Five distinct wineries comprise the spectacular appellation of Old Mission Peninsula, superb wine growing country approved in 1987 as one of Michigan's four AVAs.
Unexpected Wine Country of Northern Michigan
A delicate finger of breathtaking beauty, Old Mission Peninsula (OMP) extends northward from Traverse City into Lake Michigan's Grand Traverse Bay. Nineteen miles long and 3 miles across at its widest, the land was historically devoted to growing cherries, one of Traverse City’s claims to fame.
This unique microclimate situated precisely at the 45th parallel (exactly halfway between the North Pole and the Equator) also happens to be the ideal environment for growing varietal wine grapes. A lakeside location holds the summer heat in check, while preventing temperatures from dropping too low in the winter. The result is a short but virtually frost-free 145-day growing season perfectly suited for the production of excellent handcrafted Riesling, Chardonnay, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc and Merlot, as well as specialty fruit wines, cherry port and sangria, and methode champenoise sparkling wines.
Old Mission Peninsula Wineries
Chateau Chantal
Location: 15900 Rue de Vin, off M-37, Traverse City, MI
Phone: (231) 223-4110
Hours: Open daily, year round. Summer 11-9 Mon-Sat, 12-5 Sun. Fall 11-7 Mon-Sat.
Located on a 65-acre OMP estate, the main building resembles a stately European chateau and boasts a spectacular drive that winds through rolling vineyards and ends 900 feet above sea level with a panoramic view of the bay on both sides of the peninsula. This unique Old World experience combines vineyard, winery, 11-room B&B and the friendly staff and proprietors Robert and Nadine Begin.
Chateau Grand Traverse
Location: 12239 Center Road, Traverse City, MI
Phone: (800) 283-0247
Hours: Summers Mon-Sat 10- 7 and Sun noon-6. Off-season 10-5 Mon-Sat, noon-5 Sun.
Set in the middle of Old Mission Peninsula, Chateau Grand Traverse offers spectacular views of Grand Traverse Bay and more than 100 acres of vineyards from its large tasting room. Founded in 1974 by Edward O'Keefe, the family-owned and operated winery is the oldest commercial winemaking operation in northern Michigan. This historic winery also functions as a six room B&B.
Bowers Harbor Vineyards
Location: 2896 Bowers Harbor Rd., Traverse City, MI
Phone: (800)616-7615
Hours: Open daily 11-6; Jan 1-April 1 open weekends.
A small family-run winery overlooking scenic Bowers Harbor is located just off M-37 on Old Mission Peninsula, nine miles north of Traverse City. Bowers Harbor does not have a winemaking facility, but instead oversees the crush at other wineries on the peninsula. The Stegenga family operates the cozy tasting gallery located inside a small blue building alongside 5 acres of vineyard overlooking Bowers Harbor Park and West Bay.
Brys Estate Vineyard & Winery
Location: 3309 Blue Water Road, Traverse City, MI
Phone: (231)223-9303
Hours: Tasting room open daily 11-6, Sun 12-6.
Enjoy a lovely view of East Bay from this small family-owned boutique winery. Situated on 80 acres, Brys Estate includes a late 19th century farmhouse, barn turned guest cottage, beautiful flower gardens and 23 acres of vineyards. You can sample their award-winning wines in a stately brick and mahogany tasting room with views into the barrel room where red wines are aged in traditional Bordeaux French oak barrels.
Peninsula Cellars
Location: 11480 Center Rd, Traverse City, MI
Phone (231) 933-9787
Hours: Open May-Nov10-6 Mon-Sat and noon-6 Sun.
You’ll find this nineteenth century red and white Maple Grove Schoolhouse-turned-winery situated seven miles north of Traverse City. The lessons of the tasting room are displayed on chalkboards and include the "Problem of the Day" and for those who’ve been apt to not drink the finest, repeated lines of blackboard punishment … "I will only drink good wine."
Left Foot Charley
Location: 806 Red Drive, Traverse City, MI
Phone:(231) 995-0500
Hours: Mon-Sat 11-7; Sun noon-6.
Not on the Peninsula but with a fate entwined, Left Foot Charley (LFC) is on the south end of Traverse City. LFC was conceived in 2004 when proprietor and winemaker Bryan Ulbrich (formerly of Peninsula Cellars) began making micro lots of wine from grapes grown by some of the smaller OMP vineyards.
Left Foot Charley is a bit out of the way, service that leaves a bit to be desired; and as a new winery, has few varieties of wine to offer. But keep an eye on LFC. Once it bottles a little more experience, it may improve with age.
For more information, see the website devoted to the wineries of Old Mission Peninsula. If you'd like to find more information on where to dine in the Traverse City area, see the Suite101 articles on OMP restaurants and places to dine in downtown Traverse City.
