We decided to drive up to Michigan to visit beautiful Mackinac Island which was where we got married last year. We dropped Lucy (our Plott Hound/Lab mix) at a local boarding facility. It was her first time at a boarders and unfortunately I was worried about her the whole week... Anyhow, we dropped her there and decided to leave the following morning at the 'ass-crack of dawn'. Between us sleeping in and last minute packing and trying to fit my bicycle into the back of the car - we didn't leave till 10am.
Then we were on the road!!! A bag of snacks and a cooler of drinks beside us. We drove through Maryland on highway 70 west quite quickly enjoying the lessening of traffic the farther north we went. The Alleghany mountain ranges in Pennsylvania seemed to kiss the blue sky above them. Our only annoyance was the road construction on the 76 tollway. 55mph certainly slows down a trip. Still though, the scenery made up for it! Once we got to Ohio we ran into some rain and an exceptional lightening storm! It was beautiful! I always smile when driving past Sandusky as it makes me think of 'Tommy Boy' - Sandusky, Ohio home of Callahan Auto Parts!
Shortly thereafter we were finally in Michigan! The clouds broke and the sun tried to poke through and we got a fabulous view through our windshield.
We drove up through Michigan and veered off onto some country roads towards Traverse City. At this point the sun was down and we were dead tired. Once in the outskirts of Traverse, we found a fast food restaurant for some quick eats and then checked in at a motel. 12 long hours of driving and we were out for the count.
Day 2:
The next morning we drove around Traverse looking for breakfast. Found a little place called Cuppa Joe. Ordered some bagels with cream cheese and were very impressed! So very tasty.
Our plan for the day was to hit as many wineries along the peninsula's of Traverse City as possible, while still being able to drive afterwards. We decided to hit the Old Mission Peninsula first and drove the 18 miles up to the tip to the Old Mission Peninsula Lighthouse. It was a very chilly, windy day on the point but the view distracted us long enough to take some photos.
The lighthouse is apparently one of those that you can apply to be a lighthouse keeper for a week at a time. The people staying there were incredibly nice hosts and we had fun chatting with them for a few. Then we climbed the tower and got some great views of Traverse Bay!
After the lighthouse we drove down to "2 Lads" winery. They have 22 acres of vines planted and specialize in cool climate reds and sparkling wines.
Upon seeing the entryway I was very surprised. It's a modern styled building that you wouldn't expect to see in northwestern Michigan. They only had 2 wines open to taste but they were delightful and the view of the water from the inside of the building through the giant wall of windows was incredible. Next, we hit "Chateau Grand Traverse" - the biggest, oldest commercial winery in northern Michigan (producing about 80,000 cases of wine per year).
They specialize in the European vinifera species vines including merlot, pinot noir, cabernet franc, chardonnay, gamay noir, riesling, pinot gris, pinot blanc, pinot meunier and gewurztraminer. This place had huge vines and a great tasting room atmosphere. My favorite wine was the Cherry Ginseng - I'd never heard of such a wine before and it was VERY good. Then we hit "Brys Estate Vineyard & Winery." 24 acres of planted vines. Like many of the vineyards in this area the land was originally used as a cherry and apple farm.
The tasting room is located on a hill overlooking the bay and the sun decided to come out full force when we got there making the chilly day quite a bit more tolerable. Brys has vinifera vines as well and I was delighted to find that they had a bubbly to taste! "Bower's Harbor Vineyards" was our next stop. It had a 'mom and pop' feel to it which my husband and I love. We got out of the car and were greeted by a little mop of fur. A Burnese Mountain dog puppy named Brix. Once we got past the welcoming committee and into the tasting room there lay the big version of Brix - a huge mop of fur named Cooper!
Yet another glutton for attention. I was so distracted by the canine's running around I didn't take as many photos as I should have. The vines were first planted in 1991 and the wines we tasted were delish. After our tasting, we ended up getting a glass to sip while we wandered the converted barn/tasting room and pet the pups. Lastly we drove to a winery and B&B called "Chateau Chantal" - a sprawling mansion greeted us at the top of the hill. This tasting room was bustling and big machines were scattered about the outside as the chateau is expanding their tasting room in the upcoming year.
The owners were previously a catholic priest and a nun. They bought the 60 acre cherry orchard in 1983 and began converting it into a vineyard. They opened their doors in 1993. They had several different champagnes which I adored and a cherry port which was my husband's favorite. After our tasting my husband wanted to get a look inside the B&B and maybe get some information about room rates and whatnot. He came back to the car insisting I go in and get a look at the place. All of a sudden the girl inside was telling me what room we'd be staying in! What a fabulous surprise!!! My husband is so good to me. We were booked in the "Behren's Suite" and it was magnificent. King-sized bed with an en-suite bathroom complete with HUGE jacuzzi tub. A large living area with wet bar and french doors to our own private patio. We drove back into Traverse City for some pizza and then headed back to the chateau for the evening. We took a walk among the vines and got a taste of what it felt like to own your own vineyard - which is a dream of ours.
A fire was roaring in the fireplace when we got back inside and we cozied up by it for a while. Then ventured off to the tasting room again where we were allowed one complimentary glass of our choice and could taste anything that was open. Again, it felt great to have the run of the place. The entire chateau gives off a romantic vibe but not in a cheesy way. Day 3:
Time for breakfast. Nadine, one of the owners was cooking for us (which apparently she only does twice a week these days, so we were really lucky!). She made poached eggs over a spinach/artichoke sauce which was to die for!
After the opulent breakfast we went on a tour of the cellars. I loved our tour guide Bill. He was very enthusiastic and really brightened up the morning. Then it was time to check out! I loved our stay at the chateau! Can't wait to go back again.
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