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Two Lads Winery

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Two Lads winery is a 10,500 square foot facility located on 58 acres on the Old Mission Peninsula in Traverse City, Michigan. Our ultra modern, multi-level facility uses gravity-flow techniques to transport the juice and wine throughout processing, racking and aging. The gravity-flow process saves energy, reduces noise, and is a far more gentle way to process the juice and wine.

Our building captures that fresh and bold character of the wines we produce. And our view is… beyond compare. So start your wine tour at the top of Old Mission Peninsula.

Look for good things from 2 Lads on Old Mission Peninsula (MLive.com)

Two Lads Winery
16985 Smokey Hollow Road
Traverse City, Michigan 49686
231.223.7722

Visit Two Lads Winery Website >>>>

August 5, 2009 |

Brys Estate Vineyard and Winery

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Walt and Eileen Brys invite you to sample their international award-winning wines in their beautiful brick and mahogany tasting room. While sipping the wine, enjoy breathtaking views of the East Bay and 80 acres on Old Mission Peninsula reborn.

Walter and Eileen Brys planted the first of 40,000 vines in 2001 and opened the doors of their tasting room in 2005. Their 31-acre vineyard is part of the 80 acres that makes up Brys Estate. In the Spring of 2008, Brys Estate expanded their vineyard to 31 acres and planted additional Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc and Merlot.

Brys Estate Vineyard & Winery
3309 Blue Water Road
Traverse City, MI 49686
(231) 223-9303

Visit Brys Estate Vineyard & Winery Website >>>>

August 25, 2008 |

Hawthorne Vineyards

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Hawthorne Vineyards is a pristine vineyard and tasting room destination just four miles from Traverse City on Old Mission Peninsula.

The 40 acre site is nestled into a ridge above Peninsula Drive with postcard views of East and West Grand Traverse Bays. Hand crafted wines are created from the vineyard’s acreage of Pinot Noir, Merlot, Lemberger, Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc, Gewurztraminer, and Riesling.

Surrounding traffic and disruptions vanish as guests make their way up the winding private drive to the most peaceful and serene vineyard destination on Old Mission.

Hawthorne Vineyards is Open!

Grand Opening Celebration
May 25, 2013
11am-8pm

Complimentry Live Music, Wine Tasting & More!

1-3pm-The Accidentals
4-8pm Greg Seaman

Hawthorne Vineyards Photo Gallery
(Click Photo for Slide Show View)

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Hawthorne Vineyards
1000 Camino Maria Dr.
Traverse City, MI 49686
231-929-4206

Visit Hawthorne Vineyards Website >>>>

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Hawthorne Vineyards: A Welcome Addition To Old Mission Peninsula – Midwest Wine Presss
Hawthorne Vineyards is only the eighth winery on the beautiful peninsula. Opened in May of this year, the winery is the pride of owners Bruce and Cathleen Hawthorne. Cathleen, a master gardener, and Bruce, a corporate attorney, bought an 80-acre farm in 2005 to realize their dream of owning a vinifera-based winery….

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August 22, 2008 |

Chateau Grand Traverse

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Located atop one of the most picturesque settings on Michigan’s Old Mission Peninsula sits the winery and vineyards of Chateau Grand Traverse.

Founded in 1974 by Edward O’Keefe, our family owned and operated winery is the oldest and largest commercial winery and vineyard operation in northern Michigan.

Success in growing European vinifera vines requires very specific conditions. The moderating effects of the deep waters of Lake Michigan’s Grand Traverse Bay are vital to our grape quality and success. This huge mass of water nearly encircles Old Mission Peninsula, thus significantly buffering the immediate surrounding air temperatures. This unique microclimate condition protects our vines during critical growing periods throughout the year and allows us to grow European vinifera vines in a climate otherwise considered unsuitable for the delicate vines.

Chateau Grand Traverse focuses its emphasis on ten key European vinifera grape varieties: Riesling, Chardonnay, Gamay Noir, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc, Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Meunier, and Gewürztraminer. Our 100% European vinifera vineyards marked the first commercial planting of these premium grape varieties in our State. Today, Chateau Grand Traverse produces approximately 80,000 cases of wine per year.

Links of Note:

Romancing the Riesling by Patty LaNoue Stearns

Chateau Grand Traverse
12239 Center Road
Traverse City, MI 49686
800-283-0247

Chateau Grand Traverse Website >>>>

August 20, 2008 |

Bowers Harbor Vineyard

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Our family at Bowers Harbor Vineyards invites you to explore the epic views of Lake Michigan and sample our award winning varietal wines. We are a boutique winery located in Northern Michigan on picturesque Old Mission Peninsula in Traverse City. Our cool-climate viticulture experience coupled with our hard work proves to produce superior quality Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc, and our signature meritage blend the 2896, Langley Vineyard. We planted our first vines in 1991, and we are excited to be apart of Michigan’s growing wine tourism. Because we care for our land sustainably, our vineyards have been recognized by the Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program. Come taste our passion!

Bowers Harbor Vineyard
2896 Bowers Harbor Road
Traverse City, MI 49686
800-616 7615

Visit Bowers Harbor Vineyard Website >>>>

August 15, 2008 |

Peninsula Cellars

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Peninsula Cellars is a family run winery located on the Old Mission Peninsula, just north of Traverse City, Michigan. The region lies along the 45th parallel, halfway between the north pole and the equator. This gives the region its distinct micro-climate, that makes it perfect for growing high quality wine grapes. Other well known wine regions that lie near the 45th parallel include, Alsace, Burgundy, and Bordeaux.

Our philosophy toward wine making has always been very minimalistic, allowing the regional expression of the fruit to come through. The sun, the rain, the wind, and the soil, all under the watchful eye of the grower, are what make our wines so good.

Peninsula Cellars
11480 Center Road
Traverse City, MI 49686
231-933-9787

Visit Peninsula Cellars Website >>>>

August 10, 2008 |

Black Star Farms – Old Mission

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Black Star Farms Old Mission

Black Star Farms Old Mission, sits just off scenic M-37 amongst the rolling hills and gorgeous views of East Grand Traverse Bay. The former home of locally re-known Underwood Farm market now houses a beautiful tasting room and state of the art wine making and distillation facility. The tasting room boasts a round bar constructed from wine barrels, a cozy fireplace, and a knowledgeable and friendly staff. Taste many of our award-winning wines and brandies, all of which express the regional nature of northwest Michigan.

Black Star Farms Old Mission is an extension of Black Star Farms in Suttons Bay. The tasting room is open May to November – Monday through Saturday 10-6, Sunday 12-5, and November to May – Monday through Saturday 11-5, Sunday 12-5. Closed Tuesdays in January, February, & March

For group tours or other information contact tasting room manager Andy Jacoboson at 231-944-1300 or ajacobson@blackstarfarms.com.

BLACK STAR FARMS is a unique agricultural destination that features two winery production facilities with adjacent tasting rooms, a distillery, Inn, and equestrian facility. Our winery and distillery produce some of the most sought after and awarded Michigan wines and spirits. Our luxurious Inn is the perfect place to host private special events including weddings, corporate retreats, and family celebrations. Leelanau Cheese’s artisanal cheese … and the Hearth & Vine restaurant add to the culinary offerings at our Suttons Bay site.

To try our wines, visit any of our three tasting rooms on the Leelanau and Old Mission Peninsulas as well as TASTES of Black Star Farms in the Village at Grand Traverse Commons in Traverse City or order online.

Black Star Farms – Old Mission
360 McKinley Rd. East
Traverse City, MI 49686
231-944-1300

Black Star Farms
10844 E. Revold Road
Suttons Bay, MI 49682
231-944-1270

Visit Black Star Farms Website >>>>

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August 5, 2008 |

Chateau Chantal Winery and B and B

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The Begin family, Robert, Nadine and daughter Marie-Chantal, opened the doors of Chateau Chantal in 1993 upon the completion of a French style three room B&B, winery and vineyard estates. The winery and B&B has since undergone a 15,000 square foot expansion which increased the total rooms available to eleven. Located on a 65-acre estate on Old Mission Peninsula, in one of the most scenic areas of the Great Lakes, Chateau Chantal offers a unique Old World experience that combines vineyard and winery, B&B lodging and friendly company, all in a relaxing rural landscape featuring breathtaking views, local beaches, trails and quiet country roads. Our B&B guests enjoy exceptional amenities. From cozy rooms to spacious suites, featuring views of vineyards and fresh water, terrace or balcony, wet bar, whirlpool tub, high ceilings, and elegant furnishings. The inn itself offers fireplaces and sitting areas, ample breakfasts and attentive front desk staff.

Chateau Chantal was established in 1983, when cherry orchards were replaced with grafted vinifera grape vines – the same species of wine grape grown along other parts of the 45th parallel in the Bordeaux region of France.

Acreage is planted with Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Noir, Gewurztraminer, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Pinot Meunier. Wine grapes thrive in the unique micro-climate characteristic of this enviable area of the State. Our handcrafted wines are produced under our winemaker’s meticulous supervision from vineyard to bottle.

More About Chateau Chantal on Best Up North

Chateau Chantal Wine Dinners – Summer and Fall

Chateau Chantal Tapas Tours – Summer

Online Reviews of Chateau Chantal

Where to Stay in Traverse City: Chateau Chantal by Katie Hammel
Perched high on a hill on the Mission Peninsula, just a few miles from downtown Traverse City, Chateau Chantal is one of the most romantic and luxurious places to stay, especially for wine-lovers. With sweeping bay views on every side, the 65 acre property is a full-service winery, tasting room, event space and hotel that offers 11 rooms.

Chateau Chantal B&B
15900 Rue de Vin
Traverse City, MI 49686
231-223-4110

Visit Chateau Chantal Website >>>>

August 15, 2007 |

Jolly Pumpkin Restaurant, Brewery, Distillery

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The Jolly Pumpkin, Restaurant, Brewery, and Distillery Traverse City, is historically situated among the generous cherry orchards and distinguished lakes of northern Michigan. Inspired by natural surroundings, our esteemed restaurant and brewery offers a rustic atmosphere marked by fireside warmth and earthy woods in a comfortable cottage like setting.

Our highly skilled chefs are dedicated to serving laid back cuisine held to impeccable standards. Nestled among neighboring farms, our menu reflects the organic flavors of Traverse City, resulting in a personal interpretation of traditional dishes. Artisan pizzas, sandwiches, entrees, and of course, wine and beer, are ripe with a variety of fresh herbs, native spices, meats, and produce, harvested seasonally from our own backyard, coming together on every plate for a uniquely local culinary experience.

Jolly Pumpkin Restaurant, Brewery, Distillery
13512 Peninsula Drive – Old Mission Peninsula
Traverse City, MI 49686
231-223-4333

Visit Jolly Pumpkin Restaurant, Brewery, Distillery Website >>>>

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May 30, 2007 |

Boathouse Restaurant

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Nestled on the shores of beautiful Bowers Harbor the Boathouse takes full advantage of its delightful view of the docks and bay with wide-open windows and a summer deck. Indoors, the charming decor invokes a relaxed cottage atmosphere where both the casually and formally attired feel welcome.

Chef Eric Nittolo pays attention to the entire plate, combining flavor, texture and presentation together so there won’t be a bite you don’t enjoy. Sunday brunch, cocktails by the fireplace or dinner during our exclusive sunset views make your dining experience a memorable one.

Boathouse Restaurant
14039 Peninsula Drive
Traverse City, MI 49686
231.223.4030

Visit Boathouse Restaurant Website >>>>

May 28, 2007 |

Mission Table

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For years, we were known fondly as Bowers Harbor Inn. In spring 2010, we officially reopened as Mission Table at Bowers Harbor Inn. We still hold true to the basic ideology that made us one of Michigan’s most highly regarded culinary destinations for decades, but have focused and renewed our vows to our valued patrons:

With an awareness of our place in the community of the Old Mission Peninsula and Northern Michigan, we — the owners, chef and staff — take our inspiration from the land and waters that surround us

Our menu will feature the best ingredients available from local farms and fishermen, using the freshest products, honoring the seasons and supporting the agricultural economy of the region. These foods will be used in ways both innovative and traditional to bring out their unique essences. Garnish and presentation will always be secondary to flavor and quality

Wine, beer and spirits will be focused on local growers, brewers, vintners and distillers. Our wine list will reflect our unique and fortunate place in the heart of Northern Michigan wine country

Service will reflect the generosity of the land and the casual cheerfulness of the local people. Our service staff will be chosen for their passion to serve others, and will remember that gathering at the table with family and friends is a central human experience. We believe that, rather than being separate from kitchen operations, service is the final part in the natural sequence from farm to harvest to kitchen to table

The atmosphere will be warm and inviting, a place where our guests relax and feel welcome. A meal might include a breeze off the bay, a great sunset or a glowing fireplace, but it will always be a genuine Old Mission experience

With our recent substantial renovation — and the addition of other facilities at the complex — we’ve reinvented ourselves and recreated the pure epicurean experience.

Mission Table
13512 Peninsula Drive
Traverse City, MI 49686
(231) 223-4222

Visit Mission Table Website >>>>

May 25, 2007 |

Old Mission Tavern

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Situated on beautiful Old Mission Peninsula in Northwestern Michigan, surrounded by the crystal clear blue waters of Lake Michigan, and in the midst of orchards, vineyards, and farmland, the Old Mission Tavern provides a beautiful relaxing dining experience in an inspirational setting.

In the finest tradition of old world European taverns, the “art gallery” restaurant promises both a culinary and visual feast. Wonderful cuisine with prime rib, fresh fish and seafood, lamb, steaks, chicken, duckling, pastas and signature soups and salads plus a weekly pierogie special make the Old Mission Tavern restaurant a habit with locals and a priority for visitors. The Tavern has provided a warm welcome for travelers for over twenty-five years.

Sundays feature a famous country style chicken dinner special. The Thursday night pierogies are made by Verna Bartnick and are a particular delight.

The Tavern’s main dining room with a woodburning stove and bar, leads to the “garden room”, brightened with many windows and surrounded by original artwork. In the Bella Galleria itself there is a banquet facility in which private parties can dine in the midst of the artwork.

Old Mission Tavern
17015 Center Road
Traverse City, MI 49686
231-223-7280

Visit Old Mission Tavern Website >>>>

May 10, 2007 |

Mission Point Lighthouse

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Mission Point Lighthouse has been a Traverse City and Old Mission Peninsula icon for decades. Located at the end of a picturesque drive along M-37 through cherry orchards and vineyards, Mission Point Lighthouse stands as a classic piece of Michigan history. While it no longer guides mariners through West Grand Traverse Bay as it did from September 10, 1870 until it was decommissioned in 1933, Mission Point Lighthouse now offers visitors a peek into what life was like around the turn of the century for lighthouse keepers and for others who lived and worked at that time.

Lighthouse Park guests are invited to enjoy self-guided historical tours through the Lighthouse (climb all the way up to the tower!), to visit our quaint gift shop, to peek into the historic Hessler Log Cabin, to explore the miles of unspoiled trails that run through and around the park (many of which are just as historic as the Lighthouse itself), to picnic, to photograph, to watch for birds and other wildlife, to stroll the beach, to gaze out at the sunset, and to simply relax.

2013 admission rates: Lighthouse Museum Admission: $5 Adults, $3 Kids age 6-12, Free for 5 & under

Museum & Gift Shop Open 10-6 Daily April-October & Weekends November – December

We have a Fresnel Lens on display in the museum as of 2011 and operate a very popular keeper program, in which people can live in the lighthouse and be a keeper. The cost is $150 per week. Weddings are also becoming very popular at the Lighthouse.

Visit Mission Point Lighthouse Website >>>>

May 30, 2005 |

Best Up North - Northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula - produced by North Guide Internet.