Secret Garden at Brys Estate
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Our Story


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Walter and Eileen Brys, proprietors of Brys Estate Vineyard and Winery on Old Mission Peninsula in Traverse City, Michigan, planted the first of 45,000 vines in 2001 and opened the doors of their tasting room in 2005. Their 45-acre vineyard is part of the 155 acres that makes up Brys Estate.

The farm originally harvested cherries and apples, was historically successful, and was locally known to have good produce even when other area farms were suffering. The farm was active until the 1970's when all the fruit trees were removed. The land sat dormant until 2000 when the Brys family planted a cover crop to enrich the soils before the
first planting of the grape vines in 2001.

Below the rolling hills, hidden by tree lines, a low-lying, 12-acre parcel of the Estate was deemed too cold to grow grapes and sat unused. So what were they to do with it? A visit to France was all the inspiration Walt and Eileen needed.

There, in French wine country, they saw great fields of lavender growing alongside the vineyards. The beauty and peacefulness of it all quickly convinced them to do the same on their own property. After careful research, they experimented with a test crop in 2013. The results were promising, and the Secret Garden garden-inspired gift shop opened in the summer of 2016. Today the garden is in full bloom and is managed by Walt and Eileen,
and their daughter Katie.

 We welcome visitors who want a respite from the hectic pace of daily life. A special place to relax and renew amid our area’s incredible natural beauty. Come experience it for yourself. Sip a glass of lavender lemonade on our patio. Wander amid the vibrant flowers. Or simply rest awhile on “picnic hill” and watch the world go by.
​We can't wait to share our piece of Heaven with you.


Picture
(231) 223-4235
3309 Blue Water Road, Traverse City, MI 49686
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© 2023 Copyright Brys Estate Secret Garden LLC
  • Shop
    • Bundle and Save!
    • Propagate Kindness
    • Bath & Body >
      • Hand & Body Lotion
      • Hand Soap & Sanitizer
      • Bath & Shower
      • Essential Oil & Hydrosol
      • Mists & Sprays
      • Bar Soap
      • Hair Care
      • Lip Balm
      • Reed Diffusers & Candles
    • Dried Lavender
    • Kids
    • Kitchen & Culinary >
      • Mustard & Salsa
      • Herbs, Spices & Teas
    • Lavender Filled >
      • Eye Masks
      • Laundry Accessories
      • Neck & Comfort Cozies
    • Pets
    • E-Gift Cards
    • Wholesale
  • Visit Us
    • The Secret Garden
    • Our Lavender
    • Ice Cream & Light Bites
    • U-Pick Schedule
    • Hours & Directions
    • Brys Estate Winery
    • Old Mission Peninsula Wine Trail
  • About Us
    • Our Story
    • Propagate Kindness
    • FAQ
    • In the News
    • Photo Gallery
  • Contact Us
    • Contact Us
    • Photography Policy
    • Proposal Packages
    • Weddings & Favors
    • Wholesale
    • Donation Requests
  • Learn More
    • Blog
    • Recipes
    • Essential Oil Blends
    • Benefits of Essential Oils
    • Benefits of Natural Ingredients
    • Lessons with Linda
    • Product Guide