Over 30 Years in the Wine Business
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 tasting room occupies the former stable, and a friendly staff will welcome you and introduce you to our extensive selection of wines.
Old Mission Peninsula was designated a distinct American Viticultural Area in 1987. Bowers Harbor Vineyards is proud to create wines which reflect the unique character of this Northern Michigan appellation. The varietals we grow include Riesling, Chardonnay, Gewurztraminer, 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.
Our vineyard dogs are featured on numerous wines, and well-behaved canine friends are always welcome. Families are also warmly welcomed. Our interpretive nature trail provides a great place to take a hike and explore the property.
We invite you to visit. Make yourself at home. Taste, Learn, and Enjoy with us at Bowers Harbor Vineyards.
Our Vineyards
Block I
Established in 1991, the Block I Vineyard just outside our tasting room consists of 750 vines of Chardonnay, selection 96, and 350 vines of Riesling, selection 239.
The fertile, sloping land of Block I produces the Chardonnay used in our Cuvee Evan Blanc de Blanc. In addition, Bowers Harbor Vineyards was the first producer of stainless steel-fermented Chardonnay in the state of Michigan. BHV also produces our French oak barrel-aged "RLS Reserve" Chardonnay. The Riesling grapes from Block I contribute to our highly popular Medium Sweet Riesling.
Block II
The Block II Vineyard, also planted by the Stegenga family in 1991, consists of 2,500 vines of Riesling, selections 239 & 110.
The style of Riesling produced each year by this acreage is completely dependent upon the growing season. Block II has produced everything from a Trockenbeerenauslese sweet dessert wine, to a triple-select hand-harvested Dry Riesling. We allow every vintage to be a distinct expression of the vines themselves. Each year our Block II Riesling garners awards from numerous prestigious wine competitions.
Block III
Formerly home to White-Faced Hereford Cows, this vineyard - established in 1991 - contains 440 Gewürztraminer vines, selection SMF.
The Gewürztraminer varietal, native to Germany, flourishes in our cooler climate and long growing seasons. Bowers Harbor Vineyards has produced a variety of Gewürztraminer wines, from stylistically dry Gewurztraminer to Gewürztraminer Ice Wine.
Langley Vineyard
Spencer Stegenga, proprietor and winegrower, dedicated this vineyard to his beloved grandfather, Harold Langley. In 1999, he planted 1,000 vines of Merlot and 1,000 vines of Pinot Noir. The year 2000 brought 1,000 vines of Cabernet Franc and 100 vines of Cabernet Sauvignon. And in 2001, 2,500 vines of Riesling were added.
A blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon make up our Bordeaux-style '2896' Langley. The Pinot Noir is blended with Pinot Noir from a neighboring Old Mission Peninsula vineyard to make up our Burgundian-style Pinot Noir. The Riesling grapes from the Langley Vineyard typically go into our single-vineyard Langley Late Harvest Riesling.
Erica Vineyard
In the year 2000, Spencer Stegenga proposed to Erica Schoenherr on a blank canvas of earth. She said “yes” and a month later the soil was turned and vines were planted. Spencer dedicated this vineyard to his wife, Erica.
The Erica Vineyard consists of 1,000 vines of Cabernet Franc and 15,000 vines of Pinot Grigio, both planted in 2001. In 2002 an additional 1,000 vines of Pinot Grigio were added, and 2,000 more Pinot Grigio vines were planted in 2005.
The Cabernet Franc from this vineyard goes into our special selection Erica Vineyard Cabernet Franc. The Pinot Grigio from the Erica Vineyard is bottled as our ever-popular Pinot Grigio, distributed throughout the state of Michigan. Pinot Grigio currently comprises nearly half of our total wine production.
