Best 6 Wineries in Traverse City MI: A Guide to the Top Vineyards in the Region
Traverse City, Michigan is a wine lover’s paradise, with numerous vineyards and wineries scattered throughout the region. The area is known for its cool climate, which is ideal for growing grapes that produce high-quality wines. Visitors to Traverse City can enjoy a wide variety of wine styles, from crisp whites to bold reds.
Brys Estate Vineyard & Winery is one of the most popular wineries in Traverse City, offering a wide selection of wines and stunning views of the surrounding countryside. The winery is known for its award-winning wines, including its Pinot Noir and Riesling. Visitors can enjoy tastings in the tasting room or on the outdoor patio, which overlooks the vineyards.
Other notable wineries in the area include Left Foot Charley, which is located in The Village at Grand Traverse Commons and offers a unique urban winery experience. Rove Estate Vineyard & Winery is another popular choice, with a beautiful deck that offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or just looking for a fun day trip, Traverse City’s wineries offer something for everyone.
Overview of Traverse City Wineries
Traverse City, Michigan is home to some of the best wineries in the country. The region is known for its cool climate, which is perfect for growing a variety of grapes, including Riesling, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay. With over 40 wineries in the area, visitors have plenty of options to choose from.
The wineries in Traverse City offer a wide range of experiences, from small, family-owned vineyards to large, commercial operations. Visitors can enjoy wine tastings, tours of the vineyards and wineries, and even food pairings. Many of the wineries also offer outdoor seating areas with stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
Traverse City has two distinct wine regions: the Leelanau Peninsula and the Old Mission Peninsula. The Leelanau Peninsula is known for its white wines, particularly Riesling, while the Old Mission Peninsula is known for its red wines, particularly Pinot Noir. Both regions offer a variety of wines, so visitors can find something to suit their tastes.
Some of the most popular wineries in Traverse City include Bowers Harbor Vineyards, Brys Estate Vineyard & Winery, and Chateau Grand Traverse. Bowers Harbor Vineyards is known for its award-winning wines and stunning views of the bay. Brys Estate Vineyard & Winery offers a variety of wine tastings and food pairings, while Chateau Grand Traverse is one of the oldest wineries in the region.
Overall, the wineries in Traverse City offer a unique and enjoyable experience for visitors. Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or just looking for a fun day out, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful wine region.
The Wine Varieties in Traverse City
Traverse City, MI is known for its award-winning wines, and the region is home to a variety of grape varieties that thrive in the area’s unique climate and soil. Some of the most popular wine varieties in Traverse City include Riesling, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc, and Gewurztraminer.
Riesling is one of the most widely planted grape varieties in Traverse City, thanks to the region’s cool climate and the grape’s ability to thrive in such conditions. The Riesling wines produced in Traverse City are known for their bright acidity and a range of flavors, from citrus and green apple to honey and petrol.
Pinot Noir is another popular wine variety in Traverse City, and the region’s cool climate and unique soil conditions lend themselves well to producing high-quality Pinot Noir wines. These wines are typically light to medium-bodied with notes of cherry, raspberry, and spice.
Cabernet Franc is a red grape variety that is well-suited to the climate and soil of Traverse City. The wines produced from this grape are typically medium-bodied with flavors of black cherry, blackberry, and green pepper.
Gewurztraminer is a white grape variety that is known for its floral and spicy aromas, and Traverse City is home to some of the best Gewurztraminer wines in the country. These wines are typically medium-bodied with flavors of lychee, rose petal, and ginger.
In addition to these popular grape varieties, Traverse City is also known for its fruit wines, which are made from a variety of fruits including cherry, apple, and peach. Traverse City’s unwooded Chardonnay and Lemberger wines are also gaining popularity among wine enthusiasts.
Traverse City wines typically have an alcohol content of around 12-14%, depending on the grape variety and winemaking techniques used. Whether you’re a seasoned wine connoisseur or just starting to explore the world of wine, Traverse City offers a wide range of wine varieties to suit every palate.
Top Wineries in Traverse City
Traverse City, Michigan is known for its beautiful wineries and vineyards. Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or just enjoy a good glass of wine, Traverse City has something for everyone. Here are some of the top wineries in Traverse City that you should definitely check out:
Chateau Grand Traverse Winery
This winery is located on the Old Mission Peninsula and has been producing award-winning wines for over 40 years. They offer a variety of wines, including Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Cabernet Franc. They also have a tasting room where you can sample their wines and learn about the winemaking process.
Website: http://www.cgtwines.com/
Address: 12239 Center Rd, Traverse City, MI 49686, United States
Brys Estate Vineyard and Winery
Located on the Old Mission Peninsula, Brys Estate Vineyard and Winery is known for its stunning views and delicious wines. They offer a variety of wines, including Pinot Noir, Riesling, and Cabernet Franc. They also have a beautiful tasting room where you can sample their wines and enjoy the view.
Website: http://www.brysestate.com/
Address: 3309 Blue Water Rd, Traverse City, MI 49686, United States
Left Foot Charley
This winery is located in the Village at Grand Traverse Commons and is known for its unique urban winemaking process. They offer a variety of wines, including Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, and Pinot Noir. They also have a tasting room where you can sample their wines and learn about their winemaking process.
Website: http://leftfootcharley.com/
Address: 806 Red Dr Suite #100, Traverse City, MI 49684, United States
Chateau Chantal Winery
Located on the Old Mission Peninsula, Chateau Chantal Winery is known for its stunning views and delicious wines. They offer a variety of wines, including Riesling, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay. They also have a tasting room where you can sample their wines and enjoy the view.
Website: https://shop.chateauchantal.com/
Address: 15900 Rue Devin, Traverse City, MI 49686, United States
Mari Vineyards
This winery is located on the Old Mission Peninsula and is known for its delicious wines and stunning views. They offer a variety of wines, including Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay. They also have a tasting room where you can sample their wines and enjoy the view.
Website: https://www.marivineyards.com/
Address: 8175 Center Rd, Traverse City, MI 49686, United States
2 Lads Winery
Located on the Old Mission Peninsula, 2 Lads Winery is known for its modern architecture and delicious wines. They offer a variety of wines, including Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Cabernet Franc. They also have a tasting room where you can sample their wines and learn about their winemaking process.
Website: http://www.2lwinery.com/
Address: 16985 Smokey Hollow Rd, Traverse City, MI 49686, United States
Traverse City has many more wineries and vineyards to explore, each with its own unique charm and character. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway or a fun day out with friends, Traverse City’s wineries are sure to impress.
Wine Tasting Experiences
Traverse City is known for its world-class wineries and vineyards that offer unique wine-tasting experiences. Visitors can explore the diverse range of wines, from crisp whites to bold reds and enjoy tastings in a variety of settings.
Many wineries offer tastings in their tasting rooms, where visitors can sample a selection of wines and learn about the winemaking process. Some wineries also offer wine flights, which allow visitors to taste a range of wines side by side.
For those looking for a more personalized experience, private tastings are available at some wineries. These tastings often include a tour of the winery and a chance to taste exclusive wines not available in the tasting room.
Visitors can also enjoy tastings in outdoor settings, such as on a winery’s patio or overlooking the vineyards. These tastings offer a unique opportunity to savor the flavors of the wine while taking in the beautiful surroundings.
Accommodation and Dining Options
When visiting the wineries in Traverse City, visitors have a variety of accommodation and dining options to choose from.
For those looking for a cozy and intimate experience, bed and breakfasts are a popular choice. Some of the top-rated bed and breakfasts in Traverse City include the Wellington Inn, the Grey Hare Inn, and the Chateau Chantal Winery and Inn. These accommodations offer a comfortable and unique experience, often with beautiful views of the surrounding vineyards.
When it comes to dining options, many of the wineries offer breakfast, snacks, and charcuterie boards to pair with their wines. Visitors can enjoy a light breakfast or snack at the Brys Estate Vineyard and Winery, which offers a selection of pastries, fruit, and yogurt. Meanwhile, the Left Foot Charley Winery features a rotating selection of charcuterie boards that pair perfectly with their wines.
For a more formal dining experience, many wineries offer wine-pairing dinners. These dinners often feature a multi-course meal paired with a selection of wines from the winery. Some of the wineries that offer wine-pairing dinners include the Chateau Chantal Winery, the Black Star Farms Winery, and the Bowers Harbor Vineyards.
Other Attractions in Traverse City
Traverse City is not just about wine. There are plenty of other attractions to keep visitors entertained. Here are some of the top things to do in Traverse City:
Downtown Traverse City
Downtown Traverse City is a bustling hub of activity with a vibrant arts and culture scene, unique shops, and delicious restaurants. Visitors can stroll along Front Street and explore the historic buildings, or take a walk along the beach at Clinch Park.
The Village at Grand Traverse Commons
The Village at Grand Traverse Commons is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in history, architecture, and good food. This sprawling complex was originally a state mental hospital, but it has been transformed into a mixed-use development that includes restaurants, shops, and luxury apartments.
Sleeping Bear Dunes
Just a short drive from Traverse City, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is a natural wonder that should not be missed. Visitors can hike the dunes, swim in Lake Michigan, or take a scenic drive along the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive.
National Cherry Festival
Every year in July, Traverse City hosts the National Cherry Festival, a week-long celebration of all things cherry. Visitors can enjoy cherry-themed food and drinks, watch the airshow, or take part in the cherry pit-spitting contest.
Tourism
Traverse City is a popular tourist destination, and there are plenty of resources available to help visitors plan their trip. TripAdvisor is a great place to start, with reviews and recommendations for hotels, restaurants, and attractions. The Traverse City Tourism website is also a valuable resource, with information on events, activities, and accommodations.
Wine Tours and Events
Traverse City is a premier wine destination with many wineries offering wine tours and events throughout the year. Wine lovers can enjoy a variety of wine-related activities such as wine tastings, wine dinners, wine and beer tours, and cellar tours.
One of the best ways to explore the wineries in Traverse City is by taking a wine tour. There are many tour companies that offer guided tours of the wineries, including shuttle services to and from the wineries. Visitors can choose from a variety of tour options, including Traverse City wine tours and Old Mission Peninsula wine trail tours. These tours typically include stops at multiple wineries, giving visitors the opportunity to taste a variety of wines and learn about the winemaking process.
Many wineries in Traverse City also offer cellar tours, where visitors can see the winemaking process up close and learn about the history of the winery. Some wineries also have pavilions where visitors can enjoy wine tastings and take in the beautiful scenery.
In addition to regular tastings, many wineries also host special wine events throughout the year. These events may include wine dinners, live music, and other fun activities. Visitors can check the winery’s website or social media pages for information on upcoming events.
It’s important to note that tasting room hours and event schedules may vary by winery and season. Visitors are encouraged to check the winery’s website or call ahead to confirm hours and event schedules.