Traverse Bay Wine Coast

Traverse City Wine Types

Discover the wines that make Northern Michigan a premier wine destination.

The Traverse City region is known for its cool-climate wines, influenced by the surrounding waters of Lake Michigan. These conditions create ideal growing environments for a variety of grapes, resulting in crisp whites, elegant reds, refreshing rosés, and specialty wines like ice wine.

White Wines

Riesling

Bright, aromatic, and versatile—ranging from dry to sweet. A signature wine of the region.

Chardonnay

Balanced and smooth with notes of apple, citrus, and sometimes oak.

Pinot Grigio

Light, crisp, and refreshing—perfect for warm summer days.

White wines thrive in Traverse City due to the cooler growing season, producing wines with bright acidity and clean, refreshing flavors.

Red Wines

Pinot Noir

Light-bodied with notes of cherry, earth, and spice—well-suited for the local climate.

Cabernet Franc

Medium-bodied with hints of raspberry, herbs, and pepper.

Merlot

Smooth and approachable with soft tannins and dark fruit flavors.

While cooler climates favor white wines, red varietals like Pinot Noir and Cabernet Franc have become increasingly popular in the region.

Rosé Wines

Dry Rosé

Light, crisp, and refreshing with subtle fruit flavors.

Semi-Sweet Rosé

A slightly sweeter option with bright berry notes.

Sparkling Rosé

Effervescent and vibrant—perfect for celebrations.

Rosé wines are a favorite during the warmer months and pair perfectly with lakeside views and outdoor dining.

Specialty Wines

Ice Wine

A rare dessert wine made from frozen grapes, offering rich sweetness and intense flavor.

Sparkling Wines

Crisp and bubbly wines crafted using traditional and modern methods.

Late Harvest Wines

Sweeter wines made from grapes harvested later in the season.

Specialty wines highlight the unique climate of Northern Michigan and offer something different for every wine enthusiast.

Explore Local Wineries

Taste these wines in person at Traverse City’s top wineries.

View Wineries