News – The Michigan Wine Blog – Wineries and Vineyards of Michigan

Hawthorne Vineyards

Hawthorne Vineyards is a friendly boutique vineyard and tasting room destination just four miles North of Traverse City on Old Mission Peninsula.

We’re passionate about making finely crafted, small production quality wines from our estate fruit.

Our 80 acre site is nestled into a ridge above Peninsula Drive with postcard views of East and West Grand Traverse Bays. Hand crafted wines are created from the vineyard’s acreage of Pinot Noir, Pinot Grigio, Merlot, Lemberger, Gamay, Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc, Gewurztraminer, and Riesling.

Surrounding traffic and disruptions vanish as guests make their way up the winding private drive to the most peaceful and serene vineyard destination on Old Mission.

Hawthorne Vineyards Photo Gallery (Click Photo for Slide Show View)

Hawthorne Vineyards
1000 Camino Maria Dr.
Traverse City, MI 49686
231-929-4206

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Rove Estate Vineyard & Winery

Just as every glass holds a story, so does every dream. Creighton Gallagher fell in love with the Traverse City area wine industry in 2007 when he worked at Old Mission Peninsula’s, Brys Estate, with his good friend Coenraad Stassen. Although he was a recent college graduate of Grand Valley State University in Accounting, he could not shake the feeling of discontent working in a cubicle, trying to fit into corporate America.

As a fifth generation farmer, he could not picture himself in any industry besides agriculture. When he met McKenzie, the two often dreamt of owning a winery. In fact, it was McKenzie’s thesis for her MBA. Their first date was at a wine tasting dinner at the Boat House Restaurant hosted by Brys Estate. Inspired by the experience, they began exploring Traverse City and Leelanau County wineries and gained a strong sense of what their winery would be if they ever had an opportunity to start their own.

Then in 2010, they had a chance to purchase a part of the family farm from Creighton’s father, John Gallagher. The stars must have aligned because at the time of the purchase, a 15 acre block of cherry trees needed to be replaced, which opened up an ideal opportunity to replace the trees with 15 acres of grapes. Living on love and lots of hard work, the Gallaghers put their plans in motion to open a tasting room in the Spring of 2016. In addition to their cherry farm and vineyard, the couple have four beautiful children, and are often surrounded by them at their farm.

Rove Estate tasting room offers a perspective of the Leelanau countryside that has rarely been seen. Perched at 1100 feet, the elevation creates the area’s perfect vineyard—southern-exposed slopes, abundant sunlight and cool-air drainage offering protection from the frost—perfect conditions for premium estate grown grapes.

Rove Estate
7007 East Traverse Highway
Traverse City, MI 49684
231-421-7001

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Rove Estate On Facebook

Below are the latest postings from the Rove Estate Page On Facebook.

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Silver Leaf Vineyard and Winery

We are dedicated to making wines that reflect the unique character and quality of our vineyard and the vineyards of Michigan. Whether carefully sourcing grapes from top sites in the state or from our own vineyard, our winery was built on the belief that great wines begin in the vineyard. We strive to understand the needs and opportunities presented by each specific terroir.

We harvest when the flavors have reached their peak and the tannins are at their softest. In the winery, we apply an artisan’s approach to winemaking, using taste and instinct, not formula to build our wines.

Wines are barreled in either French oak or American oak depending upon the grape and what might be best for the particular vintage at hand. The commitment to crafting wines of distinction will remain at the heart of Silver Leaf Vineyard’s philosophy.

Silver Leaf Vineyard and Winery
11087 E Silver Leaf Farm Road
Suttons Bay, MI 49682
231.271.3111

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Verterra Winery

When our family stepped into the world of grape growing and winemaking, we focused on one thing above all else – staying ‘true to the land.’ We are proud to offer our estate grown, hand crafted, family made red wine, white wine, fruit wines and hard apple based ciders which we feel embody the essence of the Leelanau Peninsula.

While our offerings may change from year to year based on the growing season and the avaiability of superlative fruit, our philosophy will not. Our favorite wines from Alsace, Mosel, Burgundy, Bordeaux and Napa will serve as a guide, however Verterra reflects as clearly as possible our native Leelanau County roots.

Tasting Room

Our tasting room is located in the heart of Leland across from the Bluebird Restaurant in a historic building with a rich history. For 2013, we are pleased to be offering 16 wines and an assortment of different hard ciders on tap.

We offer two different tasting options of either 3-1oz pours or 5-1oz pours for $3 and $5 respectively. If you decide to purchase wine, we will deduct one tasting fee from the purchase of two or more bottles of wine.

We also offer our wines and cider for sale by the glass or pint. We look forward to your visit.

Verterra Winery
103 E. River Street
Leland, MI 49654
231-256-2115

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Brys Estate Vineyard and Winery

Walt and Eileen Brys invite you to sample their international award-winning wines in their beautiful brick and mahogany tasting room. While sipping the wine, enjoy breathtaking views of the East Bay and 80 acres on Old Mission Peninsula reborn.

Walter and Eileen Brys planted the first of 40,000 vines in 2001 and opened the doors of their tasting room in 2005. Their 31-acre vineyard is part of the 80 acres that makes up Brys Estate. In the Spring of 2008, Brys Estate expanded their vineyard to 31 acres and planted additional Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc and Merlot.

Today, as an estate winery with 91 acres and over 40,000 vines, Brys Estate remains intimately tied to the land. The wines we produce are the result of our strong-back and earth-crusted hands. We keep our heads down and eyes focused on our work. We lovingly tend our vines, much like our children, knowing what they’re capable of. We tenderly coax them, blending science and sweat equity, to achieve a greater yield and higher quality.

Upper Deck

Accessible off the existing patio, the new 1,800 square foot “Upper Deck” offers seating for 48 guests. Elevated six feet, the deck allows guests to see above the vines and take in the spectacular views of the vineyard and East Grand Traverse Bay. The deck is also home to a tasting room, where guests can purchase wine by the glass and charcuterie and cheese boards while taking in the view.

Bridge Above the Vines

Unique to any tasting room in Michigan, take a stroll on the “Bridge Above the Vines” which extends out into the vineyard allowing guests to walk above the vines to an observation area perfect for photos. Gaze out over 35+ acres of grapes as they roll down toward the East Grand Travere Bay. Drink in the view as you walk above 5 rows of Chardonnay vines.

Brys Estate Vineyard & Winery
3309 Blue Water Road
Traverse City, MI 49686
231-223-9303

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Brys Estate Vineyard and Winery – Photos From Instagram

Here are the latest photos of Brys Estate Vineyard and Winery via Instagram. Tag your Brys Estate instagram photos with #brysestate and they will appear here in our Brys Estate Vineyard and Winery Instagram Photo Stream.

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Good Harbor Vineyards

If it is a cliché that wine is made in the vineyard, it is a cliché that we live by at Good Harbor Vineyards. Close to thirty vintages have shown us that whatever beneficial actions are taken tending the vines will show up later as better tasting wines. Our goal is to sell wines that are a joy to drink.

The Simpson family has been growing fruit on the Leelanau Peninsula for three generations. Before the cultivation of vineyards, the Simpson’s were a cherry farming family caring for and harvesting over 300 acres. It was Bruce’s father, John Simpson who had the vision of vineyards and a winery. After graduating from Michigan State University with a degree in agriculture, Bruce took advantage of the opportunity to travel to California to study at the University of California Davis where he focused on viticulture and enology. He and his wife Debbie returned to the Leelanau Peninsula and opened the doors of Good Harbor Vineyard in 1980 making them the fourth established winery on the Leelanau Peninsula.

Through hard work and dedication, they created a respected winery that produces a high quality product at an affordable price. Upon returning from California, he planted various Vitis Vinifera and French hybrids to begin wine production. Today, Good Harbor Vineyards has over 65 acres planted to vine and one of the largest Pinot Grigio plantings in Michigan. Good Harbor is still family owned and operated by Debbie, and their two children Taylor and Sam Simpson.

The tasting room hours of operation are:
May 20 – November 1 Monday – Saturday 11-5, Sunday 12-5
November 1 – May 20 Saturday 11-5

Good Harbor Vineyards
34 S. Manitou Trail
Lake Leelanau, MI 49653
231-256-7165

Visit Good Harbor Vineyards Website >>>>

Chateau Grand Traverse

Located atop one of the most picturesque settings on Michigan’s Old Mission Peninsula sits the winery and vineyards of Chateau Grand Traverse.

Founded in 1974 by Edward O’Keefe, our family owned and operated winery is the oldest and largest commercial winery and vineyard operation in northern Michigan.

Success in growing European vinifera vines requires very specific conditions. The moderating effects of the deep waters of Lake Michigan’s Grand Traverse Bay are vital to our grape quality and success. This huge mass of water nearly encircles Old Mission Peninsula, thus significantly buffering the immediate surrounding air temperatures. This unique microclimate condition protects our vines during critical growing periods throughout the year and allows us to grow European vinifera vines in a climate otherwise considered unsuitable for the delicate vines.

Chateau Grand Traverse focuses its emphasis on ten key European vinifera grape varieties: Riesling, Chardonnay, Gamay Noir, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc, Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Meunier, and Gewürztraminer. Our 100% European vinifera vineyards marked the first commercial planting of these premium grape varieties in our State. Today, Chateau Grand Traverse produces approximately 80,000 cases of wine per year.

Chateau Grand Traverse is proud to offer guests a complete Northern Michigan wine country experience including premium wine tasting, winery tours, lodging and a beautiful setting. Chateau Grand Traverse is a must-see on your Michigan wine tour!

Tour our bustling wine cellar and witness first-hand premium wine production from the vine to the bottle. Our gracious staff will Chateau Grand Traverse Winery 2014provide a relaxed environment in which to sample our regionally distinctive, award-winning wines.

Above all, visitors will simply marvel at the incredible beauty that surrounds them with landscaping, rolling vineyards, some of the best bay views and stunning daily sunsets.

Located eight miles north of Traverse City, Michigan on Center Road (M-37) we welcome you to a world-class winery experience.

Links of Note:

• Romancing the Riesling by Patty LaNoue Stearns

Chateau Grand Traverse
12239 Center Road
Traverse City, MI 49686
800-283-0247

Chateau Grand Traverse Website >>>>

Leelanau Cellars

Visit our tasting room year round in beautiful Omena and sample our award-winning Chardonnays, Riesling, Meritage and Fruit Wines. Our knowledgeable, friendly staff will enhance your wine tasting experience.

Leelanau Cellars’ wines have evolved over the years from the first release in 1977, but the philosophy has remained constant; to produce quality, consumer friendly wines, affordable to everyone.

Over 90 acres of vineyards in Leelanau County are patiently manicured to produce over 30 varieties of wines available through retail stores throughout the Great Lakes region, by mail-order and in the winery’s water-front tasting room on the shores of the Grand Traverse Bay in quaint and picturesque Omena, MI, on M-22, 20 miles north of Traverse City.

The tasting room is open year round to allow you to experience the enjoyment of tasting award winning wine in our own “delight of life” or “little piece of heaven” as the Jacobson family commonly refers to it. Relax during the day at the Winery’s tasting room and water front marina, a nearby beach or one of the many trails through the north woods, or spend a night or two in one of the nearby inns and enjoy the area restaurants.

We look forward to welcoming you and sharing our wines with you.

Leelanau Cellars
5019 N. West Bay Shore Drive (M-22)
Omena, MI 49674
231-386-5201

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Bonobo Winery

Bonobo Winery was founded by brothers and longtime Traverse City natives, Todd and Carter Oosterhouse. Their objective: to offer world-class wines in a rustic, yet elegant atmosphere with a breathtaking view, and a business model inspired by the close harmony of the traditions, philosophies, and ecological integrities of the region. Making a commitment to the community that raised them, they employ local residents and utilize local resources to create an ethereal experience that captivates all five senses, with each element intentionally representative of the beauty, charm and sanctuary that is Traverse City.

Bonobo Winery hopes to bring a sense of approachability to the Michigan wine and vineyard scene, removing any pretenses and allowing for the ultimate educational and enjoyable experience. Benefiting from the region’s strong fruit-bearing properties, initial varietals will include Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, Riesling, Pinot Noir, and Cabernet Franc. Grapes will be estate-grown and wine will be produced on-site. The wines will be high in quality and limited in quantity; year one will produce 5,000 cases; year two, 6,000 cases; and by year three, 8,000 cases. All wines will be sold on-site and via e-commerce for the first two years due to the limited quantity. No distribution to retail or restaurants is expected until year three. Initially, Bonobo will be available to Michigan and California residents only, with additional states to be added after the first year.

Bonobo Winery will provide a unique place to visit for an educational and enjoyable tasting, an excellent glass of wine, a small plate masterfully paired with your wine. Promising to be a must-see for tourists as well as a hotspot for Traverse City locals, Bonobo Winery is a place you can’t wait to get back to with wines you cannot wait to share. We look forward to serving you!

Bonobo Winery
12011 Center Road
Traverse City, MI 49685
231-282 9463

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Bonobo Winery – Photos From Instagram

Here are the latest photos of Bonobo Winery via instagram – hashtag #bonobowinery. If you have an instagram photo to share of your visit to a Bonobo Winery, tag it with #bonobowinery and your photos will appear in the photo stream below.

Bowers Harbor Vineyard

Our family at Bowers Harbor Vineyards invites you to explore the epic views of Lake Michigan and sample our award winning varietal wines. We are a boutique winery located in Northern Michigan on picturesque Old Mission Peninsula.

Our cool-climate viticulture experience coupled with our hard work proves to produce superior quality Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc, and our signature meritage blend the 2896, Langley Vineyard.

A visit to our quaint tasting room will afford you the opportunity to taste our sparkling wines, red wines, white wines, and view the quiet loveliness of Bowers Harbor.

Wine tasting is comfortable and inviting at Bowers Harbor Vineyards; no need to be intimidated!

Bowers Harbor Vineyard
2896 Bowers Harbor Road
Traverse City, MI 49686
800-616-7615

Visit Bowers Harbor Vineyard Website >>>>