Explore and taste the best of Michigan’s wines with a visit to Traverse City’s wineries! Located in Northern Michigan, this charming city is home to some of the world’s finest wines. From crisp whites and bold reds to unique blends, discover what makes Traverse City wine special. Take an unforgettable journey through local vineyards, sample award-winning vintages, and learn more about the region’s rich viticulture history. With so much fun awaiting you in Traverse City’s wineries, it may be time for a trip up north!

Overview of Traverse City Wineries

Traverse City is home to more than 40 wineries, each with its own unique style and selection of wines. Winemakers in the region focus on producing high-quality wines from local grapes, as well as imports.

The city offers a variety of tasting experiences to fit any budget, ranging from affordable wine flights to private tours and exclusive tastings.

Visitors can also take part in special events, such as barrel tastings, food pairings, and more. No matter which winery you choose to visit, you’re sure to find a wine that suits your palette!

“Located on the 45th Parallel, we literally line up with the most prestigious wine regions of Europe (think Bordeaux and Piedmont). We attribute our happy grapes to the natural insulation of Lake Michigan, to our fertile soil and to the long hours of sunlight for extended growing seasons…which altogether makes the people pretty happy, too.” (source)

What types of wines are produced in the region?

Traverse City wineries produce a variety of wines, from traditional varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay to more unique blends.

What started as sweeter wines moved towards the following crisp whites and bold reds:

REDS: Cab Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot

WHITES: Pinot Blanc, Pinot Grigio, and Riesling

The winemakers also craft sparkling wines, dessert wines, and fortified wines. No matter what your preference is, you’re sure to find something you enjoy in Traverse City’s wineries!

What is unique about Traverse City wineries?

“The Great Lakes have a significant impact on Michigan’s climate; in particular, weather patterns in the state’s western portion are at the mercy of the gigantic Lake Michigan.

For good reason, the majority of pure Michigan grapes are planted within 25 miles of this shore. The vast Lake Michigan cools the air along the shore, producing a perfect storm that protects crops from early frosts in the fall and early blooming in the spring.

Furthermore, while lake effect snow appears to be destructive, it really benefits the vines by creating an insulating layer that shields them from Michigan’s severe cold air.

Michigan’s winemaking industry is boosted by its exact location on the 45th Parallel. This line is positioned equidistantly between the Equator and North Pole and provides temperatures ideal for growing great grapes – not too hot and not too cold. Wines produced here compete with those grown in world-renowned wine regions like Bordeaux in France, or Piedmont in Italy.

Michigan wine country has five senior AVAS.

The five American Wine Regions (AVA) of Michigan—Fennville, the Lake Michigan shoreline, the Leelanau Peninsula, the Old Mission Peninsula, and Cape Mitt—produce wines with a range of characteristics. Nearly the majority of Michigan’s wine grapes are grown within 40 kilometers of Lake Michigan, which is shared by all five regions. The lake effect creates a pleasant microclimate when compared to the state’s central plain. Southern winemaking regions usually have prolonged growing seasons than in northern areas.

A well-known wine region in Michigan is the Greater Traverse City region, which includes the Leelanau and Old Mission Peninsulas. The environment, which is dominated by lakes and has sandy soil with good drainage, enables a longer growing season than in most of the Midwest of the United States. More than half of Michigan’s wine varieties are grown in this area.”

(source)

5 Recommended Wineries to Visit in Traverse City

When visiting Traverse City wineries, it is important to plan ahead and make the most of your time. Research each winery in advance to ensure you have a clear idea of its offerings and what type of experience you can expect. Make sure to bring along a designated driver if you’re planning on tasting wines.

Here are a few top spots to start with! See the full list of Traverse City wineries here.

#1. Brys Estate Vineyard & Winery: 3309 Blue Water Rd, Traverse City, MI 49686

Brys Estate Vineyard & Winery spans 155 acres and is the largest contiguous winery estate on Old Mission Peninsula.

Opened in 2005, they are a family-run business that crafts wines from our 53,000 vines planted less than a mile from Lake Michigan.

The Brys experience includes an old-world tasting room, unique Upper Deck, and a barn-turned-guest house that offers panoramic views of the bay and Old Mission Peninsula.

Rated the #1 Winery and Vineyard in Traverse City on TripAdvisor

“The views are amazing, and the wine is fantastic. This was our second trip to the winery, first time on the deck. Make a reservation, great for couples or groups.” – Alisa H

“Beautiful! Book a reservation for the deck! Such great wine and food! The staff was so kind and fun!” – Taylor O.

View their website here.

This is a must-try for wineries in Traverse City Old Mission Peninsula.

#2. MAWBY Sparkling Wine: 4519 S Elm Valley Rd, Suttons Bay, MI 49682

Mawby planted their first vines in 1973 and established vineyards in 1976. They exclusively produce sparkling wine.

This is one of our favorites to visit in Traverse City!

“MAWBY is one of our favorites on Leelanau. Their sparkling wines are all good and they have great views of the vineyards from the tasting room. They are only doing flights and wines by the glass and their pours are large. Highly recommended!” – Ashleigh M

“Unique Leelanau Penisnsula, West Traverse City Bay Winery offering good quality Michigan SPARKLING wine flights in a scenic patio tasting area. Requires reservations and plan ~1 hour stay for Flight tasting + light appetizers. Great place to visit driving between Trav City and Sleeping Bear Dunes.” – MPH

View their website here.

#3. Blustone Vineyards: 780 N Sylt Rd, Lake Leelanau, MI 49653

Voted Red Hot Best winery on the Leelanau Peninsula for three years in a row, the vineyard is tucked away on 40 acres in the heart of the Leelanau Peninsula. Experience handcrafted wines in a modern, hilltop tasting room or on the patio with panoramic views of the vineyard and the beautiful Leelanau landscape.

“A beautiful building. Love sitting out on their patio overlooking their vines while drinking a cold bottle of their Pinot Grigio. Joining their wine club is a great deal. Can’t wait to return this spring!” – Tom A

“Great place with excellent wines. Even the food was exquisite! It was worth checking out, even in the wintertime! You must add this place to your Leelanau wine trails!” – Andrea K

“The tasting room is on a hill overlooking the vineyards, and the view is expansive. I ordered hummus with veggies and chips to accompany my wine and the view. There is outdoor seating, which is a nice touch on a sunny day. The wine and snacks were good, and it was a lovely way to spend an hour.” – Karyn G

View their website here.

#4. Ciccone Vineyard & Winery:

Ciccone Vineyard & Winery presents one of northern Michigan’s most unique and picturesque wineries. The Old World tasting room is situated atop the rolling hills of the Leelanau Peninsula and features award-winning estate wines. Be sure to try their dessert wine while there!

Take a stroll through the vineyards and enjoy the striking views of West Grand Traverse Bay and restored turn-of-the-century barn. Experience the most exceptional backdrop for wine tours, wedding celebrations and other special occasions.

“Beautiful hilltop setting overlooking the west arm of Traverse Bay. Lots of tables outside, some under a large tent very comfortable seating…some tables & benches in the sun ..again breathtaking view, lovely landscaping all around.” – RetireeOTR

“Just AMAZING! Thank you for making my job as a wine tour guide easy in the middle of a blizzard! The staff stayed open for my group which was so awesome! The staff gave us great service and some history of the winery which my group loved. They had a cozy fire going and great wines. I’ll be back, thanks so much!” Mike – Magic Shuttle Bus

View their website here.

#5. Chateau Chantal Winery & Tasting Room: 15900 Rue de Vin, Traverse City, MI 49686

Chateau Chantal is a unique development that combines a winery, vineyards, bed and breakfast, residence, six private home sites, and winding roads, all of which combine to create an experience in Northern Hospitality.

The 65 acre site sits high atop a ridge 12 miles north of Traverse City, Michigan on the beautiful and historic Old Mission Peninsula.

Chateau Chantal crafts many styles of wine, allowing the grape to dictate the style. The location’s unparalleled views and outstanding staff play host to B&B activities, cooking classes, wine education opportunities, conferences and meetings, small weddings, and friendly regional wine events.

Voted #2 Winery on TripAdvisor!

“Fantastic weekend!! My husband and I were at their bed and breakfast over the weekend to celebrate my birthday! There was a Fire And Ice Festival and Dinner which was wonderful! Everyone there went out of their way to make sure that everything was spectacular! We highly recommend this beautiful place for a memorable experience!” – Paula R

“This was our second visit to this winery. The first time we had dinner but this time we only did the wine tasting. The wines are wonderful and the grounds are magnificent. I would definitely recommend this winery.” – KarenM1_10

“We were on the Old Mission Peninsula and made a last minute stop at this winery-and I’m glad we did. They offered wine tasting that you could pick yourself. The estate was on of the most beautiful I have seen on top of the hill, overlooking a lake. Our server was very knowledgeable and able to point us in the right direction for dry vs sweet wines. They had several wines that were very good and reasonably priced. They also had an inviting patio to sit on and enjoy the wine.” – Amanda

View their website here.

Plan an itinerary for visiting local vineyards and tasting rooms

Traverse City’s wineries offer an incredible variety of experiences beyond just sampling and purchasing wines.

From wine tastings hosted by local experts to vineyard tours led by expert winemakers, visitors can explore the complex processes behind vinification and gain insight into how the region’s terroir affects the taste of its wines.

Additionally, many wineries in the region host special events like barrel tastings and food pairings, allowing visitors to learn more about wine-food pairings as well as sample rare and aged vintages.

For a truly unique experience, visitors can even attend harvest festivals at certain wineries – a great way to celebrate the bounty of Northern Michigan. With its wide range of attractions, Traverse City’s wineries are perfect for both wine connoisseurs and casual enthusiasts looking for a memorable experience.

Book your stay with Urban Bay Escapes and we can help you with your itinerary!