Road Trip thru Michigan Wineries
Posted by Laura Nelson on September 5, 2009
By Laura Nelson
Wine aficionados and casual fans need not travel to the west coast to sample great wines. Michigan’s lower peninsula, particularly the land surrounding Grand Traverse Bay, features the ideal microclimate for viticulture. As a result, a number of top-quality local wineries have flourished, providing visitors with exceptional tasting experiences and winery tours close to home.
Leelanau Peninsula
The Leelanau Peninsula is home to seventeen wineries, including Leelanau Wine Cellars, Michigan’s top producer. Owner Bob Jacobsen notes that growth has been dramatic over the past five years, and he has accommodated escalating demand by increasing capacity of his production facilities by more than three times. The new 45 North Winery in Lake Leelanau features wines created by Shawn Walters, sixteen of which have won gold medals.
Leelanau Peninsula Wine Makers will host the 2009 Harvest Stompede, a 7-mile run and 5K run / walk on September 19th & 20th. The event, sponsored by the Traverse City Track Club, will lead runners through a matrix of vineyard rows and trails in the majestic rolling hills of the Leelanau Peninsula. It is coupled with a wine tasting weekend and has been enjoyed by competitive and casual runners and walkers alike. To register, visit www.lpwines.com.
View from Chateau Chantal
Old Mission Peninsula
Old Mission Peninsula is home to seven distinct wineries, including Black Star Farms, one of the largest in the area, and Chateau Chantal, a winery, vineyard, and bed & breakfast atop a ridge overlooking East and West Grand Traverse Bays.
The Old Mission Peninsula Wine & Food Celebration takes place on Saturday, September 12, when area wineries and restaurants host a party in Bowers Harbor Park. The event features wine tastings, world-class cuisine, and live music.
Accommodations
Accommodations for winery excursions in Grand Traverse Bay range from the luxurious Inn at Black Star Farms (which includes a full gourmet breakfast, complimentary bottle of red house wine, special reserve tasting in the tasting room, hospitality hour, and more), to the Korner Kottage in Sutton’s Bay (which includes breakfast made with locally-grown ingredients), and Chateau Chantal (where suites and select rooms each include a private bath, whirlpool tubs, breathtaking views, a full gourmet breakfast, and more).
Dining
Restaurant favorites in the area include La Becasse, a French country restaurant; Trattoria Stella, Italian Gourmet and an award-winning wine list; Red Ginger, trendy Asian fusion; and Trattoria Funistrada, which features excellent Italian cuisine.
Grand Traverse Bay, Michigan is a 6-7 hour drive from the Chicago area. For more info on Northern Michigan wineries, accommodations, dining, and more, visit www.greatfoodandtravel.com, www.lpwines.com, and www.wineriesofoldmission.com.
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