Groups who book Traverse City are often delighted not just by all of the area’s natural beauty, but also by its array of wineries, says Bob Hertel, director of operations for Meetings Up North, a local destination management company.
“We are on the 45th parallel, the same location of wine growing regions in France,” Hertel says, “so the quality of grapes grown here is a very high quality. Many of our visitors are simply blown away by what we have here when they enjoy local wine and dinners at the wineries.”
Wineries have proliferated in the past 20 years, he says, because growers have discovered the area’s bays keep the climate temperate.
One of Hertel’s favorite stops for the fruit of the grape is Black Star Farms, formerly a private mansion and now a small B&B and winery. The property’s former indoor pool area is now an event venue.
“Groups can visit three to four of the wineries and use Black Star as a dinner stop,” he advises. “The in-house chef does a fantastic job for smaller groups. For larger groups, we like to use Grandview Catering or Catering by Kelly’s.”
Chateau Chantal is another of Hertel’s favorite wineries for groups in the Traverse City region because the wines there are excellent and so are the views.
“They are located atop a hill between east and west Grand Traverse Bay,” he says, “and their dining room has windows on both sides.”
Groups can do more than imbibe and look at the scenery, Hertel offers.
“There are many active outdoor options available throughout the four seasons, from bay cruising to snowmobiling and cross-country skiing,” he says. “Another popular side trip from Traverse City is Mackinac Island, located about two hours’ drive away. It’s a good full-day excursion, including lunch at the famed Grand Hotel and vintage carriage tours of the island. Schooner sailing is popular, too, and the Nauti-Cat catamaran is a great option for up to 50 people.
“With all the water around Traverse City, we even do beach barbecue events,” he continues. “Empire Beach, a city on Lake Michigan about a half hour from here, is right near Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, and a great site for a catered chicken and ribs event, with all the side dishes, musicians and s’mores.”
Summer is group-popular, Hertel says, but winter is no less beautiful.
“We’d love to have more groups in winter, but it’s a matter of getting through the mindset against coming here then,” he says. “Our air service with Northwest, Delta and United is great from Chicago, Minneapolis, New York LaGuardia, Detroit and Atlanta.”
In whatever season they arrive, Hertel says, many may declare that Nantucket and Cape Cod have nothing on Traverse City.
