5 Must-Visit Old Mission Peninsula Wineries
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I recently fell head over heels for the wineries on Old Mission Peninsula, and let me tell you—you’ll never go thirsty here! Tucked away in Northern Michigan, this dreamy little slice of wine heaven is home to some of the best wineries Traverse City has to offer.
Stretching into the sparkling waters of Grand Traverse Bay, the peninsula is a cozy 19 miles long and just 3 miles wide at its widest point. It’s like a wine lover’s playground, complete with gorgeous vineyard views and a lighthouse waiting for you at Old Mission Point. Cheers to that!
🍷ULTIMATE OLD MISSION PENINSULA WINE TOUR!🍷
Experience the best of Old Mission Peninsula with a 5-hour tour that takes you to 4 top wineries, making it the perfect way to enjoy a seamless day of wine tasting and scenic beauty!
Click herе to bookFun fact: the tip of Old Mission Peninsula sits right on the 45th parallel, the same latitude as world-famous wine regions like Bordeaux, France; Piedmont, Italy; and Oregon’s Willamette Valley. So, it’s no surprise that varietals like Riesling, Chardonnay, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot absolutely thrive here.
With over 50 wineries sprinkled throughout the Traverse City region, Old Mission Peninsula claims a big chunk of the action. Whether you’re a seasoned wine enthusiast or just here for a good time, winery hopping on Old Mission Peninsula is one of the best things to do in Traverse City!
Awesome Old Mission Peninsula Wineries
1. Bowers Harbor Vineyards
Bowers Harbor Vineyards is one of those Old Mission Peninsula wineries that makes you want to kick back, sip, and stay forever. This charming spot has been crafting incredible wines since 1991, growing from a humble 5-acre vineyard to over 20 acres of gorgeous grapevines. Their mission is to bottle up the unique spirit of Northern Michigan—and they’ve nailed it.
The outdoor seating here is a vibe all on its own. Picture yourself sipping wine, surrounded by breathtaking views of the vineyard. It’s the perfect setting to unwind and enjoy the magic of this region. We couldn’t resist their $12 flights—such a steal! I went for the Riesling flight, and Remi tried the ciders. Both were packed with crisp, refreshing flavors that kept us coming back for more.
As the first stop on our winery tour, Bowers Harbor set the bar high. If you’re exploring Old Mission Peninsula, this is an absolute must-visit that perfectly captures the laid-back charm and exceptional quality of the area’s wineries!
2. Brys Estate Vineyard and Winery
Brys Estate was hands down my favorite among the Old Mission Peninsula wineries! This stunning spot has it all—a secret garden with a lavender field, amazing views, phenomenal wine, and exceptional service. We loved it so much that it was the only winery we visited twice. Their Riesling/Gris is one of the best, lightest, and crispest white wines I’ve had in a long time, and I couldn’t resist buying two bottles for the road.
The tasting experience here was top-notch, with friendly staff guiding us through the wines (plus a few bonus samples!). On our second visit we tried their chocolate wine pairing and couldn’t resist a refreshing frose.
Don’t miss the Upper Deck, where you can sip wine, enjoy a charcuterie board, and take in stunning views of the vineyard and East Grand Traverse Bay!
Before leaving, make your way to the Secret Garden which has over 6,000 lavender plants, a gift shop, picnic areas, a perennial flower garden, and perennial herbs. You can build a picnic with their selection of prepared cheeses, cured meats, snacks, homemade lavender lemonade, freshly baked cookies, and cups of Moomers Ice Cream—one flavor made using lavender grown in the Secret Garden.
The garden is open seasonally from May through October.
3. Bonobo Winery
Bonobo Winery is a total vibe with gorgeous views, live music, and the most mouthwatering smoked whitefish dip ever—and let’s not forget their incredible wine selection! The name “Bonobo” is inspired by some of the world’s most social creatures, and this winery was built to be just that: a fun, welcoming gathering spot where you can sip, relax, and take in the dreamy surroundings.
Their 25-acre vineyard has nine different grape varieties, including Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc, and Pinot Noir—so there’s plenty to explore.
Whether you’re soaking up the sun on their spacious outdoor deck with bay views in the distance or getting cozy by the fireplace inside, Bonobo Winery is all about creating an unforgettable experience. It’s an absolute must-stop on your Old Mission Peninsula wine adventure!
4. 2 Lads Winery
2 Lads Winery brings bold vibes, modern flair, and seriously good wine! Perched on 58 acres near the tip of the peninsula, their sleek, 10,500-square-foot facility blends tradition with innovation in the coolest way. They use gravity-flow and gentle handling techniques to keep their wines’ delicate flavors intact—and trust me, every sip feels like a special treat.
Their 23-acre vineyard is all about cool-climate reds, sparkling wines, and small-batch whites, with sustainability as a top priority. It’s wine with heart, and you can taste the care in every bottle.
When I stopped by, they nailed my wine flight, and their charcuterie was so good. The modern architecture of the building makes it even more memorable, and the views are stunning. Whether you’re sipping wine by the glass, enjoying a $15 tasting of three wines, or going all in on the $40 guided tasting, 2 Lads Winery is a stop you won’t want to miss!
5. Chateau Chantal Winery and Inn
Chateau Chantal Winery and Inn is the perfect way to wrap up your Old Mission Peninsula wine adventure! I mixed things up here with their cherry cider! The views are jaw-dropping! You’ll get some of the best panoramas of the vineyards and East Grand Traverse Bay.
For just $14, you can choose between a flight of 3 wines, a glass of wine, or even a wine slushie (yum!). Their tasting room also has some tasty snack options to pair with your drinks. And the outdoor spaces are great. The East Terrace and dog-friendly West Patio are dreamy spots to relax with a glass in hand.
The laid-back vibe here is perfect for kicking back and soaking it all in. Be sure to check out their events calendar for seasonal fun like Tapas Tours or Jazz at Sunset—you won’t regret it!
Are you ready to experience the best wineries on the Old Mission Peninsula?!
Exploring the wineries on the Old Mission Peninsula was one of my favorite ways to experience Traverse City! From the stunning views and exceptional wines to the charming atmospheres and unique experiences, each stop offers something special. Some other Old Mission Peninsula wineries you may want to check out:
Cheers to a fabulous adventure in wine country— I hope that you leave with a smile and a few bottles to remember it by!
Before you go, be sure to follow me on Insta @guidedbydestiny and check out some of my other Midwest blog posts:
Best coffee shops in Traverse City
How to spend a weekend in St. Louis
