Overview: Bowers Harbor Vineyards stands as the top producer of Pinot Grigio in Michigan, situated on Old Mission Peninsula near Traverse City. The family-owned estate has transformed a former horse farm into a 50-acre winery renowned for its outdoor tasting oasis and welcoming atmosphere.
The Full Story
The property originally served as a gentleman’s farm where horses grazed in the 1980s before the Stegenga family converted the land into block-planted vineyards of chardonnay, riesling, and other vinifera. Initially, the family sold their grapes to Chateau Grand Traverse, but they eventually decided to take the leap into winemaking themselves. This decision came despite warnings from agriculture researchers at Cornell and Michigan State University suggesting Northern Michigan was not suited for growing temperamental European vinifera. The Stegengas bucked that advice along with most of the other early vineyards on the Old Mission and Leelanau Peninsulas, resulting in a region now gaining national recognition.
The atmosphere at the winery is designed to remove intimidation factors for customers, particularly wine novices who may not know exactly what they like in a pour. Creating a relaxing spot allows guests to enjoy the day trip experience without pressure. The venue features an outdoor wine-tasting oasis that includes a pergola corridor, lush garden area, and huge outdoor pavillion. Visitors can explore wide walkways that wind past the tasting room and into the vineyards, where there are always more areas to experience.
Production & Profile
Today, it has become the largest producer of pinot grigio in Michigan. Annual production volume at Bowers Harbor Vineyards can vary, but during a recent peak year it put out 27,000 cases of wine. While they lean hard into pinot grigio, the winery also produces a big array of pours, including riesling, pinot noir, cabernet franc and sauvignon, and fruit hard ciders. Their Langley vineyard, named after Stegenga’s grandfather, is responsible for the winery’s signature 2896 Langley red blend.
The family likes to enter their wines in mostly West Coast competitions because the competition can be a little more difficult, providing better feedback on their winemaking skills. They have also had the good fortune to work with area winemakers like Bryan Ulbrich, the founder of Left Foot Charley. The Old Mission region sits on the 45th Parallel, which cuts through other superstar wine regions like Bordeaux and The Rhone Valley in France, the Piedmont area in Italy, and the West Coast’s Willamette Valley in Oregon.
Brand & Industry History
Stegenga’s late father, Jack, was a stockbroker downstate who followed his vision for a country home Up North in the 1980s with Linda. The spot they chose mid-way up Old Mission Peninsula is about 10 miles from Traverse City but far enough away to feel like a true getaway on the Bowers Harbor side that’s flanked by Grand Traverse Bay. As for the spark that turned a family’s country home into block-planted vineyards, Linda Stegenga would likely say that neighborly arm-twisting came from the late Ed O’Keefe, one of the first winemakers to plan European-style grape vines on Old Mission and the founder of nearby Chateau Grand Traverse. Spencer remembers he was a senior in high school in 1991 when the first blocks of grapes were planted.
What This Means
The atmosphere certainly helps, with Linda Stegenga’s hand visible in the flower-filled gardens and lush landscaping near the tasting room. All the outdoor social spaces have been a huge draw, from stone firepits to terrace tables overlooking the vineyards. There is even a little green for golfers, and visitors are not surprised to find a four-legged friend nearby as the Stegengas have invited people to get to know their vineyard dogs. The current pup in training is Murphy, a Landseer Newfoundland who is a very sweet boy.
Consumer Takeaway
Bowers Harbor Vineyards also offers guided estate tours, which bundle some delicious sips and bites with an in-depth look at the winery. For more details about what’s going on in the vineyards and the tasting room, follow them on Facebook. The family-owned venue focuses on creating an inviting environment for wine novices, allowing visitors to bring pets and enjoy the garden while literally being in the vineyards.
Source: Read the original article
