Explore Old Mission's Best

June 3, 2016

AT THE SUNDAY SAFARI SUPPERS

In the winter, it’s all about the snowshoeing out on Old Mission Peninsula. Or at least, mostly about the snowshoeing. Snowshoe Wine and Brew — a popular outing organized by Mission Table, Bowers Harbor Vineyards, and Brys Estate Vineyard and Winery — drew legions of hardy stompers and sippers every Sunday, late December through February.

AUSSIE INSPIRATION

But now that the snow’s gone and summer has arrived, this same trio of collaborating destinations has put together another event worth exploring. Barbara Olson, special events director and managing partner for Mission Table/Jolly Pumpkin/Peninsula Room, explained. “The winter events are pure snowshoeing, plus wine and beer,” she said. “Our summer Sunday Safari Suppers are more of an actual progressive dinner. The idea is to have guests be on our properties longer, and the term Safari Supper is actually what a progressive dinner is called in Australia.”

AWESOME AGRITOURISM

At the beginning of each Safari Supper, guests — up to 14 at one time — will start at Mission Table, where they’ll board the Traverse City Brew Bus for a jaunt to their first destination: Brys Estate Vineyards here they’ll enjoy a wine and appetizer pairing. Brys, known for its red wines, boasts an upper deck with stunning views of East Grand Traverse Bay and 35 acres of grapevines. “How long they stay at each location will really depend on the group,” Olson said. “Some people are just there to have fun, while others are really into agritourism so enjoy sticking around longer to hear more information about the wines.” After Brys, the guests will hop back on the bus and head to Bowers Harbor Vineyards, popular for their white wines and new ciders, for another wine and hors d’oeuvres treat overlooking Lake Michigan.

DINING DESTINATIONS

The third and final Brew Bus ride of each Safari Supper will take the group back to Mission Table for a three-course dinner including appetizer, a mid-course, and main entrée, plus accompanying paired wines for each course. Tickets are $85 for the entire event, and include all three destinations and the bus (excluding tips for wineries/Brew Bus driver.) “These excursions help people extend their weekend, and they’re such a different, really nice experience,” Olson said.

“We get a good mix of locals and tourists, and it’s fun to meet people in your group who are also interested in food and wine, so it’s as much a social as a dinner event.”

SNEAK PEEKS

Olson pointed out that The Sunday Safari Suppers also help showcase all three properties, as each of them offer something different; people also get the chance to see what’s new at each location. “Brys just put in a stunning bridge that goes right over their vines, and they have a beautiful tasting room,” Olson said. Her husband, Mission Table Chef Paul Olson, added that Mission Table has some renovations of their own to show off. “We are opening up the kitchen so you can see right in and watch the chefs, and we’re also adding new tables and a bar top, so it will be really neat,” he said. “A lot of people have never been to all three wineries, so it’s cool that they get to visit them all in one evening, and of course, we benefit from having them come in for dinner.”

For more information or to book a spot on the Sunday Safari Suppers, visit tcbrewbus.com/ events or call 231-223-4222; the suppers will run June 5–October 23.