Traverse City Cabernet Franc Wineries
Cabernet Franc is one of the core cool-climate reds of the Traverse Wine Coast. This ranking uses verified winery varietal data first, then route fit and tasting character, so a scenic stop cannot outrank a winery that actually documents Cabernet Franc.
Wine-first ranking
Prioritize wineries with verified Cabernet Franc in the lineup, then use route coherence and tasting character as tie-breakers. Scores below are Wine Day Fit scores, not critic scores or claims that one producer makes objectively better wine than another.
The Traverse Wine Coast is a lake-moderated cool-climate region. Traverse City Tourism identifies Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, and Cabernet Franc among its defining varieties. This site's grape rankings use winery-level varietal evidence rather than assuming every winery pours every regional grape. Regional wine context
- 92
1. Boathouse Vineyards
A strong Leelanau match for Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Riesling, and a water-oriented setting.
1 direct wine-style match · fits this wine-day intent
- 91
2. Three Trees Vineyard
An intimate Leelanau red-wine stop when Cabernet Franc and Merlot are the priority.
1 direct wine-style match · fits this wine-day intent
- 90
3. 2 Lads Winery
A useful contrast stop for Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir, sparkling wine, and a modern tasting-room experience.
1 direct wine-style match · fits this wine-day intent
- 87
4. Laurentide Winery
A serious Leelanau stop for Sauvignon Blanc and Fumé Blanc, with enough Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris and red-wine depth to reward a wine-led visit.
1 direct wine-style match · fits this wine-day intent
- 87
5. Mari Vineyards
A strong Old Mission anchor for visitors who want distinctive reds, a major estate setting, and a tasting that feels different from the rest of the peninsula.
1 direct wine-style match · fits this wine-day intent
- 85
6. Brengman Family Wines
A warm, elegant Leelanau stop with Merlot and a kitchen, useful for a wine-led day that needs a substantial food break.
1 direct wine-style match · fits this wine-day intent
- 84
7. Peninsula Cellars
A characterful Old Mission stop with strong Riesling, Gewürztraminer, and Cabernet Franc signals and an easy fit in compact routes.
1 direct wine-style match · fits this wine-day intent
- 84
8. Rove Winery at the Gallagher Estate
A hilltop Leelanau anchor for Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Pinot Gris, and a long-view estate experience.
1 direct wine-style match · fits this wine-day intent
- 81
9. Shady Lane Cellars
A Leelanau wine-first anchor for dry whites and Riesling in a laid-back vineyard setting.
1 direct wine-style match · fits this wine-day intent
- 77
10. Chateau Grand Traverse
A classic Old Mission stop when Riesling and a broad regional wine survey matter more than novelty.
1 direct wine-style match · fits this wine-day intent
- 75
11. Black Star Farms Old Mission
An easy Old Mission tasting stop with Pinot Noir signal and spirits for mixed preferences.
1 direct wine-style match · fits this wine-day intent
- 71
12. Leelanau Wine Cellars
A broad, approachable north Leelanau tasting with dry-white strength and bay scenery.
1 direct wine-style match
Build the day instead of collecting wineries
Three winery stops is the default because tasting fatigue is real and the region rewards time between pours. Use the Wine Country Truth Engine to change peninsula, date, and wine intent, or add one worthwhile non-wine break without turning the day into a general sightseeing itinerary.