Old Mission and Leelanau Peninsula Winery Guide

Traverse City sits between two distinct wine regions. Old Mission Peninsula extends north from the city between East and West Grand Traverse Bay. The Leelanau Peninsula is west of Traverse City and covers a much larger area. Treat them as separate outings rather than trying to race through both.

Tasting hours, reservation policies, group rules, and available wines change. Use the linked winery pages before leaving and let the tasting-room staff describe what is currently being poured.

Old Mission Peninsula

The Old Mission Peninsula Wine Trail maintains the current member map and links. These established wineries have direct official visitor information:

2 Lads Winery — an estate winery on the peninsula's east side. Check its visit page for current reservations and group policies.
Bowers Harbor Vineyards — north of Traverse City near Bowers Harbor. Confirm current tasting options directly.
Chateau Chantal — a winery and inn near the peninsula's north end. Lodging and wine visits have separate booking details.
Chateau Grand Traverse — an Old Mission estate winery with current wines and visitor details on its official site.
Mari Vineyards — an estate winery on the east side of Old Mission Peninsula. Review its current visit policies before arriving.

This is a planning shortlist, not a ranking. The association directory includes additional current members.

Leelanau Peninsula

Use the Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail winery directory to build a route by area. Verified options include:

Black Star Farms — its Suttons Bay estate is on the Leelanau Peninsula. Check the official site for current tasting, dining, and lodging details.
L. Mawby — a Leelanau Peninsula producer focused on sparkling wine.
Shady Lane Cellars — an estate winery near Suttons Bay.
Bel Lago — a winery on the peninsula's west side near Lake Leelanau.
Chateau Fontaine — a family winery in the Lake Leelanau area.

Distances between Leelanau stops can be substantial. Choose one cluster from the official trail map and leave room for meals and unhurried travel.

Plan a safe tasting day

Designate a driver who will not drink, book a professional wine-tour operator, or arrange another sober ride before the first tasting.
Never rely on “feeling fine.” Michigan State Police advises that impairment begins before obvious signs appear; see its impaired-driving guidance.
Confirm that transportation serves every planned stop and can accommodate the group. Rideshare availability can be limited outside Traverse City.
Ask each winery about reservations, buses or limousines, children, pets, food, and accessibility. Policies vary by property.
Do not bring outside alcohol or carry an open container in a vehicle. A designated driver should still follow every tasting room's rules.

A practical route

Pick one peninsula, then select two or three nearby wineries from its official map. Verify each stop on the morning of the trip. Seasonal events, private functions, weather, and capacity can change access without much notice.

Wine availability also changes by vintage and sell-through. This guide deliberately avoids promising a particular bottle or flight; the winery's current list is the reliable source.

Primary planning sources

Last verified July 27, 2026. Recheck winery and transportation pages for current details.