Discover the Luxury of the Non-Bus Sunday Funday Traverse City Old Mission Wine Tour

This $89 per person wine tour offers a fresh take on exploring Michigan’s renowned wine region. With a duration of 4.5 hours, the tour departs from Traverse City and takes you through the scenic Old Mission Peninsula in a luxury GMC Yukon—no crowded buses or party atmospheres here. Instead, enjoy a comfortable, private experience guided by wine enthusiasts. The tour features visits to four iconic wineries, each known for their exceptional wines, and includes a seasonal treat: the Lemonade Lavender Slushy at Bonobo Winery.

Ideal for small groups and couples, this tour emphasizes personalized service with expert guides and a VIP vibe. It’s perfect for those who want to experience Traverse City’s wine scene in style, without the noise and chaos of traditional party bus tours. The flexibility to choose winery stops, combined with stunning scenery and premium transportation, makes this a standout option for a relaxing, wine-focused day.

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Key Points

Luxury transportation: Travel in a GMC Yukon or Cadillac Escalade, not a bus
Small group experience: Typically 6-7 guests per vehicle for a semi-private feel
Visit four wineries: Including Hawthorne Vineyards, Bowers Harbor, Chateau Chantal, and Bonobo Winery
Expert guides: Led by knowledgeable wine connoisseurs, including Magic Mike
Seasonal treat: Enjoy a Lemonade Lavender Slushy at Bonobo Winery
Flexible scheduling: Multiple departure times, with optional sunset tours including a distillery stop

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The Exclusive VIP Transportation in a GMC Yukon or Cadillac Escalade

This tour departs from Hardy Street Parking Structure in downtown Traverse City, with pickup options at various local hotels and locations. The luxury GMC Yukon and Cadillac Escalade provide a smooth, stylish ride, making the journey as enjoyable as the tastings. The air-conditioned vehicle ensures comfort throughout, and the semi-private setup means groups of 6-7 likely enjoy their own vehicle.

Unlike traditional bus tours, this experience eliminates the hassle of old, tired buses. The private vehicle offers a more relaxed, intimate atmosphere, ideal for celebrating special occasions or simply enjoying a day of wine tasting with close friends or a loved one. The professional driver allows guests to focus solely on tasting and sightseeing without worries about driving.

Handpicked Wineries on Traverse City’s Old Mission Peninsula

The tour stops at four carefully selected wineries, chosen based on availability, guest preferences, weather, and season. Notable stops include Hawthorne Vineyards, where guests can sample the famous Soiree Champagne Methode and the Dry Red Flight. At Bowers Harbor Vineyards, enjoy the Pinot Secco—a sparkling Pinot Grigio.

Chateau Chantal offers personalized flights such as dry Riesling or Malbec, showcasing the region’s diversity. Bonobo Winery stands out with its BDX, Cab Franc, and Brut Cuvee offerings, along with the seasonal highlight of a Lemonade Lavender Slushy. When planning, guests can communicate winery preferences to customize the experience further.

The winery selection may vary depending on season, weather, and guest requests, but all stops promise quality wines and beautiful scenery. For sunset or afternoon tours, guests visit three wineries and an optional distillery, adding variety to the day.

The Expertise of the Guides and Their Personal Touch

Led by Magic Mike and other wine experts, the guides bring personalized recommendations and detailed insights into each winery’s offerings. Their expertise ensures that even guests unfamiliar with wine can enjoy the tastings, learning about wine types, production, and pairing ideas.

The guides’ friendly, knowledgeable approach makes the tour engaging and informative. They also work to accommodate guest preferences for winery visits, enhancing the personalized feel of the experience. The local guides are UofM and MSU graduates, offering a genuine local perspective on Traverse City’s wine scene.

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Seasonal Highlights and Special Additions

One of the unique aspects of this tour is the seasonal Lemonade Lavender Slushy at Bonobo Winery, adding a refreshing twist to the tasting experience. For sunset tours, there is an optional stop at a distillery, providing a broader taste of Michigan’s craft beverage scene.

The tour runs throughout the year with flexible scheduling. Guests can choose from multiple departure times, making it easy to fit into any day’s plans. The sunset tours offer a different ambiance, with the opportunity to unwind as the day winds down.

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Practical Details and Booking Flexibility

The tour includes pickup in downtown Traverse City and a full 4.5-hour experience. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance, providing peace of mind when planning. Guests can reserve now and pay later, allowing flexibility with travel plans.

The private group option is available, making this experience suitable for celebrations like bachelorette parties, birthdays, or anniversaries. The tour explicitly excludes food, wine flights, glasses, and bottles from the price, so guests should budget accordingly for additional purchases.

What Sets This Tour Apart from Other Wine Experiences

The non-bus format is the most distinctive feature—no tired, noisy party buses here. Instead, guests enjoy private, semi-private vehicles in a luxury setting, making the experience more refined and personalized.

The focus on small groups and expert guides enhances the quality of the visit, while the choice of wineries ensures variety and flexibility. The inclusion of seasonal treats and optional stops adds value, making each tour unique.

For those seeking a comfortable, classy way to explore Traverse City’s vineyards, this VIP Sunday Funday tour delivers an experience that’s both laid-back and luxurious. It’s especially appealing for couples and small groups who prefer an intimate atmosphere over large group tours.

Final Thoughts on the Traverse City Old Mission Wine Tour

This $89 journey combines luxury transportation, personalized winery visits, and insider guidance, making it a top choice for wine lovers in Traverse City. The semi-private vehicle and expert guides elevate the experience, transforming a simple wine tour into a special outing.

While the cost excludes additional purchases, the overall value lies in the comfort, exclusivity, and flexibility offered. The seasonal highlights and custom winery preferences ensure that each tour can cater to varied tastes and interests.

Best suited for small groups, couples, or celebrating special occasions, this tour offers a relaxed yet elegant way to taste Traverse City’s best wines in style.

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NON BUS Sunday Funday Traverse City Old Mission Wine Tour

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the price of the tour?
The tour costs $89 per person.

How long does the tour last?
It runs for approximately 4.5 hours.

Where does the tour start?
Pickup is at Hardy Street Parking Structure in downtown Traverse City, with options to be picked up at local hotels.

What is included in the tour?
Guests enjoy luxury transportation in a GMC Yukon or Cadillac Escalade, visits to four wineries, and guidance from wine experts. A seasonal Lemonade Lavender Slushy is served at Bonobo Winery.

Are food or wine flights included?
No, food, wine flights, glasses, and bottles are extra and paid separately.

Can I customize the winery stops?
Yes, guests can communicate their preferred wineries to the guide, and stops are determined by availability, weather, and season.

Is the tour suitable for large groups?
The experience is designed for small groups of 6-7 people, providing a semi-private environment.

Are children or pregnant women allowed?
No, the tour is not suitable for pregnant women.

What if I need to cancel?
Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance.

Can I book in advance and pay later?
Yes, the tour offers a Reserve Now & Pay Later option for added flexibility.

Is there an option for sunset or afternoon tours?
Yes, sunset tours include an optional distillery stop and visit to 3 wineries.

What makes this tour different from others?
The luxury, non-bus transportation and small group setup distinguish this experience from typical large bus wine tours in Traverse City.