Exploring the Vineyards of Traverse City, MI
Along with being the Cherry Capital of the world, Traverse City is slowly and steadily growing its reputation in the wine industry. Located on the 45th parallel, which is considered Ideal for the production of varietal wine grapes, you will Old Mission Peninsula (The peninsula that separates the East and West Bays of Traverse City), and on Old Mission Peninsula you will find seven different prestigious vineyards all with exceptional reputations and varieties of different locally produced wines! Many of these vineyards have been recognized internationally for their brilliant production of Rieslings, Chardonnays, Pinot Noirs, Pinot Grigios, Gewürztraminer, Sparkling varieties and most esteemed Ice Wines. There are many events and wine tastings that are composed of all seven of the vineyards of Old Mission and to access information regarding the Wines of Old Mission Peninsula group and events please visit this site. The elite seven of Old Mission Peninsula all have a vast array of styles and techniques. The best way to insure you enjoy your wine tasting experience I suggest you read the descriptions below to see which vineyard experience is most compatible to your personal preferences.
2 Lads Winery
There is one word that Jumps out at you when you think of 2 Lads Winery, Contemporary! This young, energy efficient multi-level complex gives a new and modern twist to the ancient art of viticulture. With their Gravity-Flow techniques they aim to minimize energy use and handling to produce a more natural wine. 2 Lads offers Wine Tastings, Classes, and dining experiences at their location and information about these events can be found on their website.
Black Star Winery
At Black Star Winery they are most well known for their institution of their bed and breakfast, despite the fact that you could rent a whole Lake Front Cottage on Long Lake for about the same price as one of their rooms, they have attempted to create a unique atmosphere to available to any wine enthusiast who wished to visit or stay with them. They have two separate winery production facilities with adjacent tasting rooms, a distillery and equestrian facilities.
Bower’s Harbor Vineyard
Bower’s Harbor Vineyard is a Family owned and Operated Facility and one of the largest vineyards on Old Mission. There are 5 separate Vineyards with their vast variety of grapes and a tasting room! Also located on the premises is the microbrewery/restaurant the Jolly Pumpkin! This is a located on the West side of the Peninsula and is great location for watching the Sun Set over West Bay!
Brys Estate Vineyard & Winery
Traditional and classy, Brys Estate Vineyard & Winery’s tasting room is constructed of Brick and Mahogany giving it a very sophisticated and classy ambiance. If you are looking to be swept up in a historical setting with surrounded by authentic wine barrels with a baby grand piano in the playing in the corner, this is the spot for you!
Chateau Chantal
Offering cellar tours and wine tastings daily, Chateau Chantal prides itself on its old-world milieu. Also offering an Bed and Breakfast experience (also with comparable rates as those for a Lake Front Cottage on Long Lake) this Old School chateau also provides classes for you to learn how to make wine, and gain a better understanding of the world of viticulture!
Chateau Grand Traverse
This family owned Vineyard offers 18 varieties of wines. Chateau Grand Traverse is the oldest and largest commercial vineyard in Northern Michigan and is one of the most easily recognized wines from Grand Traverse Bay Area. Chateau Grand Traverse was the first vineyard and winery to implement exclusive use of European grape vines in the state. This vineyard is located at a highpoint of the Peninsula giving you a view of both East and West Bay! Offering a variety of tours and access to their Inn this would be a great stop for the casual connoisseur.
Peninsula Cellars
With their minimalistic approach to wine making, the Family owned and operated Peninsula Cellars strives to created exposure of the local atmosphere to their products. Many studies have proven that the tasting pallet can pick up the subtle tastes provided by the soil, air and surrounding vegetation. With a renovated old School house as their tasting room, Peninsula Cellars provides the “Old Mission” setting to their customers while educating them of their vast varieties of wines.
If you do not know which one to choose, remember to make sure to check the Old Mission Peninsula Wines Group page for collective wine tasting events where you can experience all Old Mission Peninsula has to offer!
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