Michigan Wine Country Vacation Spots
by Dianna Stampfler
(Michigan)
The best of Michigan wine country vacation spots is the thriving "Culinary Capital" – the Greater Traverse City Region.
Flanked by the Sleeping Bear Dunes to the west and the Grand Traverse Bays, this piece of paradise is home to some two dozen award-winning wineries, historic cherry orchards, world-class restaurants and a relaxed lifestyle which welcomes visitors with open arms.
This area’s wineries dot the landscape of both the Leelanau and Old Mission Peninsulas, supporting the state’s thriving agri-tourism industry.
No matter the peninsula, the culture is the same – intense pride in and passion for the vineyards and the wine.
Known as a “cool climate” region due to the atmospheric nature of Lake Michigan and the bays, the area also draws support from its geographic placement on the 45th Parallel – which also runs through the Bordeaux region of France (a more widely recognized wine region).
The original Black Star Farms Winery (under the direction of winemaker Lee Lutes) is a true agricultural destination in Suttons Bay (Leelanau Peninsula).
Offering a winery, distillery, creamery, equestrian facility, farm market, petting farm and bed-and-breakfast, it is truly the prince of the peninsula.
The newest Black Star winery is situated at the base of the Old Mission Peninsula, one of seven wineries that now stretch along the scenic M-37 highway.
A smaller tasting room operates at The Village at Grand Traverse Commons (formerly the Northern Michigan Asylum).
This complex is also home to Left Foot Charley (and noted Riesling winemaker Bryan Ulbrich), Pleasanton Bakery, Underground Cheesecake Factory, Higher Grounds Coffee and Trattoria Stella – one of Northwest Michigan’s finest restaurants.
Two South African winemakers are proud to call Old Mission Peninsula home these days.
Coenraad Stassen from Brys Estate and Cornell Olivier from 2 Lads Winery bring their distinct style and personalities to Northwest Michigan.
In 2009, Coenraad will be taking a group of 20 locals back to his homeland for a personal tour of that country’s wine region.
Nearly 20 other wineries in this Michigan wine country vacation spots offer samples of their award-winning wines, including many varietals unique to the region.
While traditionally known for sweeter white wines (Riesling grapes thrive here), the range of grapes and ultimately wines is growing each year. Now, robust reds, are making their way onto the scene.
Even specialty products, such as ice wine, sparkling wine, ports and even distilled spirits, can be found in select Northwest Michigan tasting rooms.
On Tuesdays throughout the summer, wine lovers will enjoy sailing the waters of Grand Traverse Bay on a replica tall ship – the Schooner Manitou – during their wine excursion.
A four-day windjammer trip, featuring the owner of Trattoria Stella (also a sommelier) offers extensive education and pairings aboard this majestic ship.
Other noted events at this east coast vacation spots include the Taste the Passion (snowshoe through the vineyards), Spring Sip & Savor, Leland Wine Festival, Harvest Stompede (walk/run through the vineyards), the Great Mac & Cheese Bake-Off, Toast the Season and Suds ‘n Snow (beer and snowshoeing).
Nearby resorts, including Crystal Mountain Resort in Thompsonville, Grand Traverse Resort in Acme and The Homestead Resort in Glen Arbor, offer culinary packages and themed weekends throughout the year.
Traverse City hosts the National Cherry Festival each July, an event that dates back more than 80 years.
Cherries are the star attraction, with everything from special dinners, cooking contests, pie eating contests and even cherry pit spitting competitions.
Each September, Traverse City garners the attention of novice and serious foodies at the annual Epicurean Classic.
This 3-day celebration of wine and food features nationally-known chefs and cookbook authors, who offer seminars for those interested in learning more about their craft.
The event is a fundraiser for the Great Lakes Culinary Institute, which is situated along the banks of Grand Traverse Bay (the site of the east coast vacation spots festival).
Those who prefer beer over wine will find a handful of breweries in the region. Among the most noted is Shorts Brewing, which started in Bellaire (45 minutes to the north).
A second location is expected to open in Traverse City in the near future. Mackinaw Brewing, North Peak, Right Brain Brewery and Traverse Brewing Company are also found in the area.
Other unique areas in the area worth mentioning are Food for Thought in Honor (hosts of the Green Cuisine event each July), Grocer’s Daughter in Empire (makers of mouth-watering chocolates including truffles infused with local wine and spirits), Pleva’s in Cedar (noted for their cherry sausages, featured previously on the show Home Improvement), Cherry Republic in Glen Arbor (know for ALL things cherry, including soda pop and the boom-chunka cookies) and Carlson’s Fish Market in Leland (located in Historic Fishtown, on the shore of Lake Michigan).
With culinary travel on the rise throughout the country and beyond, traditionally lesser known Michigan wine country vacation spots such as Northwest Michigan are drawing attention for their world-class offerings in a small town atmosphere. Sampling this area’s rich bounty is sure to impress even the most seasoned traveler.
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