Northern Michigan’s particular climate isn’t just blessed by mother nature for cherries, but also for wine grapes. The soil and weather are a vintner’s paradise. With approximately thirty wineries in our local region, it’s tough to have only one favorite.. so here are a few of them. Each is worth the drive, but you can also find wine selections from these wineries in our store regularly, along with other local brands.
Chateau Grand Traverse
Location: Old Mission – Eight miles north of Traverse City, Michigan on Center Road (M-37)
Stays Available: Inn
This 2nd generation family-owned winery boasts 208 total producing acres of Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, Grüner Veltliner, Gewürztraminer, Muscat Ottonel, and Other Whites; Gamay Noir, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Dorsa, Gamay Noir and Other Reds.
Located directly on the magical (for wine) 45th parallel, this coastal effect of both Grand Traverse Bays moderates the temperatures, thereby helping prevent frost during the growing season. The grounds have spectacular views and a European bed and breakfast style inn. There’s a wine club available and summer evening music with Wine Down Wednesdays.
Typical Days Open: Winery tasting room is open daily, year-round
Products: We always carry a selection of their wines, and Chateau Grand Traverse has large a selection of Benjamin Twiggs products
Chateau Chantal
Location: Old Mission – Twelve miles north of Traverse City, three miles (northeast) from Bowers Harbor Park, and just seven miles from the Mission Point Light.
Stays Available: Bed & Breakfast
This popular wedding destination boasts a French-style B&B that was expanded to a total of eleven units for guests and serve gourmet breakfasts. Spectacular wines are paired with gorgeous views daily. Wine dinners, events, classes, and a wine club that includes discounts on the seminars and cooking classes too!
Be sure to take one of their famous tours the next time you go. Among the many wines available, you’ll even find a Malbec (“We love Malbec so much that we bought a vineyard in Argentina!”), and five different bubbly choices.
Typical Days Open: Open daily, year-round except – Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, New Year’s Day & Easter Sunday
Products: We always carry a selection of their wines, and Chateau Chantal has a large selection of Benjamin Twiggs products
Hawthorne Vineyards
Location: Old Mission – Four miles from Traverse City, between Wilson and Gray Roads, accessible from Peninsula Drive on Camino Maria Drive and a new entrance on Montague Rd
Stays Available: None
Among the closest peninsula wineries, this serene location is arguably also the most secluded. The intimate patio features both picturesque bay views of both bays and an outdoor fireplace. No traffic or close neighbors, just the vineyard, woods, and water.
Handcrafted wines include Pinot Noir, Merlot, Lemberger, Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc, Gewurztraminer, and Riesling selections. While the location doesn’t have accommodations, you’ll leave refreshed from both the libations and the relaxing atmosphere.
Typical Days Open: Weekends in April, May – October daily hours, November Fridays & Saturdays
Products: Their Cherry Splendor is one of our cherry favorites, and Hawthorne has a selection of Benjamin Twiggs products
Good Harbor Vineyards
Location: Leelanau – Three miles south of Leland on M-22
Stays Available: None
This family-owned and operated winery has 70 acres of its own vineyards and manages hundreds more around the peninsula. With more than 35 years experience in grape growing and winemaking, they can consult or manage your own operations too.
The fourth winery established on the Leelanau Peninsula, in 1980, the family has been growing fruit on the Leelanau Peninsula for three generations (cherries in the 1950s, wine grapes in the late 1970s).
Using state-of-the-art processing equipment Good Harbor produces Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Riesling, Vignoles, Seyval, vinifera, hybrid and sparkling wines. There’s something for everyone.
Typical Days Open: May – November daily, December – April Friday & Saturdays
Products at Benjamin Twiggs: We always carry a selection of their wines
Leelanau Cellars
Location: Omena – Halfway between Suttons Bay and Northport on M-22
Stays Available: None
The waterfront views from this tasting room are spectacular. The vineyard has 35 years experience in a fast-growing region (approaching 30 wineries). With 90 acres, they produce over 30 wine varieties. Iconic bottle and label designs span numerous wine categories (desserts, fruits, blends, peninsula varietals, seasonal, and a tall ships collection).
Tastings are free, and bottles are priced to return to your home or vacation lodgings. If you still need more, they’re one of the wineries we always have in stock.
Typical Days Open: Waterfront tasting room daily, year-round (call ahead for holiday hours)
Products at Benjamin Twiggs: We always carry a selection of their wines
Ordering Wines From Benjamin Twiggs
We can special order wines from around the world, including locals, that can be picked up right in our convenient Traverse City location. We even offer a 10% discount on cases of 12 bottles. If you’re picking up your gift box or basket, we can also include your favorite bottles of wine. Below you’ll find a map that includes the previously mentioned wineries and our store location. We apologize that due to the state of Michigan regulations, we are unable to ship wine.
