A Winter Wine Tour of the Old Mission Peninsula
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When you think about a weekend away on a wine tour, you may conjure up images of gently rolling hills, a warm summer breeze, and a cheese plate savored on a patio. However, eight of the nine wineries on the Old Mission Peninsula near Traverse City remain open throughout the winter. Have you ever thought about a winter wine tour?
If you’re looking for a getaway that’s not the same typical winter activities, these wineries are just waiting to warm you up!
2 Lads Winery
2 Lads Winery offers a unique modern look and specializes in cool climate red wines and sparkling wines. The winery is committed to green”practices and offers a fantastic view of East Grand Traverse Bay, which is gorgeous at any time of the year!
Black Star Farms
Black Star, with its inviting “barrel bar” and large selection of wines, ciders, and brandies, is situated just off of M-37. Stop in to sample their award winning wines and spirits, and then stick around for cooking classes and snowshoeing events.
Bowers Harbor Vineyards
One of the oldest wineries on the peninsula, Bowers Harbor is a popular destination year-round. They offer over 30 wines and ciders and host special events all winter – including Snowshoe Wine & Brew and a VIP Wine & Spa Weekend!
Brys Estate Vineyard & Winery
Visit the sprawling, 90-acre Brys Estate for the unique, old-world tasting room and excellent selection of their “traditional, yet unconventional” wines. The family-owned estate also offers popular wine clubs.
Chateau Chantal
Perched atop a hill and offering amazing views of both East and West Grand Traverse Bay, Chateau Chantal offers over 30 handcrafted wines and spirits. Stay at the B&B, take a cooking class, or enjoy one of their wine dinners.
Chateau Grand Traverse
Enjoy a wine country experience at Chateau Grand Traverse, which has been operating since 1974. Stay overnight at the romantic Winery Inn and get a tour of the grounds at Northern Michigan’s oldest winery. Plus, sample delicious varietal and fruit wines!
Mari Vineyards
New to the peninsula, Mari Vineyards crafts traditional, Italian-style red and white wines. What makes Mari unique is the 3,000 square foot underground wine cave – the first of its kind in Northern Michigan! Join their Wine Club to receive discounts and exclusive members-only promotions.
Peninsula Cellars
Stop by Peninsula Cellars for a truly unique wine tasting experience. The founding Kroupa family has farmed on the peninsula for over 120 years. Sample wines and ciders in the historic Maple Grove Schoolhouse – all made exclusively from Old Mission Peninsula grapes!
One more worth mentioning, Hawthorne Vineyards, is closed for the winter, but it’s definitely a can’t-miss during the regular season.
Tastings at each winery range from $3 to $7, and many offer small plates to enjoy with your beverages. The main benefit of a winter wine tour on the Old Mission Peninsula wine trail is that you can easily visit all wineries in one day. Visit the Wineries of Old Mission Peninsula website to start planning your winter winery getaway today!
More Winter Activities
There are so many great winter activities near Old Mission Peninsula to check out while you’re in town. There are any number of downhill skiing and snowboarding resorts, cross-country ski trails, ice skating rinks, snowmobiling trails, scenic winter drives, sledding hills, and snowshoeing trails in the area.
What is your favorite winery on Old Mission Peninsula? Let us know in the comments!
