Experience the Old Mission Peninsula wineries and save with the annual Winter Wine Pass. Explore the rolling hills, bay views, and wineries of the Old Mission Peninsula Wine Trail as they sparkle with a touch of white winter wonder. The $65 Winter Wine Pass (valued at $150+) offers exclusive tastings, discounts and specials at participating Old Mission Peninsula Wine Trail wineries.
Black Star Winery. Photo courtesy of the Old Mission Peninsula Wine Trail.
“The Winter Wine Pass is an amazing way for visitors to explore our wine trail while saving money,” commented Bonnie Hardin, Marketing & Sales Coordinator at Mari Vineyards, a member of the Old Mission Peninsula Wine Trail. “A slower and more intimate time of year, winter offers our guests the chance to explore the trail at their own pace. The Wine Pass is also a unique date opportunity, perfect for Valentine’s Day if you have a wine lover in your life!”
Brys Estate Vineyard and Winery. Photo courtesy of the Old Mission Peninsula Wine Trail.
The Winter Wine Pass includes one complimentary wine flight, bar tasting, or glass of wine at all 9 participating Old Mission Peninsula Wine Trail wineries (available offers vary by location), as well as additional discounts and specials at each winery. Complimentary wine offerings may be redeemed once per winery anytime before the Winter Wine Pass expiration (March 31st, 2025).
Mari Vineyards. Photo courtesy of the Old Mission Peninsula Wine Trail.
Please note individual winery hours vary during the winter months. Check operating hours at each winery before hitting the trail. Some wineries also require a reservation, please contact each winery for information on reservation requirements. Gratuity is not included in the price of the Winter Wine Pass or booking fees. If you enjoy your experience at each winery, feel free to show your appreciation to your server.
Photo courtesy of the Old Mission Peninsula Wine Trail.
For additional information on the Old Mission Peninsula Wine Trail visit OMPWineTrail.com.
Top photo courtesy of the Old Mission Peninsula Wine Trail.
France ranks first in the list of top destinations for wine lovers with the highest amount of wine production, contributing to the highest wine consumption per capita as well.
Spain has the largest vineyard area, at 945K hectares, supporting a wine production of 2,833 million liters.
Argentina offers the most affordable mid-range wine at $4.00 per bottle.
Ubuy recently analyzed more than 50 countries to identify the best for wine lovers. Key factors included wine production volume, consumption per capita, vineyard areas, wine imports, and the price of mid-range bottles. The composite score was calculated considering all five metrics for each country.
Country
Population
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) (Markets)
Wine Consumption per Capita
Vineyard Surface Area (in hectares)
Wine Production (millions of liters)
Wine Imports (millions of liters)
Composite Score
France
64,756,584
$8.70
53.7
792,023
4,803
595
88.09
Italy
58,743,490
$7.62
40.3
719,955
3,829
203
73.37
Spain
47,486,443
$7.62
29.3
945,061
2,833
54
67.65
Germany
83,264,727
$6.52
25.2
103,687
860
1,357
61.03
Portugal
10,229,884
$5.44
50.3
182,000
752
297
57.78
United States
341,347,980
$15.00
13.9
391,538
2,429
1,227
54.06
United Kingdom
67,903,439
$12.05
27.5
3,800
–
1,233
50.08
Argentina
45,985,165
$4.00
24.0
204,847
881
1
46.79
Chile
19,651,487
$5.52
21.8
172,000
1,103
2
44.73
China
1,425,341,345
$13.86
–
755,719
317
249
43.80
France ranks first among the top countries for wine lovers, with a composite score of 88.09. The country has the highest wine production, which contributes to its also having the highest wine consumption per capita at 53.7. With one of the highest vineyard surface areas at 792 thousand hectares, France secured its top spot in the list.
Italy ranks second with a composite score of 73.37. Italian vineyards, covering 719 thousand hectares, contribute to wine production, while Italians enjoy a strong 40.3 liters per capita annually. The price per mid-range bottle in Italy is $7.62.
Spain is the thirdcountry on the list for wine lovers, with a composite score of 67.65. Its high position is secured by its largest vineyard area, at 945 thousand hectares, supporting a wine production of 2,833 million liters. People drink an average of 29.3 liters of wine per person, enjoying bottles priced at $7.62.
With a composite score of 61.03, Germanyis fourth, thanks to its wine imports of 1,357 million liters, which is the highest on the list. With its diverse preferences, the German market enjoys mid-range wines priced at $6.52 per bottle.
Portugal, with a composite score of 57.78, is the fifth country on the list for wine lovers. The country earned its position by having the second-highest per capita wine consumption, at 50.3 liters, with 752 million liters of wine produced from 182,000 hectares of vineyards.
The United States is ranked sixth on the list of the top countries for wine lovers,scoring 54.06. Although it has the third highest number of wine imports, the country has the lowest consumption rate at 13.9 liters per person and the highest price for a mid-range bottle at $15.
The United Kingdom comes in seventh place, with a composite score of 50.08. The country has the smallest vineyard area, at only 3,800 hectares, which explains why it has the second-highest wine import volume, totaling 1,233 million liters. The UK’s wine consumption per capita stands at 27.5 liters, with a higher mid-range bottle price of $12.05.
Argentina ranks seventh with a composite score of 46.79. It offers the most affordable mid-range wine at $4.00 per bottle. The country has 204 thousand hectares of vineyards, producing 881 million liters of wine. Argentina’s wine consumption is high at 24.0 liters per capita.
https://www.totalwine.com/wine/chile/c/000271Chile claims the ninth spot with a score of 43.80. The country offers a slightly higher mid-range wine price at $5.52 per bottle compared to Argentina. Chile’s vineyards span 172K hectares, supporting a wine production of 1,103 million liters. Although wine consumption per capita is lower at 21.8 liters, Chile effectively uses its vineyard space to produce quality wines.
China is rounding up the list of the top countries for wine lovers, with a composite score of 44.73. China’s wine production is relatively low at 317 million liters despite having a large vineyard area of 755,719 hectares.
Mari Vineyards on beautiful Old Mission Peninsulais dedicated to making exquisite red and white wine from experimental Italian grapes alongside traditionally grown appellation varieties.
Mari Vineyards. Photo courtesy Two Twisted Trees.
Mari Vineyards, known for their estate grown wine and Italian varieties, is now a food destination as well with menu offerings ranging from sizzling small plates to s’more kits, available daily with varying specials.
The small plate menu is designed to sample, share, or have all to yourself. From cool Cucumber Crostini to hot Meatball Skillets, dishes are sure to please everyone with not only savory items, but sweets such as Fire Roasted S’mores and Chocolate Cake made with Mari wine. All of the dishes from the Mari Kitchen are selected to pair perfectly with Mari estate wine, with each dish featuring a wine recommendation hand picked by Mari staff. Current wine selections range from sparkling cider, to Chardonnay, to Italian red blends.
New weekly discounts and events invite a variety of guests to take advantage. Pasta Tuesdays feature unique pasta dishes with wine pairings; Thursday is OMP Local’s Day, offering Old Mission Peninsula residents 25% off small plates with the purchase of a wine flight or glass; Friday Happy Hour from 4-7pm includes half-off small plates and 20% off wine by the glass with live local music from 4-6pm; Saturdays are Educator’s Day, with half off small plates and 20% off wine by the glass and wine flights for teachers of any kind; and Sundays from 11am-3pm the new one-mile Winter Trail at Mari is open—hikers can purchase insulated tumblers full of mulled cherry wine, grilled paninis will be available to order, and hot cocoa is free for kids.
Mari Tasting Room. Photo courtesy of Two Twisted Trees.
Offering new experiences and wine pairing opportunities is important to Mari Vineyards’ Chef, Aric Anagnost. “The enthusiasm from both new guests and returning club members at having increased food options available during their visits has been overwhelmingly positive” he said. Stop in to enjoy fantastic food, delicious wine, live music, and great discounts by the fire this season before these hot items are off the menu. Summer experiences and menus will begin this May.
To find out more about Mari Vineyards’ winter menu, wine, hours of operation, and experiences please visit www.marivineyards.com or call 231.938.6116. 8175 Center Dr. Traverse City, MI 49686.
—Mari Vineyards, an estate grown and produced winery, is located on Old Mission Peninsula just north of Traverse City, Michigan. Growing over 20 different grape varieties, Mari produces both local favorites such as Riesling and unexpected Italian varieties like Nebbiolo. Old Mission Peninsula’s stunning appellation and proximity to Lake Michigan provide not only an ideal climate for growing varietal wine grapes, but a breathtaking travel destination as well. Visit Mari for tastings, glasses, small plates, and wine cave tours.
