Discover the Ultimate Luxury Wine Tour on the Old Mission Peninsula

The NON BUS 3 Winery Old Mission Peninsula Sunset Wine Tour offers a fresh take on wine tasting in Traverse City. For $75 per person, this 3.5 to 4.5-hour experience takes you in luxury SUVs—like GMC Yukons and Cadillac Escalades—to explore 3 top wineries overlooking breathtaking sunset views. This tour skips the usual noisy party bus, favoring a more relaxed, VIP atmosphere that suits couples and small groups seeking comfort and exclusivity.

What makes this tour stand out is the combination of luxury transportation, expert guides, and a flexible, semi-private experience. You’ll enjoy a seasonal Lemonade Lavender Slushy at Bonobo Winery and learn about Traverse City’s wine culture from wine connoisseurs with years of industry experience. This tour is ideal for those wanting to savor exceptional wines in a serene setting, with the option for private groups of 6 or more.

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Key Points

Luxury SUV transportation in GMC Yukons and Cadillac Escalades
Visit 3 iconic wineries on the Old Mission Peninsula
Sunset views paired with wine tasting
Expert guides lead the experience, sharing insider knowledge
Semi-private, relaxed atmosphere avoids loud party buses
Includes wine samples; additional wine, food, and bottles are extra

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Travel in Style with Luxury SUVs Instead of a Party Bus

Instead of riding in a loud, tired party bus, this tour offers luxury SUVs with comfortable air conditioning and ample space. The GMC Yukon, Chevrolet Suburban, and soon a Cadillac Escalade provide a smooth, stylish ride through the scenic Old Mission Peninsula.

Most smaller groups, typically 6-7 guests, will enjoy their own private vehicle, adding a sense of exclusivity. The professional driver handles all logistics, letting you relax and focus on the views and wines. This setup also allows for more flexible itineraries, accommodating guest preferences and weather conditions.

Visiting 3 Iconic Wineries on the Old Mission Peninsula

The tour’s main focus is on 3 distinguished wineries renowned for their stunning locations and quality wines. The specific wineries are chosen based on availability, guest preferences, and seasonal factors. Guests can inform their guides if they have specific favorites they’d like included.

At each stop, you’ll sample a variety of wines, with tastings included in the tour price. Some stops may also offer the chance to purchase additional wines or food, though these are extra costs. The guided experience ensures you get insider tips about each winery’s unique offerings.

Sunset Views and Wine Tasting at Bonobo Winery

One of the tour’s highlights is the opportunity to enjoy sunset views while sampling exceptional wines at each winery. Bonobo Winery is notable for its seasonal Lemonade Lavender Slushy, a refreshing treat that adds a unique flavor to the tasting experience.

This picturesque setting makes for memorable photos and a truly relaxing atmosphere. The sunset timing enhances the tasting experience, allowing you to appreciate Traverse City’s natural beauty while sipping your wines.

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The Expertise and Personal Touch of the Guides

The guides leading this tour are more than just drivers—they are wine enthusiasts with years of industry experience. They are well-trained, with many coming from U of M or MSU backgrounds, and they possess deep knowledge of Traverse City’s wine culture.

They are eager to share personalized wine recommendations and answer questions about the wineries, making the experience both educational and enjoyable. Their friendly, professional approach ensures a relaxed and engaging atmosphere.

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Flexibility and Customization for Smaller Groups

This tour is designed with smaller groups in mind, often resulting in a private vehicle for groups of 6 or 7 guests. It offers flexible scheduling with options for afternoon or sunset tours, often lasting around 3.5 to 4.5 hours.

Guests can communicate their wineries of interest or special requests to the guides, enabling a more personalized experience. While wine tastings are included, any additional purchases are extra, giving you the freedom to indulge as you wish.

Practical Details: Meeting Point and What’s Included

The tour departs from the East side of Hardy Street Parking Structure, near Middlecoast Brewery, easily accessible from downtown Traverse City. The luxury SUVs wait with Yukons and Escalades, making for an impressive start.

Included in the $75 fee are the expert guides, air-conditioned vehicles, and wine samples at the wineries. Guests also receive a free bottle of wine (like Gamay or Secco) if in a group of 6 or more.

Extras such as additional wine, food, and bottles are available for purchase but are not included in the base price.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour Most?

This VIP style wine tour appeals particularly to small groups and couples seeking a luxurious, relaxed experience. It’s perfect for those who want to avoid the chaos of party buses and prefer a more refined atmosphere.

The tour’s emphasis on sunset views, expert guidance, and personalized itinerary makes it a memorable choice. However, it is not suited for pregnant women or people with back problems due to seating arrangements and the physical requirements.

Comparing This Tour with Similar Experiences

While there are other options like wine and beer tours or wineries with distilleries, this tour’s focus on luxury SUVs and semi-private groups offers a distinctive experience. The professional guides and flexible itinerary set it apart from standard party bus tours and more rigid group excursions.

Links to similar experiences include multi-winery tours and sunset wine tastings, but this particular experience emphasizes personalized service and comfort in a scenic setting.

Final Thoughts on the Non-Bus Old Mission Peninsula Sunset Wine Tour

This tour provides a refined, comfortable, and scenic wine tasting experience on the Old Mission Peninsula. With luxury SUVs, expert guides, and stunning sunset views, it offers a more intimate alternative to traditional group tours.

The $75 price point includes wine sampling and a private, VIP atmosphere tailored to small groups or couples. It is an excellent choice for wine lovers who value style, scenery, and expert insights, especially during the afternoon or sunset hours.

While additional wines and food are extra, the experience of exploring Traverse City’s top wineries in luxury makes this tour a worthwhile investment for those seeking quality over quantity.

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NON BUS 3 Winery Old Mission Peninsula Sunset Wine Tour

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of this tour?
The tour costs $75 per person.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately 3.5 to 4.5 hours.

What transportation is used?
Guests travel in luxury SUVs, including GMC Yukons, Chevrolet Suburbans, and soon a Cadillac Escalade.

How many wineries are visited?
Three iconic wineries on the Old Mission Peninsula are visited during the tour.

Is wine tasting included?
Yes, wine samples are included in the tour fee, but additional wines and food are available for extra purchase.

Where does the tour start?
The meeting point is on the East side of Hardy Street Parking Structure, near Middlecoast Brewery in Traverse City.

Can groups customize their experience?
Yes, smaller groups of 6 or 7 guests usually have their own vehicle, and the itinerary can be flexible based on guest preferences.

Are food and bottles included?
No, food, additional wine, and bottles are extra; the tour primarily covers wine tastings.

Is this tour suitable for pregnant women?
No, this experience is not suitable for pregnant women due to alcohol consumption.

What makes this tour different from party bus options?
The luxury SUVs, professional guides, and semi-private arrangement offer a more refined and personalized experience compared to loud, crowded party buses.