About Bowers Harbor Vineyards
Bowers Harbor Vineyards, located 12 miles north of Traverse City on Old Mission Peninsula, was established in 1991. Initially a horse farm, the estate now boasts 20 acres of vinifera vines. An inviting and family friendly tasting room occupies the former stable, and our friendly staff will welcome you and introduce you to our extensive selection of wines and the history and education behind each vintage.
Old Mission Peninsula was designated a distinct American Viticultural Area in 1987. Bowers Harbor Vineyards is proud to have been a part of this for over 30 years creating wines which reflect the unique character of this Northern Michigan appellation. The varietals we grow include Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Linda Stegenga and her son, Spencer – along with wife Erica and sons Evan and Spencer – live on the estate and care meticulously for the land that surrounds them. The property offers a variety of settings where guests can enjoy the view while sipping a glass of wine and enjoying a light snack. Our patio, fire pit, pavilion, and tables tucked alongside the vines provide ample opportunity to settle in and become part of the Bowers Harbor family during any season.
Our vineyard dogs are featured on numerous wines, and well-behaved canine friends are always welcome to come along. You may be greeted by current vineyard dogs during your visit. We invite you to visit, make yourself at home and Taste, Learn & Enjoy with us at Bowers Harbor Vineyards.
Meet The Team
Linda Stegenga
Founder
Linda Stegenga is the proud Founder of Bowers Harbor Vineyards. Linda’s devotion to her family, along with her unremitting energy and perseverance, has nurtured BHV from its modest beginnings as a small gentleman’s farm to the burgeoning winery it is today.
Spencer Stegenga
Proprietor
Spencer Stegenga’s disarming friendliness might fool you into thinking he’s just another guy at the winery. In reality, Spencer is the proud Owner of Bowers Harbor Vineyards. Working alongside his mom, Linda, Spencer’s entrepreneurial drive has played a key role in building Bowers Harbor Vineyards into a thriving destination.
Bill Maier
Chief Financial Officer
Bill Maier is our Chief Financial Officer. Bill spent 25 years in the banking industry and has extensive experience in strategic planning, financial analysis, sales, budgeting, project management, and other activities focused on increasing market share and profitability.
Bethany Poineau
Tasting Room Manager
A Business Management graduate from Davenport University, Bethany was born and raised in Traverse City, Mi. Northern Michigan has always been home because the ever-changing seasons bring something continuously new and exciting for her to do, whether it’s golfing, boating, or the beach in the summer, or snowmobiling or snowboarding in the winter.
Todd Hubbell
Warehouse Manager & Cork Master
Todd Hubbell is an Old Mission Peninsula native who manages the warehouses at BHV. He studied graphic arts at Northwestern Michigan College after high school and still dabbles in several artistic mediums including photography and drafting.
Aaron Smock
Wine Club Manager
Aaron used to be a chef and has worked at many local restaurants, as well as being an active OMP resident for many years. He enjoys hiking, drinking wine, and cooking for his closest people. Aaron loves talking with people and encouraging them to try new wines they might not have considered.
Emily Zwarka
Assistant Manager
A Detroit area native, Emily moved up to Traverse City 2 years ago for her love of the community! She enjoys being outdoors hiking, paddleboarding, snowshoeing, and experiencing the northern lights! Formerly a pastry chef for 8 years before moving to the TC area, she thrives on being adventurous and exploring new places, and has been lucky enough to visit every state except Alaska.
Lucy
Vineyard Biscuit Boss
Lucy is Linda’s Golden Doodle and our current Wine Dog! She’s been so much fun! She loves belly rubs and head pats, enjoys running around the vineyards with our guests and their pups, and she especially loves annoying her big brother, Winston! She can’t wait to meet you!
We have Lucy Merch and a sweet Bubbly Wine named after her sweet and sassy personality.
Legends of the Vineyard
Winston
Winston was Spencer’s lovable English Cream Retriever. You would most likely see him riding around in the golf cart with Spencer or laying beside anyone eating snacks. He was a solid crew member and will be missed dearly.
His red wine is 50% Cabernet Sauvignon & 50% Merlot. Being the class act that he is, he’s donating a portion of the proceeds from his wine to the Cherryland Humane Society.
Brix
Brix was our lovable Bernese Mountain Dog. He loved belly rubs, chasing flies, and stealing samples of venison jerky. His name, Brix, refers to the sugar level in the grapes, and important indicator of ripeness. His namesake wine, Brix, is bubbly and friendly, just like he was.
Cooper
Cooper was our second official tasting room mascot and greeter. Our laid back, fun loving Bernese Mountain dog enjoyed the special attention he received from our tasting room guests. Cooper endeared himself to many of our guests by happily jumping into their vehicles as they were getting ready to depart. His sweet white wine blend pairs well with Cooper’s favorite food, cheese!
Otis
Otis, our Yellow Labrador Retriever, was the Vineyard’s official greeter. He would greet our tasting room guests with his tail wagging and his welcoming personality. His loyalty to us all made him worthy of his own wine label