Our Story

"From wine what sudden friendship springs!"
 -John Gay, 1738

The foundations of Hawthorne Vineyard were formed by a passion for wine and a desire to share its myriad virtues.  The integration of wine as a way to enjoy daily life is the cornerstone principle at Hawthorne Vineyards.

Founders Bruce and Cathleen Hawthorne have familial ties to Northern Michigan dating back to the 1800s.  Spurred by their passion for gardening and agriculture, the couple acted on their desire to enter the wine industry, purchasing an 80-acre farm on Old Mission Peninsula that was partially planted with grapevines, cherries, and plums.  Dedicated to continuing the preservation of agriculture, the Hawthornes have planted additional vinifera species grapevines to total 26 acres with future plantings in the works.

The Hawthorne Vineyards site is arguably the most secluded Old Mission Peninsula tasting room site. The tasting room location on a high bluff overlooking West Grand Traverse is among the closest to Traverse City of the Old Mission wineries yet most serene.  Surrounded on two sides by land preserved from development under Peninsula Township's Purchase of Development Rights program and protected by woods from other development on the other two sides, visitors will be seeing nature– no view of traffic, no close neighbors -- just vineyard, woods and water.

The tasting room is modest in size to provide that intimate connection with the environment. An outdoor patio area will provide a relaxing environment with stunning bay views and a cozy outdoor fireplace.  

Open seasonally, Hawthorne Vineyards will provide a new and special experience for those coming to enjoy wine and hospitality.  We're looking forward to your visit!