Discover Traverse City’s Non-Bus Wine Tour in Style

The NON BUS Chateau Chantal Hawthorne Traverse City Wine Tour offers a fresh take on wine tasting with its luxury SUV transportation and semi-private group experience. Priced at $349 per person and lasting 4.5 hours, this tour provides a relaxed, upscale alternative to traditional party buses. It’s perfect for those who appreciate stunning vineyard views, intimate guided cellar tours, and the comfort of air-conditioned SUVs like the GMC Yukon or Chevrolet Suburban.

Departing from the East side of Hardy Street Parking Structure near Middlecoast Brewery, the tour emphasizes personalized service and flexibility — with groups of 6-7 guests often sharing a luxury SUV. The focus is on tasting wines at three specially selected wineries, including the renowned Chateau Chantal, making this a sophisticated, yet approachable, adventure for wine lovers.

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Key Points

Price of $349 per person for a 4.5-hour private wine tour
Luxury SUVs like GMC Yukon or Chevrolet Suburban used for transport
Visit 3 wineries, including the famous Chateau Chantal
Guided cellar tour and wine tasting at Chateau Chantal
Expert guides who are wine enthusiasts and local guides
Flexible itinerary with pick-up and drop-off at downtown locations
Wines and samples included, but tastings, food, and bottles are extra
No party bus, making this experience more intimate and relaxed

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Traverse City’s Elevated Wine Tour Experience

Travelers choosing this tour will find a combination of comfort, professionalism, and stunning scenery. The tour adopts a Yellowstone style meet with Traverse City Wine Country, providing private access to some of the area’s most celebrated wineries. The guided cellar tour at Chateau Chantal is a highlight, offering insight into the winery’s history and winemaking process, plus a chance to sample wines directly from the cellar.

The tour’s flexibility allows guests to enjoy 3 wineries, with the specific stops depending on weather conditions and availability. The final stop at Hawthorne Vineyards offers a contrasting experience, as it shares the same winemaker as Chateau Chantal, giving an interesting perspective on different winery styles within the same production family.

Premium Transportation in a Luxury SUV

Unlike traditional wine tours that rely on worn-out buses, this experience uses luxury SUVs such as the GMC Yukon or Chevrolet Suburban, with a Cadillac Escalade coming soon. The semi-private nature of this tour means most groups of 6-7 have their own vehicle, creating a more personal, comfortable environment.

The air-conditioned vehicles ensure a pleasant ride, and the fancy SUVs add a touch of luxury that elevates the whole experience. This setup also allows for more flexibility, such as requesting specific wineries or adjusting the pace, making it ideal for travelers seeking customized, intimate wine adventures.

Visiting Chateau Chantal: A Traverse City Icon

The tour kicks off at Chateau Chantal, one of Traverse City’s most recognizable wineries. Here, guests enjoy a guided cellar tour, learning about the winery’s history and winemaking techniques, followed by a wine tasting that includes a flight or glass of wine with stunning vineyard views.

Chateau Chantal gained fame when its Ice Wine was featured at a White House dinner during the Obama Administration, underscoring its prestige and quality. The views from Chateau Chantal are a major draw, offering a perfect backdrop for tasting and photo opportunities.

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Exploring Other Wineries: Chateau Grand Traverse, Brys, or Bonobo

After Chateau Chantal, the tour proceeds to one of Chateau Grand Traverse, Brys, or Bonobo, depending on weather and availability. Each winery offers a distinct experience: from Chateau Grand Traverse’s reputation as a pioneering vineyard to Brys or Bonobo’s unique wine styles.

This variety allows visitors to compare different winemaking approaches and flavors, enriching the tasting experience. Since samples are included, guests can relax and savor the wines without worrying about additional costs on tastings.

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Hawthorne Vineyards: The Final Stop with a Twist

The last stop, Hawthorne Vineyards, provides an interesting contrast to Chateau Chantal. It is notable because it shares the same winemaker, offering an insightful comparison. This winery often intrigues guests with its distinct style and approach, rounding out the tour with a different ambiance and scenery.

Ending at Hawthorne Vineyards allows for reflection on the day’s tastings, while enjoying more wine samples and perhaps some light snacks. The contrast between wineries with the same winemaker is a unique feature that adds depth to the experience.

The Guide’s Role and Local Expertise

The expert guides are passionate about wine and local Traverse City knowledge. Many are UofM, MSU, EMU, or GVSU graduates, bringing a personal touch and regional insight. Their storytelling style makes the tour engaging, providing context about each winery’s history and wines.

The guides also ensure smooth logistics, coordinating pickup and drop-off and offering flexibility in winery choices when possible. Their enthusiasm and knowledge enhance the tour, making it both educational and enjoyable.

Practical Details and What to Bring

Guests are advised to wear comfortable shoes for walking at the wineries and bring a camera, sunscreen, and water for a day in the sun. Since smoking and alcohol consumption in the vehicle are not allowed, travelers should plan accordingly.

The meeting point is conveniently located on the east side of Hardy Street Parking Structure, with 24-hour access, making arrival easy and flexible. The tour operates with live English-speaking guides and offers the chance to reserve as a private group for a more personalized experience.

Value, Flexibility, and Who Will Enjoy This Tour

This $349 per person tour provides a luxurious, intimate, and flexible way to explore Traverse City’s wine country. Since tastings, food, and bottles are extra, guests should budget for additional purchases, but the included samples offer a good taste of the local wines.

The flexibility of the itinerary, the luxury SUV transport, and the knowledgeable guides make this tour appealing for those who prefer comfort over party bus chaos. It is especially suited for wine enthusiasts, couples, or small groups seeking a relaxed, high-end experience with stunning vineyard views.

Final Thoughts on the Non-Bus Traverse City Wine Tour

The NON BUS Chateau Chantal Hawthorne Traverse City Wine Tour stands out as a sophisticated alternative to more traditional wine tours. Its luxury SUV transport offers a more private, comfortable setting, while the stops at famous wineries like Chateau Chantal give a touch of prestige.

While the cost is higher compared to bus tours, the personalized service, flexibility, and scenic views make it a worthwhile choice for wine lovers wanting a relaxed, upscale experience. It caters well to those who appreciate expert guides, stunning scenery, and small group intimacy in their wine adventures.

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NON BUS Chateau Chantal Hawthorne Traverse City Wine Tour

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for children or pregnant women?
No, the tour is not suitable for children under 10 years or pregnant women due to alcohol consumption and physical activity involved.

What is included in the tour price?
The wine samples and tastings are included, but wines, bottles, and food costs are extra.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 4.5 hours, with scheduled morning or afternoon options.

Where does the tour start?
It begins at the East side of Hardy Street Parking Structure near Middlecoast Brewery.

Can I request specific wineries?
Yes, since the tour is flexible, guests may request different wineries when possible.

Is this tour private?
Yes, a private group option is available, especially for groups of 5 or more.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes, sunscreen, and a camera are recommended for a day of tasting and vineyard sightseeing.

Are tips included?
Tipping is not included in the tour price and is at guests’ discretion based on the guide’s service.

Is transportation provided back to the start point?
Yes, pickup and drop-off at downtown locations are included in the tour.

What makes this tour different from others?
The luxury SUV transport and semi-private group size provide a more intimate and comfortable alternative to traditional bus tours, emphasizing personalized service and stunning vineyard views.