1-Day Itinerary in Old Mission

Question

We (2 adults) will be traveling to Mackinac Island and Pictured Rocks in early October, with a 3 night stay in TC on our return trip. We are planning 1 day for Old Mission and 1 day for Sleeping Bear Dunes, etc.

My husband LOVES wine, especially reds and drier whites. Personally, I'm only in it for the views and to enjoy the day exploring together. We have an entire day to spend. How many can we visit in a day without making it rushed, and do we need reservations in early mid October?

I have read through the various websites describing the wineries and currently have these on our list: Chateau Chantal, Brys, Peninsula, and Bowers. Mostly we just want to enjoy each winery at our leisure, but I think he'd like at least one planned guided tour/tasting. The only one I've found available for October is at Mari.

Edited: 1 year ago

Answer

For a full day exploring Old Mission Peninsula, focusing on wineries and scenic stops, you can comfortably visit 3-4 wineries without feeling rushed. Since your husband enjoys wine tastings and you want to enjoy the views, it’s best to plan your day with some flexibility for lingering at spots you enjoy most. Early to mid-October is past the peak tourist season, so it’s generally easier to visit wineries without long waits, but reservations are recommended for guided tastings or if you want to secure a specific time slot at popular wineries.

Based on your list, here’s a suggested approach:

Chateau Chantal: Known for its stunning views of Grand Traverse Bay, it’s a great first stop in the morning. Even if you don’t book a guided tasting, you can enjoy their tasting room and outdoor terraces.
Brys Estate: A more intimate experience with excellent reds and whites. Good for a leisurely tasting and some exploration of their grounds.
Peninsula Cellars: Offers both indoor and outdoor tasting options. You can enjoy a relaxed tasting here and take in the surrounding vineyard views.
Bowers Harbor Vineyards: Another scenic spot for tasting and enjoying a stroll through the vineyard. Ideal for a late afternoon stop before heading back to Traverse City.

If you want a guided tour or more structured tasting, Mari Vineyards is a good choice, as they still offer guided options in October. You might consider scheduling this in the middle of your day to break up the self-guided tastings.

Additional tips for a relaxed day:

Start early to maximize daylight and take advantage of quieter tasting rooms.
Plan for a lunch stop—either a picnic with wine from a winery that allows it, or at a nearby café or bistro.
Allow some extra time to simply drive the peninsula and enjoy the scenic overlooks and lighthouse views along the way.
Call ahead or check each winery’s website for any seasonal changes in hours or special events, especially since October can have slightly shorter hours than summer.

With this approach, you’ll have a leisurely, enjoyable day without feeling rushed, while sampling excellent wines and taking in the beautiful views of Old Mission Peninsula.