Northern Michigan is a popular year-round tourist destination with a thriving wine industry. Guided wine tours take visitors to some of the area's many wineries. The two main wine growing regions are the Leelanau Peninsula and the Old Mission Peninsula. Michigan grows over 50 grape varietals from all over the world. The primary varietals include the well-known Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris/Pinot Grigio, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Gewurztraminer and Pinot Blanc. Northern Michigan also grows popular local varietals including Vignoles, Vidal Blanc, Marechal Foch, Chardonel and Traminette.
By the Bay Tours offers three tours of Northern Michigan wineries, each lasting about four hours. The company will pick up passengers from most hotels in Traverse City. The Old Mission Peninsula tour takes visitors to four wineries in the Old Mission Peninsula area. If time permits, a vineyard tour is also included. The Leelanau Wine Tour takes visitors to the Leelanau Peninsula for a visit to four or five wineries, including Black Star Farms. The company also offers a customizable private wine tour. Reservations are required for all tours.
By The Bay Transportation
Traverse City, MI 49686
231-932-1065
bythebaytc.com
The Vineyard Inn on Suttons Bay offers guided wine tours of the wineries on the Leelanau and the Old Mission Peninsulas. A knowledgeable driver will escort guests in a limo coach to the wineries and will also point out local attractions. Some tours are two and a half to three hours long, others are a full day (five to six hours). Visitors see Bel Lago Vineyard and Winery, Cherry Republic Winery, Bowers Harbor Vineyards and Chateau Chantal, among others.
The Vineyard Inn on Suttons Bay
1338 N. Pebble Beach
Suttons Bay, MI 49682
231-941-7060
vininn.com
Country Hermitage Bed and Breakfast offers guests a variety of packages, including a Wine and Romance Package. This package includes two nights in a double-occupancy suite, which has an in-room fireplace and jetted tub. The package also includes guided tours of either the wineries of Leelanau or Old Mission Peninsula. Guests are driven to their choice of wineries and a picnic lunch is included for the tour day.
Country Hermitage Bed and Breakfast
7710 US 31 N
Williamsburg, MI 49690
231-938-5930
countryhermitage.com
