NON BUS 4 Winery Traverse City Wine Tour on Old Mission Peninsula

The best thing about this Traverse City wine tour is the way it replaces a large party bus with a luxury SUV and a smaller, more flexible group. You travel from downtown Traverse City along the Old Mission Peninsula, with views of both arms of Grand Traverse Bay and four winery stops packed into roughly four to five hours.

I like the easy downtown pickup, which saves you from driving after tastings or finding a distant parking lot. I also like the guide-led flexibility: your driver can often adjust the stops, help with winery timing, and suggest places that suit your group. The main consideration is cost. The $89 tour price covers transportation and guiding, but food, bottles, and tasting flights cost extra, so your final bill can rise quickly.

Key Points Before You Book

• Luxury SUV transportation: You ride in a GMC Yukon, Chevrolet Suburban, or Cadillac Escalade instead of an aging school bus.
• Four winery stops: Day tours visit four wineries, usually allowing about 50 minutes at each stop.
• Pickup downtown: Meet near the Hardy Street Parking Structure, across from the Park Place Hotel and close to MiddleCoast Brewing Company.
• Flexible winery choices: Stops can include Hawthorne, Chateau Chantal, Bonobo, Brys Estate, Bowers Harbor, Chateau Grand Traverse, 2 Lads, Mari Vineyards, or Old Mission Distillery.
• Small-group feel: Groups of six or more are usually placed in a private vehicle, while smaller bookings may be combined with another group.
• Plan for add-on costs: Flights, bottles, food, and some tasting purchases are separate from the tour price.

Why the Non-Bus Format Matters

Old Mission Peninsula is a good place to leave the driving to someone else. The roads connect a string of wineries, and the views are part of the reason to go. A large bus can handle the route, but it gives the day a more fixed feel. This tour uses a large SUV, which means a quieter ride, easier conversation, and less time gathering people at each stop.

The vehicles are air-conditioned and described as GMC Yukons, Chevrolet Suburbans, or Cadillac Escalades. That matters on a warm summer afternoon, especially after several tastings. You get comfortable seats and a direct ride rather than a bus designed for a much larger crowd.

The group size can reach 24 people, so non-bus does not always mean private. Smaller parties may share an SUV with another booking. Groups of six or more are usually assigned their own vehicle, and private groups can often suggest all four stops.

I would ask about the vehicle and group setup before booking if privacy is important. Couples and small friend groups may share the ride, though the smaller format still feels more personal than a traditional wine bus.

Meeting at Hardy Street in Downtown Traverse City

The main meeting point is on the east side of the Hardy Street Parking Structure, near the State Street entrance. It is across from the Park Place Hotel and next to MiddleCoast Brewing Company. Look for the luxury SUV rather than a large coach.

This downtown location is useful because you can reach it from nearby hotels, restaurants, and public transportation. Pickup and drop-off in the downtown area also lets you keep your own car parked for the day.

If you are staying outside downtown, plan carefully. Pickup may sometimes be arranged at local hotels before a daytime tour, but afternoon traffic can make return transportation less direct. For an afternoon or sunset departure, getting downtown by hotel shuttle or rideshare is the safer plan.

The tour returns to the meeting point. Local hotel drop-off may be possible after an afternoon or sunset tour, but it is not something I would treat as automatic. Ask ahead, especially if your hotel is outside central Traverse City.

The Drive Along Grand Traverse Bay

The route is not just a transfer between tasting rooms. Old Mission Peninsula divides Grand Traverse Bay into its East and West arms, so the drive can bring changing water views as you move between wineries.

Grand Traverse Bay stretches about 32 miles and reaches depths of up to 620 feet in places. French voyageurs named it after la grande traverse, a long crossing across the bay’s mouth. You do not need a geology lesson to enjoy it, but the bay explains why this peninsula is such a scenic setting for wineries.

On the way from Traverse City to Hawthorne Vineyards, you may travel along the East Bay shoreline. The route from Hawthorne toward Bowers Harbor can reveal the West Bay. The exact views depend on the route and weather, but the tour company treats the scenery as a major part of the day.

That is a good reason not to spend the whole ride looking at your phone. Sit on the side of the vehicle with the best view, keep your camera ready, and let the guide point out sights along the way.

Hawthorne Vineyards: Quiet Views of Both Bays

Hawthorne Vineyards is often selected as a first stop, though the lineup can change. Its tasting room sits on a high bluff with views toward both East and West Grand Traverse Bays.

The setting is especially appealing if you want a peaceful start. The property is described as secluded, with vineyard, woods, and water rather than traffic and close neighboring buildings. An outdoor patio and fireplace add to the appeal when the weather allows.

Wine choices include a Merlot and Cabernet Franc blend, Auxerrois, and dry Riesling. You can purchase a flight, a glass, or a bottle, and wine club membership is also available. Food options can include a popcorn flight and charcuterie board.

You get about 50 minutes here on a typical itinerary. That is enough time for a tasting and a look at the view, but not necessarily a long meal. If you want a full charcuterie spread, ask about availability and allow for the fact that the next stop is waiting.

Chateau Chantal: High Ground and Rare Ice Wine

Chateau Chantal sits near one of the highest points on Old Mission Peninsula. The reward is a broad view over both arms of Grand Traverse Bay, making this one of the strongest stops for photographs.

The winery’s ice wine is the special draw. It is a rare style, and a sample of Chateau Chantal’s ice wine was served at a White House dinner during the Obama administration. You can buy a sample, but it is a premium item rather than something to assume is part of the basic tour cost.

The tasting room offers dry Riesling, Pinot Blanc, Naughty Red, and Malbec. Chateau Chantal is also the only listed Old Mission Peninsula stop where you can purchase a glass of brandy or a glass of Malbec. Those options make it a good match for a group with different tastes.

This stop also receives credit for its setting and service, but the high point can mean more exposure to wind or changing weather. Bring a light layer even in summer, particularly for an outdoor visit.

Bonobo Winery: Polished Wines and Small Bites

Bonobo Winery brings a more polished, modern feel to the route. It was founded by Traverse City natives Todd and Carter Oosterhouse, and the setting combines bay views with a strong focus on wine and hospitality.

Red wine drinkers can look for BDX and Pinot Noir. White selections may include Blanc de Blancs, Chardonnay, and Fume Blanc. Bonobo is also listed as the only Old Mission Peninsula winery on this route where you can sample a glass of whiskey.

Food availability changes, but options can include a charcuterie board and hummus. That makes Bonobo a useful stop if your group wants something more substantial than a tasting room snack.

You usually have about 55 minutes here, the longest standard stop. That extra time helps if you want both a flight and food. It can also tempt you to linger, so keep an eye on the time if you are trying to reach all four wineries.

Brys Estate: Froze, Lavender, and Vineyard Views

Brys Estate Vineyard and Winery is a popular stop for a reason: it offers wine, broad outdoor areas, and a signature frozen drink called the Froze. On a hot day, a Froze with a red topper is the drink to try.

The winery also offers a Sauvignon Blanc described as the only one on Old Mission Peninsula, along with a Pinot Noir and Riesling blend known as the Porch Pounder. You can order a customizable tasting, then take your drink to the deck for photographs.

In summer, the lawn bar adds another place to sit. Snack packs may be available, and lavender soaps and lotions made from the family’s lavender are sold on site. This gives Brys Estate a little more variety than a simple stand-and-taste stop.

The outdoor appeal depends heavily on weather and season. If it is cold or wet, the deck and lawn bar will not have the same pull. The tour company may switch wineries when weather or availability affects the route.

Bowers Harbor: The Former Horse Farm

Bowers Harbor Vineyards began in 1991 on what was once a horse farm. The tasting room occupies a former horse stable, and the property now includes 20 acres of grapevines.

The wine list includes Riesling, Chardonnay, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Grigio, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon. The house specialty is Pinot Secco, a sparkling Pinot Grigio, along with a Pinot Secco Rose.

You can take a flight or order by the glass or bottle, then sit on the patio, near the fire pit, in the pavilion, or at tables beside the vines. The winery is also known as the dog winery, so you might see dogs on the property.

Bowers Harbor is a nice choice for a relaxed outdoor stop, but it may not suit you if you want a highly formal tasting-room setting. Like the other wineries, the pace and available seating can change with season and crowd levels.

How the Flexible Stop System Works

The standard daytime tour visits four wineries, but the exact list is not guaranteed. Winery choices depend on availability, weather, time of year, and the preferences of the group.

Possible stops include Hawthorne Vineyards, Chateau Chantal, Bonobo Winery, Brys Estate, Bowers Harbor, Chateau Grand Traverse, Mari Vineyards, 2 Lads, and Old Mission Distillery. A private group can often suggest a wish list, while a smaller semi-private group should share favorite wineries with the company before departure.

This flexibility is useful if you have already visited one of the better-known wineries or want a certain wine style. It also means you should not book with the assumption that every named winery will be included.

Sunset tours usually visit three wineries plus an optional distillery rather than four wineries. That version may suit you if you prefer a slower afternoon and sunset timing, but the daytime tour offers more winery stops.

Guides, Pace, and Group Feel

The guide can make or break a wine tour. Names connected with recent departures include Mike, Cody, Clover, Tracy, Andie, Joe, Felicia, Jason, Addie, Brian, and others. The company is locally operated, with University of Michigan and Michigan State University graduates among the owner and guides.

The strongest part of the guide service is the balance between structure and freedom. Guides such as Cody, Clover, Andie, Tracy, and Mike are described as helpful with winery choices, timing, local information, photographs, and safe driving. One guide even helped bus tables at a stop, which gives you an idea of the hands-on service this company aims for.

You should still expect a schedule. Four stops in four to five hours means roughly 50 minutes at each winery, plus driving time. The guide may avoid a strict-feeling countdown, but the group must keep moving to complete the route.

You will also want to pace yourself. A flight at four wineries can add up quickly, especially if you finish every pour. Eat beforehand or plan to buy food at a stop, and use the drive between wineries as a chance to slow down.

What the $89 Price Really Covers

At $89 per person, the tour offers a reasonable value if you want a driver, local guidance, downtown pickup, and a higher-comfort vehicle. You are paying for the transportation and the structure of the day, not an all-inclusive wine package.

Food, bottles, glasses, and flights are extra. Wine samples or splashes are available during the tour, but the exact tasting charge depends on the winery and the purchase you choose. I would budget beyond the advertised price if you want a flight at each stop or plan to take wine home.

The difference between this and a cheaper bus tour is not simply the seat. You also get less need to coordinate drivers, parking, directions, and winery reservations. For a couple, the price may feel high once tastings are added. For a group that values comfort and a private vehicle, the value improves.

A 20 percent gratuity for the guide is recommended. Include that in your planning, particularly if your guide handles photographs, timing, route changes, and local suggestions.

Who Should Book This Tour

I would choose this tour for couples, small friend groups, and families who want wine tasting without driving. It is also a strong fit if you dislike large party buses or want a guide to manage the route while you focus on the scenery and conversation.

Groups of six or more have a good chance of getting a private SUV and can often suggest stops. That is one of the clearest reasons to book this option for a birthday, reunion, or weekend with friends.

I would be more cautious if your top priority is a fixed list of wineries or an all-inclusive price. The itinerary can change, and tasting fees are separate. You also need to confirm pickup details if you are staying well outside downtown Traverse City.

Free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted and are not refunded.

Should You Book the Movie Stars Wine Tour?

Book it if you want a comfortable, flexible day with a local driver and four Old Mission Peninsula winery stops. The downtown pickup, bay views, clean SUVs, and guides who help with timing and photographs make the day easy to manage.

Before paying, tell the company which wineries matter most to you and ask about the likely group setup. Then budget for flights, food, bottles, and gratuity. If you can handle those extra costs, this is a strong alternative to a crowded bus and a practical way to enjoy Traverse City wine country without putting anyone behind the wheel.

FAQ

How long does the wine tour last?

The tour usually lasts about four to five hours, depending on the group’s pace and the day’s route.

Where does pickup take place?

Pickup is at the Hardy Street Parking Structure in downtown Traverse City, on the east side near the State Street entrance and next to MiddleCoast Brewing Company. It is across from the Park Place Hotel.

How many wineries does the daytime tour visit?

The standard daytime tour visits four wineries. The exact wineries depend on availability, weather, season, and group preferences.

Is the tour private?

The tour is semi-private. Smaller bookings may be combined with other groups, while groups of six or more are usually placed in a private SUV. The total activity can include up to 24 people.

Are wine tastings included in the $89 price?

Flights, bottles, food, and glasses are extra. Wine samples or splashes are available during the tour, but you should expect to pay separately for tasting flights or other purchases at the wineries.

What happens if I need to cancel?

You can receive a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not refunded or accepted.