery
3309 Blue Water Road
Spanning 111 acres, this is one of the largest vineyards and wineries on Old Mission Peninsula. Its 58,000 vines are planted less than a mile from Lake Michigan in an excellent terrior. The winery includes an old-world tasting room and a unique outdoor deck with panoramic views of the vineyards and the lake.
Be sure to also venture to their secret garden, located past the vineyards in the valley below. Its lavender garden is set to bloom during the summer months of July and August. The scent is so fragrant!
Chateau Chantal
15900 Rue de Vin
Located atop a hill, Chateau Chantal offers expansive views of the vineyards, farmland, and the Grand Traverse Bay stretching across both sides of the peninsula. You can admire the scenic views in all directions from its tasting room and patios. The winery even includes an inn for a French-style B&B experience.
Chateau Chantal focuses on Michigan wines, producing Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc, and other varietals.
Black Star Farms
360 McKinley Rd. East
While their actual vineyard and farm are located on neighboring Leelanau Peninsula, Black Star Farms has a wine tasting room on Old Mission Peninsula. Relax and enjoy the cozy ambiance while sipping on a glass of wine from an extensive selection of over 45 wines, ciders, and spirits.
Chateau Grand Traverse
12239 Center Road
As Northern Michigan’s oldest winery, Chateau Grand Traverse offers a wide selection of home-grown varietal and fruit wines. Enjoy their complimentary guided winery tours, beautiful views, and overnight stays at their inn. Wine tastings are offered on a first come, first-serve basis, at just $7 per person!
Tabone Vineyards
14916 Peninsula Drive
Located off Peninsula Drive, this winery focuses on small-batch, estate-grown wines, including Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, and more. Reservations are recommended for anyone visiting the bustling vineyaard, while walk-ins are permitted as space permits.
Hawthorne Vineyards
1000 Camino Maria Dr.
Located on over 80 acres, Hawthorne Vineyards has one of the most secluded Old Mission Peninsula tasting room sites. It is located on a high bluff, overlooking both East and West Grand Traverse Bay. The winery also hosts an outdoor patio, as well as a wood-burning fireplace where you can get cozy while enjoying a glass of wine and admiring the views.
Peninsula Cellars
11480 Center Rd
The Kroupa family has been farming the land at the Penninsula Cellars for over a hundred years. The historic Maple Grove Schoolhouse serves as their tasting room, offering red and white varietals, fruit wines, and hard ciders in a warm, charming coming atmosphere. The winery takes a minimalist approach to their wine with simple flavors that are sure to please the palate.
Mari Vineyards
8175 Center Road
As an homage to his Italian roots, Mari Vineyards’ founder Marty Lagina planted European varieties such as Nebbiolo and Sangiovese alongside classically grown Michigan varieties like Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Riesling. Even the building and the drive up to it are designed to make you feel like you’ve been transported to Tuscany. The tasting room offers views of the vineyards, as well as soaring views of East Grand Traverse Bay.
Experience the Best of Old Mission Peninsula at Delamar Traverse City
As the newest addition to the Delamar family, Delamar Traverse City offers exquisite views of Grand Traverse Bay, a waterfront Restaurant, and the perfect home base from which to explore the wineries at Old Mission Peninsula. Book your stay with us today and enjoy Michigan’s lush wine tradition first hand!