Have you visited this beautiful spot in Northern Michigan know for its stunning views and tasty wine?

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Old Mission Peninsula in Grand Traverse County is in the running for "Best Wine Region in the U.S." in a USA Today and 10best Reader's poll. A panel of wine industry experts picked the top 20, and now it's up to us to vote!

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Now, when a lot of people hear "wine country" they only think California - but we Michiganders know better! Areas around the Great Lakes, carved out by glaciers, have rich, fertile soil and conditions good for farming, making them ideal for the wine industry. Old Mission Peninsula is one of these places!

Here's what USA Today says about Old Mission Peninsula:

Michigan’s Old Mission Peninsula is home to just 10 wineries in the northwestern portion of the state along Grand Traverse Bay. The 19,200 acres of vineyards here grow mostly vinifera grapes – Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Riesling, Pinot Noir, Merlot and Cabernet Franc, though visitors can also sample ice wine.

The ten wineries on the Old Mission Peninsula Wine Trail are:

  • 2 Lads
  • Blackstar Farms
  • Bowers Harbor Vineyards
  • Brys Estate Vineyard Winery
  • Mari Vineyards
  • Peninsula Cellars
  • Chateau Chantal
  • Chateau Grand Traverse
  • Hawthorne Vineyards
  • Tabone Vineyards
View From Chateau Chantal, Photo: Janna/ TSM
View From Chateau Chantal, Photo: Janna/ TSM
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Another View from Chateau Chantal, Photo: Janna/ TSM
Another View from Chateau Chantal, Photo: Janna/ TSM
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I haven't visited all of the Old Mission Wineries, but quite a few! And while they all are spectacular, I'd say my favorite would have to be Chateau Chantal -- the views are INCREDIBLE. The 65-acre vineyard, winery, and bed and breakfast sit a top a ridge near the northern end of the Peninsula, giving you the most beautiful views of Lake Michigan's Grand Traverse Bays.

Do you have a favorite winery on Old Mission?

Or maybe there's a different wine region in Michigan you prefer? There's Fennville, the Lake Michigan Shore region in Berrien and Van Buren Counties, the Leelanau Peninsula also in Grand Traverse County, and more! Honestly, I'm surprised there aren't more Michigan locations on USA Today's list!

You can vote now in their poll, once per day, through July 10 at noon.

Here's a video that shares some of Michigan's wine history and in particular, the area around Traverse City:

Wineries on Michigan's Old Mission Peninsula in Grand Traverse County

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