Wine Tasting on Old Mission Peninsula

Old Mission Peninsula is a serious cool-climate wine region disguised as a scenic drive, and a tasting afternoon here is one of the best non-golf days in northern Michigan. The peninsula extends 18 miles into Grand Traverse Bay from Traverse City, narrow enough that you see water on both sides, with vineyards on nearly every available acre. The 45th parallel runs through the peninsula, the same latitude as Bordeaux and Tuscany.

The experience

More than ten wineries produce Riesling, Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, and ice wines. The Rieslings, in particular, have built a reputation that travels well beyond the local market. Tasting rooms are small, family-run operations, several with lake views that improve any pour. Self-guide if you want to set the pace: $10 to $15 per tasting room, three to four stops in an afternoon. Take a guided tour if you want someone else to drive after the third stop, which is usually wise.

Logistics

Most tasting rooms run 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., May through October. Walk-ins welcome at most, but the more popular rooms can fill on summer weekends. Guided tours run $60 to $100, recommended for groups of four or more. The drive from downtown Traverse City to the tip of the peninsula takes about 30 minutes without stops.