Our Story

Proud to be among the best Michigan Vineyards

The Winery
A place you can't wait to get back to, with wines you cannot wait to share...

Bonobo Winery was founded by brothers and longtime Traverse City natives, Todd and Carter Oosterhouse. Their objective: to offer world-class wines in a rustic, yet elegant atmosphere with a breathtaking view, and a business model inspired by the close harmony of the traditions, philosophies, and ecological integrities of the region. Making a commitment to the community that raised them, they employ local residents and utilize local resources to create an ethereal experience that captivates all five senses, with each element intentionally representative of the beauty, charm and sanctuary that is Traverse City.

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Bonobo Winery's vision is to bring a sense of approachability to the Michigan vine and wine scene, by removing any pretenses, and allowing for the ultimate educational and enjoyable experience. Benefitting from the region’s strong fruit-bearing properties, Bonobo grapes are estate and locally grown with wine produced on-site. Our 19 acre vineyard consists of seven grape varieties including Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Noir, and Cabernet Franc.  

Our unique facility and welcoming ambiance lends itself to an unforgettable experience. Come visit us for an educational and enjoyable tasting, an excellent glass of wine, a small plate that is masterfully paired with our wine. Weather -permitting, you can lounge outside on our large deck that overlooks the beautiful rolling vineyards with the bay peeking over in the distance, or cozy up inside next to the fireplace. Promising to be a must-see for tourists as well as a hotspot for Traverse City locals, Bonobo Winery is a place you can’t wait to get back to with wines you cannot wait to share. We look forward to serving you!

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Team Bonobo

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Bonobo

We support the work and effort of the Bonobo Conservancy whose mission is to protect bonobos (Pan paniscus), preserve their tropical rainforest habitat, and empower local communities in the Congo Basin. By working with local Congolese people through cooperative conservation and community development programs, and by shaping national and international policy, the Bonobo Conservation Initiative (BCI) is establishing new protected areas and leading efforts to safeguard bonobos wherever they are found.

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Awards

  • 2017 Sauvignon Blanc


    • Platinum- Top 3 - San Diego International Wine Competition
    • Bronze– International Wine and Spirit Competition UK- ONLY Suavignon Blanc medaled from USA!
    • Silver– Critics Wine Challenge
    • Silver– Tasters Guild International Wine Judging
    • Bronze– LA International Wine Competition
    • Bronze– Finger Lakes International Wine Competition
    • Bronze– Indy International Wine Competition
  • 2017 Pinot Blanc

     

    • Bronze-Top 7 in the World! – World Wine Award Decanter Magazine
    • Platinum-Best in Show! – Critics Wine Challenge
    • Gold– Best in Show!- San Diego International Wine Competition
    • Gold– Tasters Guild International Wine Judging
    • Gold– Best i Show! LA International Wine Competition
    • Silver– Finger Lakes International Wine Competition
    • Silver– Indy International Wine Competition
    • Silver– Great American International Wine Competition
  • 2017 Pinot Gris
    • Double Gold-Indy International Wine Competition
    • Silver– LA International Wine Competition
    • Gold– Tasters Guild International Wine Judging
  • 2017 Chardonnay C
    • Gold-Indy International Wine Competition
    • Gold– Tasters Guild International Wine Judging
    • Silver-Critics Wine Challenge San Diego
    • Bronze– LA International Wine Competition
  • 2017 Riesling
    • Silver– San Diego International Wine Competition
    • Silver– Tasters Guild International Wine Judging
    • Silver– LA International Wine Competition
    • Bronze– Finger Lakes International Wine Competition
    • Bronze-Indy International Wine Competition
    • Commended– Decanter World Wine Awards
  • 2017 Rose
    • Gold– Indy International Wine Competition
    • Silver– San Diego International Wine Competition
    • Silver– Tasters Guild International Wine Judging
    • Silver– LA International Wine Competition
    • Silver– Great American International Wine Competition
    • Bronze– Finger Lakes International Wine Competition
  • 2017 Bonobo Red
    • Bronze– Finger Lakes International Wine Competition
    • Bronze– Tasters Guild International Wine Competition
  • 2017 Pinot Noir
    • Silver– Tasters Guild International Wine Judging
    • Silver– Indy International Wine Competition
  • 2016 Cabernet Franc

     #1 Cabernet Franc in North America

    • Double Gold– Wine Lovers Competition
    • Gold– Tasters Guild International Wine Judging
    • Bronze– LA International Wine Competition
    • Silver – Texas International Wine Competition
    • Bronze -London Wine Challenge International Competition
    • Bronze– San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition

Building Partners

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Feel free to give us a call or send us an email with any questions or comments you have.
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