the vineyards of northern michigan

i was up north this past weekend and visited several vineyards to see how their grapes were growing this year.  the last few visits to the vineyards have been early or late season, so i was pleased to see the beautiful grape arbors filled with clusters of grapes. 

chateau grand traverse on the old mission peninsula features Riesling grapes that grow well in our northern Michigan climate.  the brys estate vineyard is eighty acres with forty acres of arbors, which harvest a variety of grapes.  we saw chardonnay and pinot noir clusters growing on Saturday.

i learned that the wineries on the peninsula are situated at the earth's 45th parallel, which is the ideal climate for growing these wine grapes.  seven wineries are located along some of the most relaxing country roads.
also contributing to the ideal climate of the peninsula, is the grand traverse bay; which i believe moderates the temperatures for these fruits.  for more information about either of these two estates, look at http://www.brysestate.com or http://www.cgtwines.com