Just a few miles up Old Mission Peninsula, discover where, in 1974, founder Edward O’Keefe Sr. planted Northern Michigan’s first Riesling vines in hopes of one day crafting a cooler climate-styled varietal worthy of their European counterparts. Today, amongst stunning views and plenty of exceptional wines, see and taste for yourself just how far Chateau Grand Traverse has come. Located on beautiful Old Mission Peninsula, in Traverse City, Michigan, Chateau Grand Traverse is family owned and operated offering guests a complete Northern Michigan wine country experience including premium wine tasting, winery tours, lodging and a beautiful setting. No matter what your wine knowledge or experience is, the expertly trained staff is standing by to help our tour guests make the most of your visit. Whether guests are looking to relax and unwind with friends or they want to learn more about the winemaking process and Michigan wine industry, the staff at Chateau Grand Traverse is here to help!

A very interesting compare & contrast... Same Wine Maker as Chateau Chantal! Tour guests can buy flights, wine by the glass, bottles or join the wine club during the wine tour. One of the premiere vineyards in Traverse City, guest can sip, savour and taste some of the best reds and whites on the peninsula. Red wine drinkers can sample Merlot / Cab Franc blend and for the white drinkers try the Auxerrois or Dry Riesling. Some food options as well. One of the newest up and coming wineries on Old Mission Peninsula. The Hawthorne Vineyards site is arguably the most secluded Old Mission Peninsula tasting room site. The tasting room is located on a high bluff with views of both East and West Grand Traverse Bays. Our visitors will be seeing nature– no view of traffic, no close neighbors -- just vineyard, woods and water. Guests can see both bays from the tasting room. An outdoor patio area will provide a relaxing environment with stunning bay views and a cosy outdoor fireplace.

Grand Traverse Bay is an arm of Lake Michigan. The bay is separated from the rest of Lake Michigan by the Leelanau Peninsula. The bay is some 32 miles long, ranges from 7 to 10 miles wide, and up to 620 feet deep in spots. It is the second-largest bay of Lake Michigan, behind Green Bay. Grand Traverse Bay earned its name from 18th-century French voyageurs who made "la grande traverse" or a long trek or crossing, across the mouth of bay. The most famous feature of the Grand Traverse Bay is the division into East and West arms by the Old Mission Peninsula. During this tour, on the way from Traverse City to Hawthorne Vineyards, our tour guests will see stunning views of the East Bay. Tour guests will be driven right along the shoreline at times. On the drive from Hawthorne to Bowers guests will see views of the West Bay. Tour guests will see views of both East and West Bays during the rest of the tour as well. A very large part of this award winning tour are the views!

Book and experience what tens of thousands of wine enthusiasts and guests have already fell in love with-Traverse City Wine Country! The famous Old Mission Peninsula Wine Trail is perfect for your next Film Stars Wine Tour! Make some memories with friends and family during your next holiday or weekend escape! During our award winning Old Mission Peninsula, guests will be treated to views of such destinations as the beautiful East and West Grand Traverse Bays, Bowers Harbour, The Bowers Harbour Inn, The Boathouse Restaurant, Jolly Pumpkin, Bryant Park just to name a few. One of the big stories is the microclimate that is created by the surrounding bays which makes this region a great area for producing a wide range of fruits, vegetables AND of course grapes. The East and West bays stay warmer in the fall, which prolongs the growing season. After winter, the bays remain cool in spring, preventing damaging frost allowing the local vineyards to flourish. Learn more on our tour!