Old Mission Peninsula AVA
| Wine region | |
| Type | American Viticultural Area |
|---|---|
| Year established | 1987 |
| Country | United States |
| Part of | Michigan |
| Other regions in Michigan | Fennville AVA, Lake Michigan Shore AVA, Leelanau Peninsula AVA, Tip of the Mitt AVA |
| Growing season | 2,075 days |
| Climate region | Region Ib |
| Heat units | 2,134 GDD units |
| Total area | 19,200 acres (30 sq mi) |
| Size of planted vineyards | 1,800 acres (730 ha) |
| No. of vineyards | 7 |
| Grapes produced | Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Gamay noir, Gewurztraminer, Malbec, Merlot, Muscat Ottonel, Pinot blanc, Pinot gris, Pinot noir, Riesling |
| No. of wineries | 8 |
Old Mission Peninsula is an American Viticultural Area (AVA) located in Grand Traverse County on the Old Mission Peninsula landform extending into Grand Traverse Bay of Lake Michigan in Northern Michigan. The peninsula is approximately 19 miles (31 km) long and no more than three miles (4.8 km) wide at any point bracketed by Traverse City at the southern end and Old Mission Point on its northern end. The wine appellation was established as the nation's 92nd and Michigan's fourth AVA on June 8, 1987, by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) after reviewing the petition submitted by Edward O'Keefe, President of the Chateau Grand Traverse Winery, proposing a viticultural area named "Old Mission Peninsula".
The total size is approximately 30 square miles (19,000 acres; 7,800 ha) with 1,800 acres (730 ha) of vinifera vineyards for wine production in the Old Mission Peninsula.
Chateau Grand Traverse Winery was the only winery located within the boundary of the viticultural area. As of 2023, the Peninsula wine industry includes 11 wineries and a thriving enotourism industry. The climate on the peninsula is moderated by the surrounding waters, helping to prevent frost during the growing season. Grape varietals suitable to cool climates, such as Riesling, Chardonnay, Gewürztraminer, Pinot gris, Pinot noir, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot do best in the Old Mission Peninsula AVA.
The peninsula has extensive cherry orchards and vineyards. There are ten wineries offering tasting rooms, each located within five miles (8.0 km) of each other. Of Traverse City's two wine-growing peninsulas, Old Mission is smaller and more easily accessible in a single day. The hardiness zones are 5b and 6a.