A place like no other near Traverse City in Michigan
Traverse City, a haven for wine enthusiasts, is situated near two American Viticultural Areas: Old Mission Peninsula and Leelanau Peninsula. These neighboring regions offer over 40 wineries where visitors can indulge in the delightful taste of locally produced Michigan wine. Although it may come as a surprise, Michigan has its very own wine country, thanks to its favorable location. The presence of Lake Michigan plays a crucial role in the success of wine production here. By shielding the vineyards from excessively cold temperatures on land, the lake’s climate creates a conducive environment. All of Michigan’s vineyards are located within a mere 25-mile radius of the lake. This, combined with the glacial soil found in the region and the abundant sunlight during the growing season, contributes to the thriving wine industry in these areas.
Michigan is famous for its various wine types, including pinot blanc, pinot grigio, and riesling. You should definitely try something made with Niagara grapes while you’re here since Michigan produces the highest amount of them in the entire country. Another unique wine to taste is ice wine, which can only be enjoyed in a few places around the world, and Michigan is one of them. Making ice wine is an extremely precise process: the grapes need to be picked when temperatures range between 17 and 19 degrees Fahrenheit. This means that production often takes place in the middle of the night during the freezing winter. The frozen grapes are then used to produce a distinctive wine that has a sweet, honey-like flavor.