You may be surprised to learn there are award-winning wineries in the Great Lakes region of the Upper Midwest. However, Michigan has five American Viticultural Areas (AVAs), two of which, Leelanau Peninsula and Old Mission Peninsula, are located near Traverse City.
Leelanau and Old Mission Peninsula AVAs
Leelanau and Old Mission are on the 45th Parallel, along with Bordeaux, Piedmont, and the Willamette Valley. The world’s geographically favorable wine-growing regions lie between 30- and 50-degrees latitude.
Additionally, the region’s temperate climate has warm summers and cold winters conducive to grape growing. Lake Michigan moderates temperatures create a unique microclimate that reduces frost risk and helps extend the growing season. The area’s diverse soils include sandy loam and clay, providing good drainage and nutrients to the grapevines.
Grape Varieties
So, what kind of wine is produced in these parts? Grape varieties like Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc, Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir, and Merlot successfully thrive here due to the long growing season.
Wineries
Verterra Winery
Visit Verterra’s tasting room in Leland, a historic fishing district with quaint shops, galleries, and eateries. The charming brick building is a great place to sample their wines, and owner Paul Hamelin is a wealth of information about the region.
Their Pinot Blanc won best dry white wine in Michigan and double gold in the San Francisco Wine Competition. The 2021 Pinot Noir, with notes of white pepper spice, was my top pick.
Aurora Cellars
On the Leelanau Peninsula, the property at Aurora Cellars is picturesque. You can scan a QR code to listen to the winemaker tell stories of the vineyard as you stroll among the vines.
The family also owns Good Harbor Vineyards and Harbor Hill Fruit Farms. Co-owner Taylor Simpson says their Brut Rosé of Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, and Pinot Noir is their biggest seller and has earned numerous prestigious awards. My favorite was the Rosé of Pinot Noir, a delicate Provence-style summer wine.
Black Star Farms
Black Star Farms has everything you need to relax and unwind. The winery makes over 50 wines, ciders, and spirits from local fruit. Black Star has been sourcing fruit from vineyards from both the Leelanau and Old Mission Peninsula and is Michigan’s first and only winery awarded ‘Best in Show’ at the Canberra International Riesling Competition.
Managing Owner Sherri Campbell Fenton led me through a tasting. From light to bold, you will find your treasured wine – for me, it was the Isidors Choice Terrace Red, a blend of Teroldego, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot – a beautiful wine with exquisite minerality.
Mari Vineyards
The Tuscan-inspired tasting room on Old Mission Peninsula has gorgeous East Bay views. Owner Marty Lagina stays true to his Italian heritage, and many of the wines are Italian.
Book their terrace for your group to include seasonal bites and a private tasting. Try the Bel Tramonto (which translates to a beautiful sunset in Italian), a blend of Merlot, Refosco, Sangiovese, and Teroldego. It was a classic Mari wine with lively acid, cranberry notes, and a silky tannic structure.
Brys Estate Vineyard & Winery
With 150 acres, Brys Estate is the largest contiguous winery estate on Old Mission Peninsula. The panoramic views from the upper deck patio are wondrous. You can also explore the property at their lawn lounge or their two-hour wine wagon tour and tasting.
The Napa-inspired estate is the brainchild of Walt and Eileen Brys; their children currently operate the estate. Son Patrick Brys is the President and CEO, and daughter, Katie Brys, manages the Secret Garden and Lavender Farm. Brys Estate has received countless awards, including ‘Best of the Best Winery’ 2024 in Traverse Magazine and Red Hot Best. My Somm pick is the Merlot Reserve, a complex wine with tart blueberry notes.
Chateau Chantal
The tasting room, with terraces and outdoor seating, offers breathtaking views. Founded by Bob and Nadine Begin, a former priest and nun, their first vineyard was planted in 1986. Daughter Marie-Chantal and grandchildren currently lead the way.
Chateau Chantal is also an Inn with 12 luxurious suites. The winery offers jazz at sunset nights, private wine dinners, and tapas tours. Their menu’s array of wines, from Pinots to Malbecs, is impressive. My pick was the Proprietor’s Reserve Pinot Noir, which had candied cherries and Mediterranean spices flavors.
Left Foot Charley, A Traverse City Michigan Winery
The only urban winery in the region, Left Foot Charley (LFC), is in the Village at Grand Traverse Commons. The space has a tasting room and a barrel room. Left Foot Charley and winemaker Bryan Ulbrich work co-op style with 19 of the best growers in Northern Michigan to produce their wine.
My favorite was the 2022 Island View Pinot Blanc, which had bright citrus notes and hints of honey.
Best Restaurants
amical
The downtown restaurant, amical, has an open kitchen and café-style dining room with inside and patio seating. They serve European cuisine using the freshest ingredients, and the menu changes depending on the season. The extensive wine list offered fantastic options, including local choices.
Trattoria Stella
Trattoria Stella is in the Village at Grand Traverse Commons and offers Italian dining at its best. Advanced Sommelier Amanda Danielson is on the Stella team, and her dedication to elevating the Michigan wine industry is exciting. She has curated a spectacular wine list that includes local bottles.
Aerie Restaurant & Lounge
©Darla Hoffmann
The upscale restaurant is on the 16th floor of the Grand Traverse City Resort and Spa. Aerie offers magnificent views of Grand Traverse Bay, and the culinary team will surely make your evening memorable. The wine list is exceptional and includes local selections.
Best Places to Stay
The Inn at Black Star Farms
The 10-room Inn at the Inn at Black Star Farms has a beautiful lobby, curved staircase leading to the suites, quaint patio seating, and breakfast. The bistro and tasting room are on-site, as are recreational hiking trails and the equestrian facility.
Grand Traverse City Resort and Spa
The full-service Grand Traverse City Resort and Spa offers 54 holes of championship golf, a private beach club, an indoor water playground, indoor/outdoor tennis courts, shopping, and restaurants. There is plenty to do without leaving the resort, which offers kid-friendly options.
Lake Michigan is majestic and admirable, as its waters offer swimming, boating, and fishing and provide the desirable influence for wine grapes to flourish.
Thank you to Traverse City Tourism, for hosting my stay.
Read more of Darla’s articles on her website: https://aboutwineinaz.com/
You may also enjoy reading:
Michigan Wine Country – A Guide to Exploring Its AVAs and Wine Trails
Get Off the Beaten Path in Ludington, Michigan
