Back in the late seventies, Walt and Eileen Brys took a fateful trip to Napa Valley. Sitting amongst the vines on a crisp autumn day, they said to themselves ‘hey, we could do this.’
And then, of course, life happened. Eileen became pregnant, Walt got a promotion, and the years raced by as they raised their family in their little Michigan home.
Eventually, the kids grew up and left home while the couple tried to settle into retirement. But somewhere that memory of that Napa afternoon lingered in their minds, so they decided to finally pursue their dream of owning a winery.
After a lengthy search, they settled on a former cherry and apple orchard on the Old Mission Peninsula. The homestead dates back to the 1890s but had not been an active farm in decades. The farm came with a farmhouse and several farm buildings, all in serious need of repair.
They remodeled that old farmhouse and began planting vines in 2001, with their first harvest taking place three years later. Today, Brys Estate is the largest vineyard on Old Mission Peninsula, spanning ninety-one acres planted with a variety of cool-climate reds and whites, as well as twelve additional acres planted with fields of lavender.
About Brys Estate Vineyards & Winery
Location
Old Mission Peninsula in Traverse City, Michigan.
Tasting Fee
$15 for a ‘tasting tower’ flight of five pours, as well as individual pricing by the glass.
Sustainability
Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP) Certified.
Accessibility
Step-free access from parking area to tasting room and viewing deck.
In Three Words
Picturesque, Laid-Back, Charming
Our Visit to Brys Estate Vineyards & Winery
I visited Brys Estate (rhymes with eyes) with my family on a rather drizzly autumn afternoon. We were seated in the snug Barrel Room. While it lacked the spectacular views that the estate is known for out on the Upper Deck, it made up for with a certain coziness.
The tastings here are a kind of choose your own adventure style, which is ideal for accommodating individual tastes and preferences amongst groups who may have diverse palates. They’re served in what they call a ‘tasting tower’ all at once, and are meant to be tasted top to bottom.
The tasting itself was much less personal and information filled than I’ve grown accustomed to on the West Coast. While very kind, our host didn’t impart too much knowledge about the varietals or winemaking process, and mostly left us to work through the flight on our own.
As for the wine itself, I really enjoyed tasting a new region that was a little outside of my comfort zone. Each sip was a journey through the terroir of Old Mission Peninsula, and the wines spoke volumes about the region’s growing viticultural prowess.
The dry Riesling in particular was my favourite — a bottled embodiment of summer. Its vibrant notes and crisp finish showcased the best of what the region has to offer, leaving a lasting mark on my palate.
What impressed me most was the undeniable value represented by each wine. Brys Estate manages to strike a balance between quality and affordability, making it a standout choice for both casual enthusiasts and seasoned connoisseurs.
By the time we finished our flights, the skies had cleared and we were able to wander over to their Upper Deck, which is perched high above the vines with unobstructed views of the vineyards and Grand Traverse Bay beyond.
I’ve visited this particular deck many times in years past, and it’s the perfect place to while away a hot summer day with a glass of their signature Frosé. This time, we grabbed a hot mug of cider, which kept our fingers just warm enough to enjoy the views.
If you can only find time to visit one winery during your time in Traverse City – make sure it’s Brys Estate. The stunning property, affordable pricing, and customisable options, all combined with a sense of laid-back midwestern charm, makes it an easy place for anyone to love.
