Ultimate Guide to Fall Wine Tours in Traverse City
Planning a wine tour in Traverse City can be an exciting and memorable experience, but with over 40 wineries to choose from and more than 20 transportation companies, it can also feel overwhelming. The sheer abundance of options can leave wine enthusiasts unsure of where to start and how to curate the perfect itinerary for their tasting adventure. Luckily, we have tips to help you plan the best wine tour!
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The Leelanau Wine Region and the Mission Peninsula Wine Region, both located in Traverse City, Michigan, are renowned for their picturesque vineyards and high-quality wines. While sharing some similarities, they also exhibit distinct characteristics that set them apart. Let's delve into a comparison between these two charming wine regions:
Leelanau Peninsula Vs. Mission Peninsula
Leelanau Peninsula
Located to the northwest of Traverse City, the Leelanau Peninsula offers a diverse landscape with rolling hills, stunning views of Lake Michigan. The Leelanau Peninsula is approximately 30 miles long and 12 miles wide at its widest point. It extends into Lake Michigan and is known for its scenic beauty, charming small towns, and thriving wine industry. Small towns on the Leelanau Peninsula include:
1. Leland: A charming village located along the shores of Lake Michigan and Lake Leelanau. Leland is known for its historic Fishtown district, wineries, and beautiful beaches.
2. Glen Arbor: Situated near the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Glen Arbor offers stunning lake views, outdoor recreational opportunities, and access to scenic drives.
3. Suttons Bay: A picturesque village situated along the eastern coast of the Leelanau Peninsula, Suttons Bay offers a vibrant downtown area with shops, galleries, and restaurants.
4. Northport: Located on the northern tip of the peninsula, Northport offers a peaceful harbor and access to Grand Traverse Bay.
5. Lake Leelanau: A small community located near the narrow Lake Leelanau, offering a tranquil setting and opportunities for water-based activities.
These are some of the main cities and towns that you'll find while exploring the beautiful Leelanau Peninsula. Each place offers its unique charm, and visitors can enjoy a diverse range of experiences, from scenic drives and outdoor adventures to wine tastings and cultural attractions.
Mission Peninsula
Situated to the north of Traverse City, the Mission Peninsula stretches into Lake Michigan, surrounded by its cooling waters on three sides. The Mission Peninsula in Traverse City, Michigan, is approximately 19 miles long and 3 miles wide at its widest point. The peninsula stretches northward into Grand Traverse Bay and is known for its beautiful scenery, vineyards, and wineries.
Grape Varieties & Award Winning Wines
Leelanau Wine Region
The Leelanau Peninsula is known for its unique microclimates, resulting in a diverse selection of grape varieties. Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, and Gewürztraminer thrive in the cooler northern areas, while the southern regions favor red varieties like Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Pinot Noir. There are 30 wineries on the Leelanau Peninusla.
What wineries are known for Sparkling Wines:
1. Mawby Vineyards: L. Mawby Vineyards is dedicated to producing sparkling wines exclusively. They have received numerous awards and accolades for their artisanal sparkling wines, which include a variety of styles from dry to sweet.
2. Bel Lago Vineyards & Winery: Bel Lago is known for its sparkling wines, which have earned acclaim for their quality and taste. Their sparkling wines, including blanc de blancs and rosé, have received recognition at various competitions.
Mission Peninsula Wine Region
The Mission Peninsula's favorable lake-moderated climate is ideal for growing cool-climate grape varieties. Riesling and Pinot Grigio are prominent, along with reds like Pinot Noir and Cabernet Franc. The area is also known for producing exceptional ice wines due to its extended growing season. There are 11 wineries on the Mission Peninsula
Red Wines:
Black Star Farms- One of the renowned wineries known for producing high-quality red wines in Traverse City. They have received accolades for their red wine offerings, including their Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Pinot Noir.
2. Chateau Chantal, which is well-regarded for its red wine selection, including their Pinot Noir and Cabernet Franc.
3. Mari Vineyards is known for its focus on Italian grape varietals, and they have received praise for their red wines, including their Nebbiolo and Sangiovese.
Sparkling Wines:
1. Bowers Harbor Vineyards: Bowers Harbor offers a selection of sparkling wines made from locally grown grapes. Their sparkling wines have been well-received by critics and have earned awards in regional competitions.
2. Chateau Grand Traverse: Chateau Grand Traverse is one of the oldest wineries in the region and is renowned for its traditional method sparkling wines. They have received recognition for their sparkling wine offerings in both national and international competitions.
3. Peninsula Cellars: Peninsula Cellars produces sparkling wines using the traditional method. Their sparkling wines, made from estate-grown grapes, have received accolades and praise from wine enthusiasts.
White Wines
1. Chateau Chantal: Chateau Chantal has received acclaim for its white wines, particularly their Riesling and Pinot Grigio. Their wines have garnered awards at various wine competitions and have been well-received by critics.
2. Black Star Farms: Black Star Farms is known for producing high-quality white wines, including their Chardonnay and Riesling. Their white wines have earned recognition and accolades at regional and national wine competitions.
3. Brys Estate Vineyard & Winery: Brys Estate is known for its white wine offerings, such as their Gewürztraminer and Pinot Blanc. Their white wines have received awards and praise for their quality and taste.
5. Mari Vineyards: Mari Vineyards offers a range of white wines, including varietals like Pinot Grigio and Chardonnay. Their white wines have been recognized at various wine competitions and events.
6. Bowers Harbor Vineyards: Bowers Harbor is known for its white wine offerings, such as their Chardonnay and Riesling. Their white wines have earned awards and accolades in regional competitions.
Wineries with Food
Leelanau Peninsula
Black Star Farms - Cafe
French Valley - Pizza
Rove - Cheese & Charcuterie and small bites
Brengman Brothers - Full Menu!
Bel Lago - Pizza, Pretzels, Cheese and More
Mission Peninsula
Bonobo - Wine and Food Pairings
Brys - Cheese & Charcuterie & Mezza Boxes
Mari - Cheese & Charcuterie and small plates
Chateau Chantal - Wine Dinners
Bowers - Cheese & Charcuterie
2Lads - Cheese & Charcuterie
Winery Tour Transportation
In conclusion, both the Leelanau Wine Region and the Mission Peninsula Wine Region in Traverse City offer distinct and captivating experiences for wine enthusiasts. While the Leelanau Peninsula boasts diverse grape varieties and charming rural settings, the Mission Peninsula offers a picturesque combination of coastal beauty and exceptional cool-climate wines. Whether exploring the rustic allure of Leelanau or savoring wines with a lakeside view on Mission Peninsula, both regions promise an unforgettable journey through the world of Traverse City's finest wines.
📸 Featured Image: RossHelen Via Canva