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

The most appealing part of this tour is the ride itself. You visit four Old Mission Peninsula wineries in a clean luxury SUV, not a worn-out school bus, and see both arms of Grand Traverse Bay along the way. I like the flexible stop choices and the fact that downtown Traverse City pickup and drop-off make the day easy.

I also like the guides’ personal touch. Mike, Cody, Clover, Tracy, Andie, Felicia, Jason, Joe, and Addie have all been praised for safe driving, local knowledge, music, photos, and good pacing. The main drawback is cost planning: the $89 price covers the tour and transportation, but food, bottles, glasses, and many tasting options cost extra.

Key points to know before booking

• Luxury SUV transportation: Ride in a GMC Yukon, Chevrolet Suburban, or Cadillac Escalade instead of a large party bus.
• Four winery stops: Day tours usually visit four wineries, with choices shaped by availability, season, weather, and group preferences.
• Two-bay views: Old Mission Peninsula gives you views of both East and West Grand Traverse Bays during the drive.
• Flexible timing: Guides work to keep the tour moving while allowing a relaxed pace at each tasting room.
• Downtown pickup: Meet near the Hardy Street Parking Structure, across from the Park Place Hotel, with some downtown hotel pickup available.
• Extra costs: Flights, bottles, food, glasses, and some tasting options are purchased separately.

Why the non-bus format matters on Old Mission Peninsula

Old Mission Peninsula is best enjoyed at an unhurried pace. You are not simply moving from one tasting room to the next. The roads follow the shoreline, vineyards spread across rolling farmland, and the bay appears between stops. A smaller vehicle makes the day feel more like a private outing than a scheduled group transfer.

The tour uses luxury SUVs with air conditioning. That matters on a warm summer afternoon, when a crowded bus can turn a pleasant wine outing into a long ride between stops. Groups of six or more usually receive a private vehicle, while smaller parties may share with another couple or group.

That shared format can work well if you enjoy meeting people. One particularly appealing detail is that the group may include only one other party, rather than a full coach load. If you want a private outing, ask about group size and vehicle arrangements before booking.

The tour lasts about four to five hours. Day tours generally visit four wineries. Afternoon and sunset tours usually visit three wineries and may include Old Mission Distillery. Private groups can often suggest their preferred stops, though the final plan depends on operating hours, weather, traffic, and availability.

Your guide handles the driving, parking, timing, and route. You can focus on the wine and scenery. Several guides have also taken group photos, helped with table cleanup, and adjusted the route when one tasting room was crowded. That small amount of attention makes a difference.

Meeting downtown and getting the timing right

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

Downtown pickup is one of the tour’s most useful features. You do not have to drive after tasting wine, and you do not have to reach a distant parking lot outside town. Pickup and drop-off in downtown Traverse City also put you near restaurants, hotels, and other evening activities.

If you are staying outside downtown, plan carefully. Afternoon traffic can be heavy, and the operator may be able to pick you up at a local hotel before the tour but may return you downtown afterward. The practical choice is to use a hotel shuttle or rideshare to reach the meeting point, then enjoy downtown after the tour until traffic eases.

If you buy several bottles, do not feel pressured to carry everything around for the rest of the day. The tour information suggests returning downtown after the outing and collecting wine the following day. Confirm the exact arrangement with your guide.

Hawthorne Vineyards and the first bay views

Hawthorne Vineyards is often a strong opening stop because the setting immediately shows you why Old Mission Peninsula is worth visiting. The tasting room sits on a high bluff with views toward both East and West Grand Traverse Bays. You see vineyard, woods, and water instead of nearby traffic or dense development.

The outdoor patio includes a fireplace, giving you a comfortable place to linger when conditions are right. The stop usually lasts about 50 minutes, enough time to taste, look around, and settle into the rhythm of the day.

Wine choices include Auxerrois, dry Riesling, and a Merlot and Cabernet Franc blend. If you prefer something with a snack, Hawthorne may offer popcorn flights and charcuterie. You can also buy a flight, a glass, a bottle, or a wine club membership.

I would treat this stop as a chance to compare Michigan’s cool-climate whites with fuller red blends. The tasting room’s remote setting is the main draw, but the extra food options help if you have not eaten recently. Since food availability can vary, do not count on a full meal here.

Chateau Chantal for high views and unusual pours

Chateau Chantal occupies one of the highest points on Old Mission Peninsula. The views of the two arms of Grand Traverse Bay are a major part of the stop, and the elevated position gives the visit a broad look across the water and vineyards.

The winery is known for ice wine, a rare style made from grapes harvested after freezing conditions. You can purchase a sample separately, and the winery’s ice wine was served at a White House dinner during the Obama administration. That makes it an interesting choice if you want to try something beyond standard Riesling or Chardonnay.

Other options include dry Riesling, Pinot Blanc, Naughty Red, and Malbec. Chateau Chantal is also the only Old Mission Peninsula winery on this route where you can buy a glass of brandy. The tour allows about 50 minutes here.

This is a good stop for a mixed group because the choices go beyond a single wine style. If you prefer to keep costs low, remember that specialty pours and additional glasses are not part of the $89 tour price.

Bonobo Winery brings a polished tasting room feel

Bonobo Winery was founded by Traverse City brothers Todd and Carter Oosterhouse. The setting combines bay views, a polished tasting room, and food that can make the visit feel more substantial than a quick sample at a counter.

Red wine drinkers can look for the BDX blend and Pinot Noir. White wine options include Blanc de Blancs, Chardonnay, and Fumé Blanc. Bonobo is also the only stop on this route where you can sample a glass of whiskey.

Food choices may include a charcuterie board and hummus, though the menu changes and availability is not guaranteed. That is worth keeping in mind if your group has dietary needs or expects lunch. Plan to treat the food as an optional purchase, not a promised meal.

The usual visit lasts about 55 minutes, the longest listed winery stop. That extra time helps if you want to order a flight, buy food, or take photographs. A guide may help you decide how to use the time without forcing everyone into the same wine choices.

Brys Estate for the famous Froze

Brys Estate Vineyard and Winery is one of the peninsula’s most popular stops, and its signature frozen wine drink is a big reason. The Froze is made for hot weather, and you can choose different toppers. The recommended combination is a Froze with a red topper.

Brys also offers a Sauvignon Blanc that is described as the only one on Old Mission Peninsula, along with a Pinot Noir and Riesling blend nicknamed the porch pounder. You can order a customizable tasting, then take your drink to the deck for photographs.

During summer, the lawn bar adds another outdoor option. Snack packs are available for purchase, and lavender soaps and lotions made with lavender grown by the Brys family give you a non-wine souvenir choice.

The stop generally takes about 50 minutes. This is likely to be one of the liveliest visits, especially in warm weather, but that can also mean more people and a less quiet tasting room. If you want a calm experience, tell your guide that atmosphere matters when choosing the route.

Bowers Harbor Vineyards and the former horse stable

Bowers Harbor Vineyards began in 1991 and occupies a former horse farm. The tasting room is housed in the old horse stable, while the property now includes about 20 acres of grapevines.

The winery grows Riesling, Chardonnay, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Grigio, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon. The Pinot Secco, a sparkling Pinot Grigio, is the signature choice. A Pinot Secco Rosé is another popular option.

Bowers Harbor is sometimes called the dog winery, so you might see dogs on the property. Outdoor seating includes a patio, fire pit, pavilion, and tables along the vines. You can order a flight, a glass, or a bottle and choose the setting that suits your group.

This stop is useful for people who want a less formal feel. It has history as a farm property, space to sit outside, and a broad wine list. As with the other wineries, the exact visit depends on the route selected that day.

Grand Traverse Bay is part of the experience

The driving route is not dead time. Grand Traverse Bay is an arm of Lake Michigan, separated from the open lake by the Leelanau Peninsula. It stretches about 32 miles, reaches seven to ten miles across, and is as deep as 620 feet in places.

Old Mission Peninsula splits the bay into East and West arms. On the way from Traverse City to Hawthorne, you follow sections of the East Bay shoreline. The drive from Hawthorne toward Bowers Harbor brings views of the West Bay, with more water views appearing between the other stops.

The French voyageurs called the crossing at the mouth of the bay la grande traverse, or the long crossing. You do not need to memorize that history to enjoy the view, but the name explains why the area has long been tied to water travel and the peninsula’s shape.

Bring a charged phone. The tour is scenic enough that you will likely want photographs, and guides such as Clover and Andie have helped groups take pictures during the day. Just keep the camera away when you are walking, tasting, or boarding the vehicle.

How much the $89 tour is really worth

At $89 per person, the price is mainly for transportation, route planning, and the guide. You are paying to avoid driving, parking, navigating four wineries, and arranging a safe ride back to town.

The value improves if you want a comfortable SUV and do not want a large bus. It also improves for groups that appreciate flexibility. Guides have adjusted stop order, suggested less crowded wineries, and helped groups spend the right amount of time at each property.

The price requires a separate tasting budget. Flights, bottles, glasses, and food cost extra. The details also refer to wine samples or splashes being available, so ask what is included on your specific booking and what each winery charges. A complimentary bottle may be provided to a group, such as Gamay, Secco, or Gewürztraminer, depending on availability.

One past booking party felt the total cost was high after adding tasting fees, despite enjoying the vehicle and guide. That is a fair concern. If you only want a basic ride between wineries, a less expensive option may suit you. If you value a small group, local guidance, a newer SUV, and downtown convenience, the price is easier to justify.

A 20 percent tip for the guide is recommended. Include it in your budget when comparing the total cost with other tours.

The guides make the difference

The company is operated by former law enforcement, and the tour places a clear focus on safe driving. That matters when everyone in the group is tasting wine throughout the afternoon.

Mike has been praised for communication, local suggestions, and making people feel at ease. Cody is known for humor, area knowledge, music choices, and keeping the day moving without making it feel rushed. Clover has helped groups adapt the stops, take photos, and choose wines.

Tracy has been described as friendly, careful, and familiar with the wineries. Andie has adjusted the schedule while still fitting in all planned stops. Other guides named in booking feedback include Brian, Joe, Felicia, Jason, and Addie.

The guide’s role is more than driving. A good guide watches the clock, checks the group’s energy, notices which wineries are crowded, and helps everyone get back to downtown safely. This is where the tour gains much of its value.

Who should book this Old Mission Peninsula tour

I would choose this tour for couples, friend groups, and families who want four wineries without spending the day on a large bus. It is also a strong fit if you are staying downtown and want a simple meeting point.

Wine beginners should feel comfortable. You do not need to know the difference between every grape before you go. The guides can help you compare dry Riesling, Pinot Noir, sparkling wines, ice wine, and Michigan blends in plain language.

It also suits repeat visitors who want to suggest a favorite winery. Private groups can often customize the route, and groups of six or more usually receive their own vehicle.

I would think twice if you want a long, formal winery tour at every stop. The format is built around tasting, scenery, and moving among four properties in four to five hours. It is not a deep production tour at each winery.

Book at least several weeks ahead if your dates are fixed. The average booking lead time is about 24 days, and preferred wineries may not be available on every date.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if your priorities are safe transportation, a comfortable SUV, four scenic winery stops, and a guide who can adjust the day. The strongest reasons are the two-bay views, downtown pickup, small-group feel, and flexible route.

Before paying, ask about your exact vehicle, likely winery stops, tasting charges, and pickup details. If you budget separately for wine and food, the experience is easier to enjoy without surprises. Cancel at least 24 hours before departure if plans change, since cancellations inside that window are not refunded.

FAQ

How long does the wine tour last?

The tour usually lasts about four to five hours, depending on the pace of the group.

How many wineries will I visit?

Standard daytime tours usually visit four wineries. Afternoon and sunset tours generally visit three wineries and may include an optional stop at Old Mission Distillery.

Which wineries might be included?

Possible stops include Hawthorne Vineyards, Chateau Chantal, Bonobo Winery, Brys Estate, Bowers Harbor Vineyards, Chateau Grand Traverse, 2 Lads, Mari Vineyards, and Old Mission Distillery.

Can I request a specific winery?

Yes. Private groups can usually suggest their four stops, and smaller groups can tell the guide which wineries they prefer. The final route depends on availability, weather, season, and timing.

Where does pickup take place?

The main pickup point is on the east side of the Hardy Street Parking Structure near the State Street entrance, next to MiddleCoast Brewing Company and across from the Park Place Hotel.

Is hotel pickup available?

Some downtown Traverse City pickup locations can be arranged. Pickup from local hotels outside downtown may sometimes be possible, but drop-off after a daytime tour is generally downtown.

What kind of vehicle is used?

The tour uses an air-conditioned luxury SUV, such as a GMC Yukon, Chevrolet Suburban, or Cadillac Escalade. It is not a party bus.

Are wine tastings included in the price?

Wine samples or splashes may be available, but flights, bottles, glasses, and food cost extra. Ask what is included at each winery when you begin the tour.

Can I buy food during the tour?

Food may be available at some stops. Hawthorne may offer charcuterie and popcorn flights, Bonobo may offer charcuterie and hummus, and Brys Estate may sell snack packs. Availability can change.

What is the cancellation policy?

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