Traverse Bay Spiced Cherry Wine is a 750ml, 12.5% ABV Michigan cherry wine infused with natural cinnamon, clove, orange, and lemon peel. A Gold Medal winner at the 2018 Michigan Wine Competition, this seasonal expression from Chateau Grand Traverse has become a holiday staple among fruit wine enthusiasts, carrying a strong 89.8-point average across community reviews on CellarTracker. Quick Facts: ABV: 12.5% | Origin: Old Mission Peninsula, Michigan | Style: Spiced Fruit Wine | Winery: Chateau Grand Traverse (Traverse Bay Winery) Production & Heritage Chateau Grand Traverse, located on Michigan's Old Mission Peninsula, is one of the state's pioneering wineries and produces the Traverse Bay Winery label. Under winemaker Bernd Croissant, the Spiced Cherry Wine begins as 100% cherry wine fermented cool in stainless steel tanks — a deliberate choice to preserve the delicate fruit character of the cherries before blending with natural flavors of cinnamon, clove, orange peel, and lemon peel. Unlike mulled wines that rely on heavy sugar and heat-driven extraction, this bottling integrates the spice aromatics during production, resulting in a wine that drinks equally well chilled or warmed. Tasting Notes Aroma: Ripe Michigan cherries lead the nose, followed by waves of ground cinnamon and whole clove. Citrus zest — orange and lemon peel — lifts the bouquet and keeps the spice from turning heavy. Taste: The entry is fruit-forward with tart cherry and a gentle sweetness that avoids cloying territory. At mid-palate, warm baking spice takes over, with cinnamon and clove dancing alongside bright citrus notes. The cherry's natural acidity provides structure and balance throughout. Finish: Medium in length with lingering warmth from the spice blend and a clean cherry tartness that draws you back. The citrus peel adds a final zesty lift before the finish fades. How to Drink Spiced Cherry Wine This wine shines in two distinctly different serving styles: chilled as a refreshing sipper in warmer months, or gently warmed in a saucepan (do not boil) for a fragrant holiday drink. Serve warm in a mug with a cinnamon stick garnish for a ready-made mulled wine experience. It also works as a base for a Cherry Sangria, where the built-in spice eliminates the need for extra seasoning. Try it in a Spiced Cherry Spritz — topped with sparkling water and an orange wheel — for a lighter, effervescent serve. For a cocktail with more depth, use it in a Cherry Wine Hot Toddy alongside a touch of honey and fresh lemon, where the clove and cinnamon notes amplify the classic template. Best For Holiday entertaining and Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner tables Gifting to someone who enjoys fruit wines or seasonal specialties Après-ski warming drinks served fireside Introducing non-wine drinkers to an approachable, flavor-forward style Frequently Asked Questions What does Traverse Bay Spiced Cherry taste like? It delivers tart Michigan cherry fruit layered with warm cinnamon, clove, and bright orange and lemon peel, finishing with balanced sweetness and a clean, spice-driven warmth. How does Traverse Bay Spiced Cherry compare to Door Peninsula Mulled Cherry Wine? Door Peninsula's Mulled Cherry Wine leans softer and semi-sweet with cinnamon and nutmeg, while Traverse Bay's version uses a broader spice and citrus peel blend and carries more pronounced cherry tartness. Traverse Bay also holds a Gold Medal from the 2018 Michigan Wine Competition, giving it a strong competitive edge in the spiced cherry category. Is Traverse Bay Spiced Cherry good for beginners? Yes — the fruit-forward cherry base and familiar baking-spice aromatics make it extremely approachable for anyone new to wine, especially those who find traditional grape wines intimidating. Where is Traverse Bay Spiced Cherry made? It is produced by Chateau Grand Traverse on the Old Mission Peninsula in northern Michigan, one of the state's most established and acclaimed wine-producing regions. What foods pair well with Traverse Bay Spiced Cherry? Roasted turkey or glazed ham, where the cherry acidity cuts through rich meat; pumpkin pie or apple crisp, which mirror the warm spice profile; sharp cheddar cheese, which contrasts the wine's sweetness; cranberry-walnut salad, complementing the tart fruit notes; and dark chocolate, which pairs naturally with cherry and clove. What sizes does Traverse Bay Spiced Cherry come in? The standard bottle size is 750ml, which is the most widely available format for this wine. Is Traverse Bay Spiced Cherry worth the price? It positions as an affordable, entry-level specialty wine that delivers a layered flavor experience typically associated with homemade mulled wine, making it strong value in the spiced fruit wine category. Why Traverse Bay Spiced Cherry? What separates this wine from generic spiced or mulled offerings is the cool-fermented cherry wine base, which preserves genuine fruit tartness rather than burying it under sugar and heat. The 2018 Michigan Wine Competition Gold Medal confirms it holds up against serious regional competition. The natural spice and citrus peel infusion creates a wine that works across seasons — warm in winter, chilled in summer — giving it a versatility most holiday wines lack. For anyone seeking a well-made Michigan fruit wine with real aromatic complexity, this remains one of the most reliable bottles in the category.
