Northern Michigan Wine Country: “The Napa of the North”

If you’ve never heard of Northern Michigan Wine Country, you wouldn’t be alone.

Often referred to as “The Napa of the North,” this area is as beautiful as the wine it produces.

What makes this region magical for travellers and wine producers alike is its geography.

The Northern Michigan Wine Country is on the Old Mission Peninsula to the east and the Leelanau Peninsula to the west.

This location allows northern Michigan wineries to produce crisp whites, elegant Pinot Noirs, and aromatic varieties that taste far more expensive than they are.

It’s stylish but casual and grounded, and you won’t get judged for knowing nothing or wanting that perfect selfie.

Two wine glasses help up outside. The article is about Northern Michigan Wine Country.

Where is Northern Michigan Wine Country?

If you look at a map of Michigan, follow the west side and stop when the shoreline starts curling into a bay that’s Traverse City.

It’s the beating heart of the region and the launchpad for most wine weekends.

The Michigan wineries are so close together that you can hit 4–6 in a single afternoon without feeling rushed.

Old Mission Peninsula and the Leelanau Peninsula are both recognized AVAs (American Viticultural Areas).

So wine here is serious business. The microclimates created by Lake Michigan mimic those of coastal Europe.

Sunset on the vineyard in northern Michigan

Northern Michigan Wine Country Area

Old Mission Peninsula Wine

If you want instant gratification, start here: The Old Mission Peninsula wine scene is compact, scenic, and so photogenic.

The drive is a new road with vineyards to the left and the bay to the right, and it is stunning.

The signature grape is Riesling. Cool-climate whites thrive here, so think dry whites with aromatic notes.

You’ll also find Pinot Gris, Cabernet Franc, rosés, and small-batch sparkling wines.

If you’re new to wine, this is the place to start.

Must-stop wineries:

Chateau Chantal is the hilltop queen of the peninsula with sweeping bay views. Go for sunset wine flights; the view is amazing.
Brys Estate is chic, modern, and built for girls’ weekends. Their patio is perfect for slow afternoons.
Mari Vineyards has that Tuscany energy, producing big-flavored reds, an elegant tasting room, and an underground wine cave.

Old Mission is ideal for your first day of tasting. It’s close together, scenic, and the logistics are easy.

Beautiful vineyards on the Old Mission Peninsula in Northern Michigan, north of Traverse City. there are table and chairs overlooking the bay and vineyard.

Leelanau Peninsula Wine

Leelanau is Old Mission’s moody, adventurous sister.

The area is larger, more rugged, and offers a greater variety, both in terms of wine and landscape.

Here, you will find rolling hills, weathered barns converted into tasting rooms, and lake views peeking through the trees.

Michigan Peninsula Wineries feel very intimate and homely.

The reds here tend to have a real earthiness, and the whites are crisp and clear.

Must-stop Wineries:

Shady Lane Cellars is relaxed, rustic, and an easy first stop.
Aurora Cellars has a dreamy gazebo and wedding-vibe aesthetics.
Black Star Farms has some iconic wines, trails, stables, and an on-site inn.

Between tastings, you can detour into Leland’s Fishtown and grab fresh smoked whitefish.

Or drive out to Sleeping Bear Dunes, one of the most jaw-dropping lake overlooks in the U.S.

These Michigan peninsula wineries deliver incredible views with every sip.

If you are flying into Michigan, read my tips: How to avoid getting sick on a plane.

Aerial view of Leelanau state park, and Historic Grand Traverse lighthouse in Michigan . The article is about Northern Michigan Wine Country.

Traverse City: The Pulse of the Region

Once you are finished with your wine tasting, Traverse City awaits.

This is your dinner hub, cocktail hub, shopping hub, and nightlife hub.

It’s energetic, modern, and full of local businesses.

Tasting all day and strolling the bay at sunset is a universal experience here.

Vineyard by day, downtown by night, it’s quite a flex, honestly.

There are so many things to do in Traverse City.

Busy Front Street in downtown with State Street Theater. People are walking down the street. — Photo Credit: Heidi Besen via Shutterstock.com

Michigan Wine Trail: How to Taste Like a Local

Northern Michigan isn’t one giant sprawl of wineries; it’s two curated routes.

Think of them as two sides of the same family. Both are easy to explore, and both are close to Traverse City.

Both offer wildly different vibes.

If you’re coming with friends, you can even do one peninsula per day and still feel like you “did the region” without rushing.

Old Mission Peninsula Wine Trail

This is the polished, photogenic one side of the peninsula. It’s compact and ideal for first-timers.

Most vineyards sit just off a single north–south road, which means you’re never more than 5–10 minutes from your next tasting.

What makes Old Mission such a crowd-pleaser is how it combines vineyard views with the water views.

You’ll sip a Riesling, glance up, and Grand Traverse Bay is shimmering on one side of the road

Then you turn a corner, and it’s glittering on the other.

The peninsula is only about three miles wide at its widest point, and that makes the whole day feel effortless.

The wineries here are refined and scenic: think patios overlooking the vines, tasting rooms designed for golden-hour photos.

And wines that show off the region’s cool-climate strengths.

It’s the trail you choose when you want to ease into the area, dress cute, and sip crisp whites without worrying about long drives.

Beautiful vineyards on the Old Mission Peninsula in Northern Michigan, north of Traverse City.

Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail

Leelanau is broader and more exploratory. The trail stretches across rolling hills, quiet roads, and lakeside villages.

The wineries tend to be more rustic, creative, and down-to-earth.

You’re not just stopping at tasting rooms here; it feels like you’re discovering them.

You will find barns turned into wineries, vineyards tucked behind forests, and patios amid orchards.

Leelanau has three informal “sub-routes”: a northern loop around Suttons Bay, a southwest route into Glen Arbor and Maple City, and a middle route near Leland and Lake Leelanau.

The trails are beginner-friendly, and some tour companies offer hop-on tasting vans or chauffeured SUVs that are very helpful if you want to avoid being the designated driver.

If you have one day and want something easy, go to Old Mission. If you want discovery, depth, and a mix of wineries plus nature stops, go to Leelanau. If you can do both.

If you don’t want to drive, you can opt for guided trips.

LOOK HERE: Traverse City Wine Tour in a Luxury SUV

LOOK HERE: Traverse City Old Mission Peninsula 4 Winery Tour.

Vineyards in the state of Michigan. You can see the vines and the bay beyond.

Northern Michigan Wine Trail: Essentials Packing List

Here are my tips on how to pack lightly. using a carry-on when traveling. And WHY it is almost a necessity!

This unisex RFID-blocking concealed travel pouch is lightweight and comes in several colors.

These RFID sleeves are another solution.

This Anker high-speed phone charging battery is the exact one I carry on all my trips.

My daughter gifted me this FugeTek selfie stick and tripod setup for my birthday.

It is made of lightweight aluminum and is so easy to use.

I never leave home on a trip without a non-disposable water bottle.

Then this collapsible silicone foldable water bottle would work well for you.

This foldable water-resistant backpack would be great for a daily go-pack.

These quick-dry slip-on Aqua shoes will be useful when visiting Michigan Beaches.

These men’s quick-dry trunks are essential.

For women, this one-strap one-piece bathing suit is amazing.

Consider bringing along quick-dry super-absorbent microfiber towels.

This wet-dry bag with handles is a good option.

These unisex polarized sunglasses come in many lens colors and frame designs and are extremely affordable, too.

If you like aviator-style sunglasses, these polarized aviators may interest you.

As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

**3-Day Girls Weekend in Northern Michigan Wine Country**

Day 1 – Old Mission Glow-up

Start in Traverse City, coffee in hand. Drive north onto the peninsula.

Late morning tasting at Brys Estate (get the frosé slushie in summer).
Lunch at a winery café or picnic overlooking the vines.
Afternoon at Mari Vineyards, do the cave tour if it’s available.
Golden hour at Chateau Chantal, because nobody regrets that decision.

For dinner downtown Traverse City, enjoy seafood, steak, or farm-to-table options.

Here are some excellent Traverse City Restaurants.

people stood and sat in a tasting area overlooking the bay. The article is about Northern Michigan Wine Country. — Photo Credit: Fsendek via Shutterstock.com

Day 2 – Leelanau Wanderlust

Slow morning, scenic drive west.

First stop Aurora Cellars for lovely garden vibes.
Visit Shady Lane or Good Harbor for chill mid-day pours.
Sunset detour to Sleeping Bear Dunes. Nothing, and I mean nothing, compares to this place. It is one of the best national parks in the Midwest.

Dinner in Leland or Glen Arbor.

Out buildings on Northern Michigan farm. The article is about Northern Michigan Wine Country.

Day 3 – City + Culture + Recovery

Sleep in and then hit Traverse City bakeries and boutiques.

Then enjoy the city with some sightseeing, shopping, or book some spa treatments.

Renting Kayaks is also fun. Or enjoy the lake views. Have a brunch flight at a winery you skipped.

This itinerary ensures nobody leaves disappointed.

Beautiful vineyards on the Old Mission Peninsula in Northern Michigan, north of Traverse City. The article is about Northern Michigan Wine Country.

When to Visit Northern Michigan Wine Country

Summer is the season Northern Michigan seems built for.

The patios are open, the vines are lush, and everyone moves at a relaxed pace.

Lake breezes drift through the tasting patios, and sundresses and sunglasses are the dress code. Every winery feels alive with chatter and clinking glasses.

If you’re coming with a group of friends or bridesmaids, this is the easiest time to find that golden-hour glow in every photo.

Autumn is when Northern Michigan turns cinematic.

The grape harvest arrives, the vineyards shift from deep green to amber and scarlet, and the air cools just enough for a cardigan

The energy slows down from summer, but the region becomes more charming rather than quieter.

You get cozy tasting rooms, and that unmistakable satisfaction of watching leaves swirl outside the window while your glass fogs slightly from the warmth inside.

Vineyard field in Old Mission Peninsula Michigan in the Autumn

Winter often surprises visitors because they expect everything to shut down, and it doesn’t.

Wineries lean into firelight, blankets, and big reds. Snow makes the region feel intimate and romantic.

It’s the perfect time for couples. Ice wines appear, tasting rooms glow like cabins, and the whole peninsula feels like a retreat.

Spring is the reset. The crowds are smaller, prices dip, and the region begins to wake up.

It’s ideal if you like leisurely tastings, mild weather, and the feeling of discovering somewhere still stretching its arms after winter.

This is when locals are especially chatty, and winemakers will actually stop to talk if you ask questions.

flowers in a field. They are pink and purple.

Where to Stay: Boutique Inns, Hotel & Vineyard Estates

If you are after the vineyard estate experience Chateau Chantal, Inn at Black Star Farms,

and Brys Estate Guesthouse are all great options.

The Baywatch Resort is a wonderful beachfront resort in Traverse City,

The Leland Lodge has a small-town vibe on the peninsula.

And the Cambria Hotel Traverse City offers a nice central location.