Old Mission Peninsula Wine Tasting
My home state of Michigan has some amazing wine tasting experiences with my favorite being Old Mission Peninsula Wine Tasting. Michigan is home to four American Viticultural Areas meaning they are fertile, good weathered areas known for growing grapes and making wine. These areas include Fennville, Lake Michigan Shore, the Leelanau Peninsula, and the Old Mission Peninsula. Michigan has over 125 total wineries, everything from boutique wineries to luxurious high-end vineyards. A visit to the Old Mission Peninsula wineries is perfect for a girl’s weekend, group trip, or a romantic wine tasting couples weekend. The area also has some great Michigan Beaches to check out.
For my first local post Covid-19 trip, I decided to go Michigan wine tasting on Old Mission Peninsula with my good friend Amber. We are both moms and needed a break so badly! So we decided to try and go to ALL 11 wineries and vineyards on Old Mission Peninsula. Below you will find my itinerary and outline to do this yourself, including info on each Michigan winery, where we stayed, and all the good food we ate. Oh, and if you like my wine tasting outfits make sure to check out links at the end. Enjoy!
Disclaimer: Affiliate links are used, which means if you purchase via my link I receive a small commission at no additional cost to you! I only recommend products I use and love!
Old Mission Wine Tasting-Day 1
Mari Vineyards
The first stop on this Old Mission Wine Tasting tour is Mari Vineyards. This Italian style vineyard is famous for its wine caves! They actually age their wine underneath the vineyard and tasting room. Tours are available- details below. The tasting room is set on a lovely hill overlooking the grapes vines and East Traverse Bay. They have patio tables and lawn seating available- both come with great views! They grow a lot of red grapes on the property including Merlot and Cabernet Franc. So make sure to try out one of their red wines on your visit! Mari is one of my favorite Old Mission Peninsula wineries.
Check out their website for their address and tasting room hours- here!
Mari Vineyards- Discover the Secrets in Mari Vineyards Cave
- $50 per person
- Tasting, Charcuterie board and full tour
- 90 minutes
Covi-19 notes:
- Wine tasting not available. You can purchase a flight or wine by the glass
- Patio table reservations can be made in advance (highly recommended)
- The inside of the building is closed except for bathroom use
- The wine caves tours are currently not taking place
Photo provided by Mari Vineyards 
Black Star Farms
Up next is a visit to Black Star Farms. This quaint tasting room is a satellite to their main tasting room and BnB located on the Leelanau Peninsula. Here you can try wines on their deck or within their lovely tasting room. My favorite Michigan wine was actually a dry bubbly wine called Bedazzled.
For tasting room hours and address visit their website here!
Covid-19 notes:
- Wine can be tried by the glass of by flight- they are not currently doing tastings
- No seating is allowed inside- they have a deck and tent set up outside for seating.
Hawthorne Vineyards
Next up is to visit Michigan winery, Hawthorne which features a bright open tasting room and a lovely patio with a stone fireplace. You can also enjoy wine at a secluded high top on their lawn with great views of the west bay. Hawthorn is a lovely place to enjoy a glass of wine and watch the sunset. During the summer they also have live music on their patio. This Michigan winery also offers tours and has event space available to rent.
Hours of operation and address can be found on their website- here!
Covid-19 notes:
- Wine can be tried by the glass of by flight- they are not currently doing tastings
- In order to do flights, you must reserve ahead of time on their website. Payment and selection of wines must be done online as well.
- No tours currently but they are offering virtual tours on their website
Peninsula Cellars
Peninsula Cellars is really a cute, uniquely themed winery. They are themed like an old schoolhouse so all their wine has themed names and they even have a chalkboard inside that says “ I will only drink good wine”! It’s so cute! And they actually used an old schoolhouse to create their unique tasting room. They also have a lovely patio complete with red umbrellas to stay on theme. Peninsula Cellars takes pride in locally sourcing all the grapes they use in their delicious wines. Penninsula Cellars ins one of the cutest little Old Mission Peninsula wineries.
Hours of operation and address can be found on their website- here!
Covid-19 notes:
- Wine can be tried by the glass of by flight- they are not currently doing tastings
Bonobo Winery
Themed after the Bonobo monkey, this winery aims to create an upbeat, social environment, similar to the Bonobo’s personality. I have to say, they hit it right on! This is probably the most fun winery on the Old Mission Peninsula, complete with upbeat music, stylish furnishings, a great deck, and even their very own Instagram swing. Plus, they have great wine! While there I got their summer frozen wine cocktail – amazing!
Bonobo offers a variety of VIP experiences including private wine tasting, winery tours and a food and wine pairing small plates meal.
Hours of operation and address can be found on their website- here.
Covid-19 notes:
- Wine can be tried by the glass of by flight- they are not currently doing tastings
- You cannot sit inside but they have added extra seating outside to accommodate guests
Like my look? Get the dress here!
Chateau Grand Traverse
Up next on this Old Mission Wine Tasting Tour is Chateau Grand Traverse. Located near the west bay, this Michigan winery has a large tasting room and fantastic deck area to relax, enjoy wine by the glass or try their charcuterie board. Chateau Grand Traverse also has a lovely gift shop area where you can purchase Michigan wine-themed gifts and products. You can also take a tour of their winemaking facility and vineyards.
They host some really great events here as well, including the Forks and Corks retreat, which is offered throughout the year.
In addition, they have a really great little Inn right on-site! This is a great place to stay during your wine tasting trip. More info on the inn- here. Chateau Grand Traverse is one of only three Old Mission Peninsula Wineries that has an inn right onsite.
Hours of operation and address can be found on their website- here!
Covid-19 notes:
- Wine can be tried by the glass of by flight- they are not currently doing tastings
- Tours are canceled for the rest of 2020
Old Mission Peninsula Wine Tasting- Day 2
2 Lads Winery
Perhaps my favorite winery on Old Mission Peninsula, 2 Lads is the northernmost stop on this Michigan wine tasting tour. They are also one of the most modern- their tasting room is beautiful! One full wall is all made of glass so you get amazing views of the East Traverse Bay. 2 Lads makes a fantastic dry white wine that can’t be missed! Outside their tasting room, they have nice little Adirondack chairs set up everywhere that offer great views as well.
Hours of operation and address can be found on their website- here!
Covid-19 notes:
- Wine can be tried by the glass of by flight- they are not currently doing tastings
- Seating is available inside but it is limited
Chateau Chantal
Next up, on your Old Mission Peninsula Wine Tasting Tour is the classic vineyard, Chateau Chantal. This lovely vineyard sits on beautiful acres of grapevines and is the only vineyard on Old Mission to feature views of both bays. The views are breathtaking! They have dual patios to enjoy each view- both are nicely decorated with tables and bright yellow umbrellas.
You can also stay at Chateau Chantal at their bed and breakfast. Each room is unique and comes with after-hours tastings, access to their wine storehouse, and much more! Make sure to book early as these rooms book up about a year in advance. Click here to book your stay.
They also offer winery tours, Jazz at sunset and an amazing wine themed dinner. Chateau Chantal is an Old Mission Winery with so much to offer and can’t be missed!
Chateau Chantal- Dinner and tour
- $89 per person
- 5-course dinner with wine pairings
- 2.5 hours
Hours of operation and address can be found on their website- here!
Covid-19 notes:
- They are currently only doing wine by the glass and flights- no tastings
- You must make a reservation in advance. Payment is due at this time but wine selection can be done upon arrival
- Cellar tours are not taking place currently
Like my dress? Get it here!
Bowers Harbor Vineyards
Located right on Bower’s Harbor, this vineyard is set just up a slight hill so you get great views of the harbor and vineyards. Bower’s Harbor Vineyard has a lovely little tasting room and a great outdoor area. You can actually enjoy your wine right in the vineyard itself- it’s so cool!
Bower’s Harbor Vineyards is also dog friendly! You will even find some cute little pups on some of their wine labels.
They also make their own hard cider, Spirit Cider, which can be tasted as well. We ordered their flight of ciders and my favorite was the Raspberry Apple.
Hours of operation and address can be found on their website- here.
They also offer vineyard tours, private tours and even a cool snowshoeing and wine event. More info here!
Covid-19 notes:
- They are currently only doing wine by the glass and flights- no tastings
- Indoor space is currently closed
- Reservations in advance are required to guarantee a spot to sit
Tabone Vineyards
At just 2 years old, Tabone is the newest winery on Old Mission Peninsula. Their tasting room features a tasting bar with views right into the winemaking room. Sit on their back patio and enjoy a glass of wine with lovely views of their vineyards. You are so close you can even smell the grapes. They also offer some fun wine cocktails – I got a wine spritzer and it was really refreshing and delicious.
Hours of operation and address can be found on their website- here.
Covid-19 notes:
- They are currently only doing wine by the glass and flights- no tastings
- Inside seating is available but limited
Brys Estate Vineyard & Winery
Last on your Old Mission Peninsula Wine Tour is Bry’s Estate and Vineyard. This 111-acre estate features a tasting room, Upper Deck, Barrel Room, and Secret Garden. They have a variety of wines to try including a great Chardonnay and as they call it an ‘instagramable’ Frose’! Make sure to book yourself a spot on their amazing deck which offers great views of the east bay.
The Secret Garden consists of over 6,000 lavender plants, strawberry fields, herb garden, gift shop and so much more. You can even get some Moomer’s Ice Cream!
Bry’s also has a private guest house that you could rent out during your trip! More info here. Lots to offer at this great Michigan winery!
Hours of operation and address can be found on their website- here.
Covid-19 notes:
- They are currently only doing wine by the glass and flights- no tastings
- Reservations in advance are required to guarantee a spot on their deck or upper lawn
- The inside tasting bar and barrel room are currently closed
- No tours at this time
Other
The Peninsula Grill
For Lunch on Sunday, we decided to grab a quick bit at the Peninsula Grill located in the heart of Old Mission Peninsula. They have a great bar area and nice side patio. We got the Whitefish Sandwich and Brisket Sandwich- both were super good.
For full hours of operation and address visit their website-here.
Covid-19 Notes:
- Operation at 50% seating capacity
Other places to eat on Old Mission Peninsula:
The area also has some great Michigan Beaches to check out.
Mission Point Lighthouse
Located at the very tip of the Old Mission Peninsula, Mission Point Lighthouse cannot be missed on any Michigan wine tasting trip. If you are up for the weekend, most of the wineries don’t open until 11 am or so anyway so take the morning and head up to the lighthouse. The water views are breathtaking! You can visit the little museum in the lighthouse and even climb to the top. There are also walking trails and places to jump in the water.
They also have a Lighthouse Keeper program where you can stay in the lighthouse.
For hours of operation and address visit their website- here.
Covid-19 notes:
- The gift shop is open on the weekend
- The lighthouse climbs are not taking place currently
Eat in Traverse City
Little Fleet
On Saturday night, we decided to head down to Traverse City for dinner. We found ourselves at The Little Fleet which is a group of food trucks that have a permanent location downtown. They have great seating and even a bar area. We tried lots of different foods including Whitefish Tacos, Fancy Fries, Pizza, Deep Fried Brussel Sprouts, Mac n’ Cheese, Pulled Pork, and Pot Stickers. And that was just a tiny bit of what all these cool food trucks had to offer!
For full hours of operation and address visit their website – here.
Covid-19 Notes:
- Operation at 50% seating capacity
Poppycocks
Located right downtown Traverse City, Poppycocks has been serving up local flavor since 1989. When we stopped for lunch, we got the Traverse City Chicken Salad Sandwich and the Whitefish Sandwich- both were sooo good! They also make a fantastic Pimm’s Cup, one of my favorite traditional English drinks.
For hours of operation and address visit their website- here
Covid-19 notes:
- Limited capacity rules – 50%
Moomers
An up-north tradition, Moomer’s has been making home-made Ice Cream for more than 20 years. Their products are offered at many locations throughout northern Michigan but to get the true experience you must head to their flagship location to get yourself an Ice Cream Flight. For just $7, you can choose 5 flavors to try. They have over 160 flavors so choose wisely (not all are offered). It was so much fun to try different kinds. My favorite was the Cupcake flavored Ice Cream.
Covid-19 notes:
- No creamery tours offered at this time
Neahawanta Inn
While on our girls’ weekend we stayed at the Neahtawanta Inn. It is a cute little Bed and Breakfast set right on Bower’s Harbor. Sally is the owner and she is so sweet! The BnB has all unique rooms with traditional bathrooms complete with clawfoot tubs. You can even book their master suite and have the entire top floor to yourself.
The main floor has a cute kitchen, library space, dining space, and a living room with a sunken fireplace area. From the living room, you can walk right out onto the beautiful deck that overlooks Bower’s Harbor. We could even hear the waves crashing in our room at night- so relaxing.
Neahatawanta Inn has a little dock with colorful chairs and floaties for the water! On certain days they even offer Yoga on the lawn taught by the innkeepers herself. Breakfast is included in the cost of the room. Our breakfast consisted of fruit and amazing blueberry pancakes- so yummy!
Overall, we really enjoyed our stay! To book , click here.
Girls Weekend Fun Photos
Shop My Look!
This is the link to my new fave- the yellow dress! 🙂
This is the link to my cute black romper 🙂
Love my pretty white dress with the flowers? This is it below 🙂 Just click the link and select the color pattern you want.
This is the cute tan romper I wore on the trip. Just click the image to view all the color options!
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About the Author
Hi my name is Sara and I am the creator of WanderMoore! 🙂 I started WanderMoore in early 2020 after leaving a full-time job in the Communications/Marketing field to stay home and raise my kiddos, Mila and Liam. I wanted something fun to work on in my free time and WanderMoore has become one of my biggest passions! Thank you for reading my post! I can't wait to share more of my travel adventures with you 🙂
Old Mission Peninsula looks so pretty! I didn’t know that Michigan had a great wine region. I totally need to go in the near future. All of these wineries look amazing! 🙂
Yes please do! It’s a great place to visit- the wine is great and the views are amazing!
This sounds so amazing! Michigan is on my list for a future summer trip because of the beautiful beaches, I had no idea there were wineries too!
Yes the summer is a great time to come visit Michigan! The fall is great too- the weather is cool and the fall colors are amazing 🙂
I must admit, I’m not much of a drinker, let alone wine. But this looks like a beautiful area to visit even without the wineries! I do have friends that love tasting, though, so I’ll be passing this awesome guide along 🙂
It’s a lovely place to visit even if you don’t like wine. This area also has great beaches, lighthouses, family activities, and tons of fun places to eat! 🙂
You have convinced me to visit Michigan! It’s on my bucket list, but I don’t have a long list of things to do there, so I will definitely be adding this to it! Hawthorn Vineyards looks so beautiful! I’m so excited to visit Old Mission Peninsula and use this helpful guide when planning my trip!
So glad you enjoyed the guide! Hawthorn was one of my favorite- so secluded and relaxing! Definitely plan a trip here for some wine tasting- you won’t be disappointed!
So glad you enjoyed the guide! Hawthorn was one of my favorites- so secluded and relaxing! Definitely plan a trip here for some wine tasting- you won’t be disappointed!
Wow, I had no idea about Michigan’s wine country! But I suppose most states have a region with good wines (which is a good thing for all us wine-lovers!). I’ve been really wanting to plan a trip to Michigan (can’t decide between summer or fall!), and I think I’m definitely going to have to add some wineries to the list. Thanks for such a detailed breakdown!
Yes we have lots of wine to try here in Michigan! I would suggest fall for wine tasting- the weather is lovely and the fall colors can’t be missed! But if you want to hit up some of our great beaches then July is a great time to come as well 🙂
Oh my goodness- eleven wineries in 2 days… woooowww! To be honest, I had no idea that Michigan had such a vivid wine scenery. This means I have to add it to my list pronto!
Yes do come visit us here in Michigan! It’s beautiful 🙂
haha yea it was a lot but totally worth it 🙂
This might be embarrassing to share, but I seriously didn’t even know Michigan HAD vineyards! They all look so great – I’ll be going to Michigan for grad school so this is VERY useful information to know hahah
haha you’re not the only one! I am so glad to share this with everyone so they can see how beautiful the Michigan wine tasting scene is 🙂
WOW! this looks like such a fun girl’s trip! I have a friend that lives in Michigan, so I’m definitely suggesting this area the next time I visit her!
It really was! Thanks for sharing with your friend 🙂
This is so much fun!! We love doing the same thing here in Ontario. I love how all the wineries are so vastly different and unique. What a perfect girls’ trip!!!
It was a fantastic girls’ trip. 🙂 And yes they are- did you have a favorite from my list?
Somehow I never really thought of Michigan as a wine tasting destination, but it makes perfect sense as it hits right in the Great Lake and must have fantastic climate control. The estates look fabulous. I particularly liked Mari for Italian style, Bonobo for its fun up beat environment and Chateau Chantal for its beautiful panorama. Michigan is a destination that I would love to visit, but with these awesome wine tasting options I will move it up on my list
Thank you for reading! Mari is one of my favorites too 🙂 Come visit us for sure! Let me know if you need any other wine tasting or Michigan travel suggestions
Holy cow! I had no idea Michigan had so many wineries! Love all of the COVID info. Super helpful during these times.
And these are just a handful 🙂 Thanks for reading!
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