CNN says: "Napa Valley-esque wine tastings"

CNN is featuring the Leelanau & Old Mission Peninsulas and the recommendations of Sarah Kantrowitz of Travel + Leisure – taste for yourself at Saturday’s Traverse City Wine & Art Festival!!

If it’s wine you want, find an alternative to Napa Valley in Michigan’s Leelanau and Old Mission peninsulas.

Here you’ll discover more than 850 acres of land and more than 20 wineries for your choosing.

The area offers tastings and gourmet meals, and Kantrowitz says, “The region is particularly known for its great pinot blancs.”

It also boasts plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities like scenic bike tours of the wine trails and camping on the lakeshore.

Andrew McFarlane, spokesperson for the Leelanau Peninsula Vintner’s Association, considers Michigan wine country unique because the effects of the Great Lakes perfect the wine and the atmosphere.

He says, “It’s blue skies, no humidity. It’s an absolutely beautiful place to come in any season.”

Check out Leelanau’s and Old Mission’s Web sites for winery lists, wine trail maps, special events and more.

Photo: the best by n.elle