A Wine Lover's Guide to Traverse City and the Old Mission Peninsula

The reasons behind the success of our wineries in Traverse City are actually quite technical. This area of the Midwest sits on the 45th parallel, which gives it a climate that is cool enough to produce world-class Riesling, sparkling wines, and other white wines (all wines that do best in cool-climate terroirs). The lake effect influences the climate as well, keeping the region from deep freezes, and sandy, nutrient-rich soils encourage the growth of the grapes. All of this combines to make ideal growing conditions, and with over 50 wineries in the area, is it any wonder why we are known as the Napa of the Midwest?

Although there are Traverse City wineries that are not on Old Mission Peninsula, this region is especially suited to wine making.

Chateau Chantal – Views, Wine, and a Bed & Breakfast Experience

Chateau Chantal was created by a former nun and priest, turning a former cherry orchard into the premier winery it is today. Offering stunning views of Grand Traverse Bay, the winery is especially known for their ice wine.

• Address: 15900 Rue de Vin, Traverse City, MI 49686

• Tasting Room Hours: 11 AM to 6 PM Sunday-Wednesday

• 11 AM to 8 PM Thursday-Saturday

• Distance from Traverse City: 14 miles north of downtown

• Tasting Room Menu

Brys Estate Vineyard & Winery – The Full Experience

Next on our list of wineries in Traverse City is Brys Estate Vineyard & Winery, a family-run estate famous for offering the full vineyard experience. This winery is the largest on the Old Mission Peninsula and also offers a “Secret Garden,” a 12-acre lavender oasis that features a gift shop selling everything lavender. In an area known for white wines, Brys is famous for its reds.

• Address: 3309 Blue Water Rd, Traverse City, MI 49686

• Tasting Room Hours: 11 AM to 7 PM (May 22-Sept 7)

• Distance from Traverse City: 11.5 miles north of downtown

• Visit Brys Estate

Bowers Harbor Vineyards – Charming and Approachable

What was once horse ranch has been a charming and approachable winery since 1991; it even offers a tasting room in a converted stable. Always an animal loving spot, dogs are welcome at this winery. They produce over 30 types of wine, cider, and mead.

• Address: 2896 Bowers Harbor Rd, Traverse City, MI 49686

• Tasting Room Hours: 11 AM to 6 PM Sunday-Thursday

• 11 AM to 7 PM Friday-Saturday

• Distance from Traverse City: 12 miles north of downtown

• Visit Bowers Harbor

There are 10 wineries located on the Old Mission Peninsula Wine Trail, and if you plan it right, you can visit each and every one. The ones we mentioned above are the best of the Traverse City wineries, but that doesn’t mean you should skip the others. We feel that they are all wonderful and each establishment has something wonderful to offer, so let’s start planning your wine trail journey.

Map Your Route Before You Go

A little pre-planning is quite easy, especially if you use the attached map to mark out your route before you go. As you can see by the purple dots, it is a straight line down a single road, making it nearly impossible to lose your way during your sipping journey.

Don't Drive – Plan Ahead for a Safe Wine Tour

Please don’t drive yourself (unless you have a designated driver who won’t be drinking). There are plenty of wine tour companies that will do the driving for you, including Wonderland Tours Traverse City. They will take you to all the wineries, ensuring you and everyone else on the road will remain safe as you taste your way through wine country.

• Address: 437 W Tenth St, Traverse City, MI 49684

• Phone: (231) 714-4156

• Book a Wine Tour

Having a home base is very important when touring wineries near Traverse City, MI. At Elevated Stays, we offer comfortable, spacious Traverse City vacation rentals, many of which feature wine refrigerators in which you can store your favorite bottles from your wine tour of Old Mission Peninsula. Contact us to your favorite property today!