Wineries of Northwest Michigan, the state’s premier grape growing region, have strategically combined forces for a new initiative to create a brand that best showcases the high-quality wines being grown in the area.
“Promoting our wine region as one and connecting it to the Traverse City brand will have a huge impact moving forward,” says Trevor Tkach, president and CEO of Traverse City Tourism. “We have a fantastic wine region that stands out among other regions across the country, not only for the high-quality wines we are growing here but also for everything else that goes with it—a beautiful region, one of the top foodie towns and our outdoor recreation.”
Leelanau Wine Cellars
In partnership with TC Tourism, Traverse Wine Coast launched its first Traverse City Uncorked event which showcased a variety of activities across the region during the month of May, which is Michigan Wine Month. The event was a huge success in its inaugural year and will take place again in May of 2018.
“We were thrilled to hear about these combined efforts,” says Max Anderson, executive director of the Traverse City Chamber of Commerce, “and to see successes, like Traverse City Uncorked, so quickly is a great indication of what the new organization can do for a positive impact on the Traverse City region.”
“It really makes sense,” adds Karel Bush, executive director of the Michigan Grape and Wine Industry Council, “and with the two regions coming together, it will open a lot of doors with additional resources for each region to achieve its goals.”
The objectives of Traverse Wine Coast focus on national promotion, media relations and increasing the local wine presence. While these objectives become a combined focus, both the Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail and Wineries of Old Mission Peninsula will continue to operate on other tasks as they have in the past.
About Traverse Wine Coast
The Traverse Wine Coast is home to two American Viticulture Areas (AVAs), each located on a peninsula—Leelanau Peninsula and Old Mission Peninsula—within Northwest Michigan’s premier grape growing region. Thirty-five wineries are located within diverse microclimates uniquely suited for a variety of wine grapes. Among the internationally acclaimed varietals are riesling, pinot grigio, chardonnay, pinot noir and cabernet franc. The cool-climate wines are food friendly and continue to achieve national and international accolades with each passing vintage.
—Press release provided by Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail