Leelanau Peninsula

Leelanau Peninsula is the sister wine region to Old Mission, extending northwest of Traverse City into Lake Michigan. With over 30 wineries in a compact area, it has the highest concentration of tasting rooms in Michigan and one of the densest in the eastern United States. The terrain is more varied than Old Mission's narrow spine, with rolling hills, inland lakes, and a western shoreline that faces the open lake. This diversity produces a wider range of wine styles: Pinot Noir, Gewurztraminer, and sparkling wine alongside the Riesling and Chardonnay that define the region. Black Star Farms, L. Mawby (known for sparkling wines), and Forty-Five North are among the most recognized producers. The proximity to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and the charming town of Suttons Bay makes Leelanau one of the most scenically rewarding wine destinations in the Midwest.