The steep water-cradled slopes that make Traverse City the “cherry capital of the world” are also producing some of the best wines in the country. Thanks to this unique microclimate, Traverse City is fast becoming known for the clean, fresh taste of its wines, which hold their aroma and fruit flavors much more faithfully than those grown in hotter climates.

The region made its first international impact with white wines – Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Gewurtztraminer – but is now winning admirers for light French-style reds like Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc and Merlot. It’s also one of the world’s top producers of ice wine, an intensely-flavored dessert wine made from the juice of winter-frozen grapes.

Our wineries are located on two beautiful peninsulas extending north from Traverse City - the Leelanau Peninsula and the Old Mission Peninsula. Many of them boast awe-inspiring hilltop settings that have made them attractions in their own right -- and most are open for tastings and tours.