Best Traverse City Wineries With Views

These are the wineries whose venue notes specifically support a bay, hilltop, vineyard, overlook, or sunset-view claim. The map starts with five strong view-forward stops selected so you can see whether they actually fit one day.

14 wineries with a supported view note

1. Chateau Fontaine (Lake Leelanau). Cottage-style room that puts the wine first over the view. Award-winning Chardonnay and a wide flight; welcomes kids and dogs.
2. Leelanau Wine Cellars (Omena). One of the region's largest and most widely distributed labels. Bay-view room in Omena with a something-for-everyone lineup; an easy, low-pressure stop.
3. Rove Winery at the Gallagher Estate (Traverse City). Hilltop estate on the Leelanau trail's Grand Traverse Bay loop, on the ridgeline west of Traverse City. Family and dog friendly, open late, with a big outdoor tent; a natural stop to or from Sleeping Bear.
4. Brengman Family Wines (Traverse City). Hillside estate west of TC (formerly Brengman Brothers at Crain Hill) on the Leelanau trail's Grand Traverse Bay loop. Pours by the glass rather than flights, with an acclaimed on-site restaurant, Cafe Exalt.
5. Brys Estate Vineyard & Winery (Traverse City). Polished estate paired with the Secret Garden lavender farm. Strong Sauvignon Blanc and rose, bay views, and seated tastings by reservation.
6. The Ridge at Verterra (Northport). Verterra's hilltop estate and wedding venue with sweeping West Bay views. Some of the biggest vistas on the peninsula, but seasonal.
7. Chateau Chantal Winery and Inn (Traverse City). Hilltop inn and winery near the peninsula's high point with vineyard and bay views. Broad lineup and a B&B on site; central to the upper cluster.
8. Hawthorne Vineyards (Traverse City). Unpretentious room with the rare trick of views over both the East and West arms of the bay, plus a big deck. Solid across whites and reds.
9. Mari Vineyards (Traverse City). Hilltop estate with underground wine caves and an Italian-leaning red program. Big, architectural, and view-forward over the East Bay.
10. 2 Lads Winery (Traverse City). Modern, architectural room near the tip with East Bay views. Known for Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir, and sparkling; a frequent trip favorite.
11. Bonobo Winery (Traverse City). Relaxed, view-forward room over the vineyard with strong sparkling and food. Open late, which makes it a good last stop of the day.
12. Bowers Harbor Vineyards (Traverse City). Laid-back, family-feel estate with several outdoor spaces and a park next door for a walk. Vineyard rather than bay views; dog friendly.
13. Ciccone Vineyard & Winery (Suttons Bay). Hilltop vineyard and event barn with vineyard, bay, and rolling-hill views. Dry reds and Gewurztraminer. Founded by Madonna's father, Silvio Ciccone.
14. Silver Leaf Vineyard & Winery (Suttons Bay). Off-the-beaten-path hilltop winery near Suttons Bay with a cabin-in-the-woods feel and sunset views. Small and personable; the sangria gets singled out.

Want the compact peninsula first? Use the Old Mission winery map. For a larger harbor-town day, use the Leelanau winery map.