Best Wineries in Traverse City
Choosing which wineries to visit during your Traverse City bachelorette party can seem like a daunting task. The options are just about endless and everyone has a different opinion. I mean there are over 30 wineries all within a 30 minute drive of downtown TC! That’s a lot of choices! But when it comes to choosing your stops it’s important to consider what matters most to you - the wine or the views, the vibe or the food? We’ve considered it all when developing our BEST WINERIES OF TRAVERSE CITY guide!
We recommend choosing either the Old Mission Peninsula or the Leelanau Peninsula for a day of wine hopping - there are so many great options in each area it’s really not worth the extra drive time to switch between the two in one day.
Old Mission Peninsula:
If you haven’t been to Brys before this one is a must for your bachelorette party! One of the most popular vineyards on Old Mission Peninsula, Brys is known for their Frosé (frozen Rosé) and has a stunning upper deck overlooking the vineyard & bay. Once you’ve finished your drink head over to their secret garden to stroll through the lavender fields & take pictures with your girls!
Founded by two Traverse City locals, Bonobo is perfect for anyone looking for a more chill vibe. Pegging themselves as “relaxed, never rushed”, this winery does a great job at making everyone feel welcome. They offer a diverse selection of wine as well as more exciting food options than your typical cheese board.
One of the first wineries in Traverse City, Chateau Grand Traverse is one for the girls that LOVE good wine. This winery is passionate about their grapes and creating excellent wine, and it shows. While this winery doesn’t have the most spectacular views, they do offer a vast selection of wines and delicious charcuterie boards. The staff is also incredibly knowledgeable on the wines, really adding to the ambiance/overall experience.
Old Mission Peninsula - Notable Mentions:
Best Views: Chateau Chantel
Best Photo Opportunities: Mari Vineyards
Leelanau Peninsula:
Probably the most underrated winery in all of Traverse City is Rove Estate. This place is an absolute must! Located at the highest point on the Leelanau Peninsula, Rove offers great views and a large outdoor patio that’s perfect for a bachelorette party. Their small batch, artisanal wines are amazing and the venue also has live music to entertain you throughout the summer.
Coming in a close second is Bel Lago Winery. This place has something for everyone, from a fantastic selections of wine (we’d recommend the reds) to delicious ciders, this winery has a lot to offer. Their lawn allows your party to spread out, and they also have live music throughout the summer. We’d recommend going there hungry - their pizza is exactly what you need after an afternoon of tastings!
This lesser-known winery is a great stop along the way during your TC wine tour. The views of the bay are immaculate, and the fact that most people don’t know about it makes it easier to get in & try a glass. Not to mention the $1 tastings! Keep in mind the size of the property, it’s likely your bachelorette party won’t all sit together but it’s a great stop for a quick glass and some photos!
Leelanau Peninsula - Notable Mentions:
Best for Smaller Groups: Shady Lane Cellars
Most Unique (sparkling wine): MAWBY Sparkling
Best Wine (in our opinion): Good Harbor