Wineries of the Old Mission Peninsula Wine Trail
Brief History of the Old Mission Peninsula Wine Region
The Wineries of the Old Mission Peninsula Wine Trail takes visitors on a journey through the rich history and thriving viticultural region of the Old Mission Peninsula. Established in 1838, the peninsula's roots trace back to the founding of a mission by Reverend Peter Dougherty, whose legacy is preserved in historic landmarks like the Dougherty Mission House and the Old Mission Inn. Today, with 10 wineries, the peninsula stretches 19 miles northward from Traverse City, offering diverse landscapes and benefiting from its designation as an American Viticultural Area (AVA) since 1987. With sandy soils and a unique climate, the Old Mission Peninsula AVA produces renowned Michigan wines, led by Pinot Noir and Riesling, symbolizing its significant contribution to Michigan's winemaking heritage.
Learn more about the wine making history in Michigan: Exploring Michigan's Viticultural Landscape and Wine Making History
Learn more about the Traverse City Wine Coast: Grapes by the Bay: Traverse City Wine Coast - Leelanau Peninsula and Old Mission Peninsula
Wine Styles and Types of the Old Mission Peninsula Wineries
Each of the 10 tasting rooms are located within the vineyards and provide a distinctive experience, ranging from rustic converted barns to elegant French chateaus, Italian villas, and modern architectural marvels, each exuding its own unique character. The diversity within this small wine region ensures there's something to suit every taste and preference.
Old Mission Peninsula wines encompass a wide range, primarily focusing on cool-climate European Vinifera varieties. Riesling, the most widely grown variety, dominates, while other common white wines include Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Gewürztraminer. For reds, there's a focus on the elegance of cool-climate varieties like Pinot Noir and Cabernet Franc, along with Merlot and Gamay Noir. Beyond table wines, there's a variety of styles available, including rosé, sparkling, sweet, and late harvest wines. The region's crisp acidity lends itself well to sparkling wines, with each winery offering its unique interpretation. Additionally, many wineries offer fruit wines, especially cherry wine, as a nod to the area's cherry tree heritage, along with ciders.
When to Visit the Old Mission Peninsula
Snowshoeing through the vineyard at Bowers Harbor Vineyards - Old Mission Peninsula Wine Trail
Old Mission Peninsula wineries offer many experiences throughout the year. While summer showcases lush foliage and vibrant vineyards, winter transforms the landscape into a winter wonderland. Visitors can enjoy snowshoe experiences amidst the vineyards, complemented by stops for hot mulled wine or cider by cozy fire pits. Year-round enjoyment awaits, but it's advisable to book in advance, especially during the busy summer season and holiday weekends. Spring has mild temperatures and budding vineyards, ideal for peaceful tastings with fewer crowds. Summer is the peak season for warm outdoor tastings, while fall brings a breathtaking display of colors and harvest festivities. Even in winter, wineries offer cozy indoor tastings by crackling fireplaces, providing a serene retreat for wine enthusiasts.
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Listing of Wineries on the Old Mission Peninsula Wine Trail
Black Star Farms Old Mission
Established in 1998, Black Star Farms has become a sought-after destination within the beautiful landscapes of the Leelanau Peninsula, featuring an additional tasting room on the Old Mission Peninsula. The Leelanau location highlights early American architecture, surrounded by stately buildings and charming horse farms. Here, guests can indulge in luxurious accommodations at the on-site inn, savor various dining options, and partake in gourmet culinary events paired with their wines. Beyond the tasting room, visitors can explore a distillery, a farm-to-table café, an equestrian center, and scenic hiking trails. During winter visits, guests can enjoy snowshoeing along easy to moderate trails, followed by a cozy glass of mulled wine on the heated Terrace Patio. Indulge in hearty house-made soup at the tasting room or relish wood-fired pizza at Bistro Polaris, all while soaking in the enchanting views of the snow-covered woods, orchards, and vineyards. On the Old Mission Peninsula, visitors can experience the charm of Black Star Farms Old Mission tasting room, offering views of vineyards, orchards, and the serene Grand Traverse Bay.
Wine to Try: Gamay Noir, a light to medium-bodied red wine with flavors of cherry and raspberries with a subtle earthy finish.
Grapes and Wine Styles:
White Wines: Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Gewürztraminer
Red Wines: Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Gamay Noir
Hybrid Wines: Dornfelder, Regent, Marquette, Chancellor
Styles: Orange Wine, Sparkling, Rose, Ice Wine, Late Harvest Wine, Sherry, Fruit Wine
Contact: 360 McKinley Road E. Traverse City, MI 49686 Phone: 231-944-1300 Website: Black Star Farms
Brys Estate Vineyard & Winery
Vineyard growing Pinot Noir at Brys Estate Vineyard and Winery - Old Mission Peninsula Wine Trail
After visiting Napa Valley in 1975, Walt and Eileen Brys were inspired to pursue winemaking. After exploring various potential locations, they settled on an 1890s homestead on the Old Mission Peninsula. The site, featuring 80 acres of old cherry orchard, four barns, and migrant quarters, seemed ideal. In 2004, construction began on their new winery and tasting room, modeled after the rustic elegance of a Napa Valley winery including exposed brick and rich wood accents. By 2004, the estate's initial 10,000 vines produced their first harvest. Today, Brys Estate stands as a family-owned and operated winery, spanning 155 acres with 53,000 vines. Visitors can experience the charm of the rustic tasting room and enjoy sweeping views from the elevated deck overlooking the vineyards and East Grand Traverse Bay. The Lawn Bar offers a outdoor setting to savor a glass of wine, while outdoor enthusiasts can explore our Winter Trail for snowshoeing or hiking. For a peaceful getaway, a Private Guesthouse provides accommodations with vineyard and bay views. And don't miss the enchanting Secret Garden, with its lavender fields, flower gardens, and quaint shop offering lavender-infused delights. This is another stop that you may want to take a little extra time to explore beyond the tasting room or enjoy a glass and the scenery on the deck or in the garden.
Wine to Try: Cab/Merlot with red and black fruit raspberry and hints of vanilla or the Double Gold American Fine Wine Competition winning 2022 Dry Riesling Reserve with stone fruit, white peach and apricot.
Grapes and Wine Styles:
White Wines: Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Gewürztraminer
Red Wines: Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Pinot Noir
Styles: Sparkling, Rose, Cider
Contact: 3309 Blue Water Rd, Traverse City, MI 49686 Phone: 231-223-9303 Website: Brys Estate
Mari Vineyards
Mari Vineyards, a magnificent estate resembling a castle or Tuscan wine estate, was founded by Marty Lagina in honor of his Italian grandmother. Alongside traditional Michigan grape varieties, Marty planted less common ones like Nebbiolo and Sangiovese, facilitated by their proprietary hoop house system covering approximately six acres. This system extends the growing season, allowing grapes to fully ripen. All the wine produced is 100% estate-grown on their 73 acres of vineyards with sandy glacial loam soils. Visitors can indulge in wine flights or glasses in the tasting room by the fire, sample small bites from the kitchen, or enjoy outdoor seating overlooking East Grand Traverse Bay. Behind-the-scenes tours of the production facility and wine caves offer a glimpse into their winemaking process.
Wine to Try: The famous ROW 7 Red Blend with notes of Brambleberry, baking spice. Or the Pinot Nero, Pinot Noir with notes of cherry, clove, cola, and vanilla.
Grapes and Wine Styles:
White Wines: Chardonnay, Gewürztraminer, Grüner Veltliner, Malvasia Bianca, Pinot Bianco, Pinot Grigio, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Tocai Friulano, Rieslaner
Red Wines: Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Gamay Noir, Lagrein, Malbec, Merlot, Nebbiolo, Petit Verdot, Pinot Noir, Refosco, Nostrana, Sangiovese, Schioppettino, Syrah, Teroldego
Wine Styles: Sparkling, Rose, Late Harvest
Contact: 8175 Center Rd, Traverse City, MI 49686 Phone: 231-938-6116 Website: Mari Vineyards
Hawthorne Vineyards
Bruce and Cathleen Hawthorne, with deep ancestral roots in Northern Michigan, pursued their agricultural passion by delving into winemaking. Acquiring an 80-acre farm on Old Mission Peninsula, already with grapevines, cherries, and plums, they expanded the vineyard to 26 acres, prioritizing agricultural preservation.
At Hawthorne Vineyards, guests can enjoy wine by the glass and tasting flights. Within in the serene landscape of Old Mission Peninsula, the estate offers panoramic views of the Grand Traverse Bays. Despite being close to Traverse City, the secluded location atop a high bluff ensures a peaceful environment, surrounded by preserved land and embraced by nature. The intimate tasting room provides a cozy setting, while the outdoor patio offers breathtaking bay vistas and a warm fireplace, inviting guests to unwind and savor the moment.
Wine to Try: For those with an affinity for sweet wines, try in the award winning Delish, an aromatic blend crafted from their estate's finest white wines.
Grapes and Wine Styles:
White Wines: Chardonnay, Auxerrois, Pinot Grigio
Red Wines: Gamay Noir, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc, Merlot
Styles: Rose, Late Harvest, Fruit Wine, Cider
Contact: 1000 Camino Maria, Traverse City, MI 49686 Phone: 231-929-4206 Website: Hawthorne Vineyards
Chateau Chantal Winery and Inn
View from the deck seating at Chateau Chantal Winery - Old Mission Peninsula Wine Trail
Chateau Chantal, established as the second bonded winery on the Old Mission Peninsula, embodies the vision of the Begin family. Robert and Nadine Begin, leaving their church roles, ventured into winemaking after purchasing a 65-acre cherry farm in 1983. Inspired by European winemaking, they planted Vinifera vines and opened Chateau Chantal in 1993, offering both wine and hospitality. Their daughter, Marie Chantal Dalese, now leads the legacy, preserving their commitment to excellence. As they celebrated 30 years in 2022, Chateau Chantal remains an enduring symbol of wine and hospitality, guided by the spirit of its founders.
With stunning landscapes, the estate features a grand French-style Chateau as its centerpiece. Visitors can enjoy various tasting experiences, from standard tastings in the tasting room to reserved tables with small bites indoors or outdoors on the deck, offering breathtaking vineyard and bay views. For a special culinary journey, attend one of there Wine Dinners, featuring a six-course wine pairing dinner prepared by the in-house chef with locally sourced ingredients. Additionally, guests can experience luxury accommodations at the onsite Bed and Breakfast, offering comfortable rooms and spacious suites with terrace or balcony views of the vineyard and water, complemented by elegant furnishings and inviting fireplaces for cooler evenings.
Wine to Try: Try one of their Reds or White in the Naughty or Nice series.
Grapes and Wine Styles:
White Wines: Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Pinot Blanc, Gewurztraminer, Vidal, Auxerrois
Red Wines: Gamay Noir, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Malbec, Pinot Noir
Styles: Rose, Sparkling, Late Harvest, Port, Ice Wine, Fruit Wine, Cider
Contact Address: 15900 Rue Devin, Traverse City, MI 49686 Phone: 231-223-4110 Website: Chateau Chantal
Tabone Vineyards
A recent addition to the Old Mission Peninsula, this winery proudly displays a red cross on its exterior, symbolizing the Tabone family's Maltese heritage. Mario A. Tabone, the owner and winemaker, has nurtured the vineyard since 2003, with the first vintage crafted in 2014. Formerly grape growers, the Tabone’s recently transitioned to winemaking, producing estate-grown wines in small batches, notably Riesling, Chardonnay, and Pinot Gris. Their Old Mission Peninsula vineyard with over three decades of history, creates grapes with even ripening and concentrated flavors.
Wine to Try: Sample their range of sparkling wines, including the delightful Bubbly Riesling
Grapes and Wine Styles:
White Wines: Gewürztraminer, Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris
Red Wines: Pinot Meunier
Styles: Sparkling, Rose, Late Harvest
Contact: 14916 Peninsula Dr, Traverse City, MI 49686 Phone: 231-223-4101 Website: Tabone Vineyards
Bowers Harbor Vineyards
Bowers Harbor Vineyards Tasting Room - Old Mission Peninsula Wine Trail
Bowers Harbor Vineyards, founded by Spencer Stegenga in 1991, has evolved from a horse farm into a flourishing estate with 20 acres of vinifera vines. Spencer's wife Linda and their family reside on the property, where the former stable has been transformed into an inviting tasting room. The first to make stainless steel-fermented Chardonnay in Michigan, they offer a range of tasting experiences, from indoor sessions to outdoor patio tastings within the vineyard, complete with heated seating and a cozy firepit during the winter months. The estate welcomes families and well-behaved dogs. Featuring hiking trails and vineyard dogs, adds to the charm of the experience.
Among their cherished vineyards is the Langley Vineyard, honoring Spencer's grandfather, Harold Langley. Planted in 1999, this vineyard is home to Merlot, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Riesling, yielding grapes for their popular Bordeaux-style blend, '2896' Langley, composed of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Wine to Try: Unwooded Chardonnay, a crips wine with notes of apple, pear and citrus
Grapes and Wine Styles:
White Wines: Riesling, Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc
Red Wines: Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon
Styles: Rose, Sparkling, Fruit Wine, Cider
Contact: 2896 Bowers Harbor Rd, Traverse City, MI 49686 Phone: 231-223-7615 Website: Bowers Harbor Vineyards
Bonobo Winery
Bonobo Winery, founded by Traverse City natives Todd and Carter Oosterhouse, aims to provide top-tier wines in a relaxed yet refined setting, offering guests an educational tasting experience without intimidation. Committed to their community, they prioritize employing local residents and utilizing local resources on their 19-acre vineyard. Their tastings, accompanied by optional small plates paired with their wines, can be enjoyed on their spacious deck overlooking the picturesque vineyards and water views of the bay, or indoors by the comforting fireplace. Inspired by their conservation efforts with the Bonobo Conservancy, their name reflects their dedication to protecting bonobos and preserving their rainforest habitat while supporting local communities in the Congo Basin.
Wine to try: Make sure to try their award-winning Cabernet Franc
Grapes and Wine Styles:
White Wines: Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Blanc, Riesling, Pinot Gris
Red Wines: Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petite Syrah
Styles: Sparkling, Rose
Contact: 12011 Center Rd, Traverse City, MI 49686 Phone: 231-282-9463 Website: Bonobo Winery
2 Lads Winery
2 Lads Winery Tasting Room - Old Mission Peninsula Wine Trail
Located on 58 acres, 2 Lads Winery has a striking 10,500 square foot facility, featuring a modern tasting room perched atop a hill with expansive windows offering breathtaking views. Setting it apart from others in the region, it exudes a distinct wow factor and high-end ambiance while sipping their beautiful sparkling wines. With 23 acres of vineyards established in three separate blocks since 1999, 2 Lads specializes in cool climate red and sparkling wines, complemented by limited runs of white varieties.
Emphasizing sustainability, 2 Lads Winery implements eco-friendly farming practices. Employing gravity-flow and gentle-handling techniques during juice and wine processing conserves energy and minimizes noise while delicately treating the wine. Unlike conventional methods involving pumps and filters, this approach preserves the wine's essence, allowing its aromatics, flavors, and colors to naturally develop into a sophisticated structure.
Wine to Try: Blanc Sparkling made with Pinot Gris and Riesling
Grapes and Wine Styles:
White Wines: Pinot Gris, Riesling
Red Wines: Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Malbec, Syrah
Styles: Rose, Sparkling, Late Harvest
Contact Address: 16985 Smokey Hollow Rd, Traverse City, MI 49686 Phone: 231-223-7722 Website: 2 Lads Winery
Chateau Grand Traverse
Patio at Chateau Grand Traverse - Old Mission Peninsula Wine Trail
Chateau Grand Traverse was the first winery on the Old Mission Peninsula and the first large-scale European vinifera vineyard in Michigan, Ed O'Keefe revolutionized the state's wine industry. His pioneering spirit in 1974 challenged the prevailing focus on French-American hybrid grapes, daring to cultivate European vinifera varieties. Inspired by his travels in Europe, O'Keefe envisioned producing high-quality wines, setting a new standard for Michigan viticulture.
At Chateau Grand Traverse, guests can indulge in various tasting experiences, from standard tastings at the bar to exclusive options like Private Barrel Room Tastings and Private Seated Tastings. While outside food isn't permitted, guests can enhance their tasting with a Chef’s Board add-on. Please note that only service dogs are allowed in the tasting room, so if you're traveling with a pet, you can enjoy the patio seating with your furry friend.
Additionally, for a fully immersive experience, guests can opt to stay at their Inn. Located adjacent to the winery, The Inn at Chateau Grand Traverse provides secluded and tranquil lodging designed exclusively for adults. Offering views of the vineyards, West Grand Traverse Bay, and Bowers Harbor Park, the inn's six elegantly appointed guest rooms offer a perfect sanctuary for romantic escapes or peaceful retreats.
Wine to Try: They offer a wine selection of Reisling style. Make sure to try the side by side to understand the differences in the vineyards site, vintages and wine making styles.
Grapes and Wine Styles:
White Wines: Chardonnay, Gewürztraminer, Grüner Veltliner, Pinot Grigio, Muscat Ottonel
Red Wines: Cabernet Franc, Gamay Noir, Merlot, Lemburger (Blaufränkisch), Pinot Meunier, Malbec, Petite Syrah, Syrah
Styles: Rose, Late Harvest, Fruit Wine
Contact: 12239 Center Rd, Traverse City, MI 49686 Phone: 231-938-6120 Website: Chateau Grand Traverse
Peninsula Cellars
Maple Grove Schoolhouse - Home to Peninsula Cellars Tasting Room - Old Mission Peninsula Wine Trail
For over a century, the Kroupa family has cultivated the land on Old Mission Peninsula, passing down the farming tradition through six generations. John Kroupa, the current owner and winemaker, continues the legacy of his ancestors. Peninsula Cellars prides itself on crafting wines exclusively from grapes grown on Old Mission Peninsula, with many sourced from the very land settled by the first Kroupas nearly 118 years ago. In 1991, the first Chardonnay and Riesling vineyards were planted at the Kroupa Estate, marking the beginning of Peninsula Cellars' winemaking journey.
By 1994, Peninsula Cellars released its inaugural wines, including Chardonnay, Riesling, Cherry Wine, and Raftshol Red. The following year saw the opening of the winery's first tasting room in the historic Old Mission General Store. In 1998, the Kroupa family acquired the Maple Grove Schoolhouse and relocated their tasting room to this iconic landmark.
The old Maple Grove School, once a hub of education from 1896 to 1958, now serves as a charming winery tasting room. Although rumors persist of hauntings by former school teachers, the building stands as a testament to both the region's history and Peninsula Cellars' commitment to preserving it.
Wine to try: The aromatic and acidic Gewurztraminer with noted of floral, tropical fruit, and spice
Grapes and Wine Styles:
White: Reisling, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay
Red: Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Lemburger (Blaufrankisch)
Hybrid: Baco Noir
Styles: Rose, Sparkling, Late Harvest, Fruit Wine, Cider
Contact: 11480 Center Rd, Traverse City, MI 49686 Phone: 231-933-9787 Peninsula Cellars