Discover the NON BUS VIP Red Wine Lovers Old Mission Traverse Wine Tour

This $89 per person tour offers a luxury 4.5-hour wine experience on the scenic Old Mission Peninsula in Michigan. Unlike typical party bus tours, this private or small group adventure takes place in a GMC Yukon or Suburban, driven by expert wine guides. Perfect for those who seek high-quality red wines and personalized service, this tour promises stunning views, expert-led tastings, and a more refined alternative to crowded party buses.

The tour features visits to four of the peninsula’s most iconic wineries, with a focus on reds such as Cab Franc, La Familia, Malbec, and Merlot. Whether you prefer a morning departure at 10:30 AM to avoid crowds or a sunset experience at 3:30 PM with an optional distillery stop, this curated wine adventure aligns with your schedule. The luxury vehicle, knowledgeable guides, and emphasis on personalized recommendations make this tour stand out.

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Key Points

Luxury SUV transport in GMC Yukon or Suburban, not crowded party buses
Visit four iconic wineries specializing in red wines, including Hawthorne Vineyards and Brys Estate
Expert guides, including Magic Mike, provide tailored wine advice and insights
Flexible departure times, with options for morning or sunset tours
Private or small groups, with a free bottle of wine for groups of six or more
Includes scenic views of Traverse City and Old Mission Peninsula

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The Luxury Transportation in GMC Yukon or Suburban

This VIP tour replaces the usual noisy party bus with a luxury SUV experience. The GMC Yukon or Chevrolet Suburban offers a comfortable, air-conditioned environment, ideal for relaxing while traveling between wineries. The pickup point is conveniently located on the east side of Hardy Street Parking Structure near Middlecoast Brewery, with additional downtown pickups available.

The semi-private nature ensures that groups of 6 or 7 often have their own vehicle, making the experience more intimate. The Cadillac Escalade may soon join the fleet, further elevating the luxury factor. This setup allows for a less rushed, more personalized wine tour, perfect for celebrating special occasions or simply enjoying a refined day out.

Visiting Four Iconic Wineries Known for Reds

The tour features four celebrated wineries on Old Mission Peninsula, each recognized for their exceptional red wines. Highlights include:

Hawthorne Vineyards: Known for its rich Cab Franc, offering a deep dive into one of the region’s signature reds.
Bowers Harbor Vineyards: Savor the La Familia and 2896 blends, showcasing innovative red wine styles.
Chateau Chantal: Enjoy tasting the Naughty or Nice Red along with Malbec, both highly praised for their flavor profiles.
Brys Estate & Bonobo Winery: Taste the famous Cab Merlot, Cab Franc, BDX, and OV Pinot Noir — all celebrated for their depth and quality.

Guests are encouraged to share their wine preferences with their guides, who tailor the experience based on availability, weather, and season. This flexibility helps craft an authentic, personalized tasting journey.

Expert Guides and Personal Recommendations

The tour is led by Magic Mike and a team of wine connoisseurs, known for their knowledgeable and smooth explanations. They provide real wine recommendations during tastings, enhancing the experience beyond just sampling. Visitors appreciate the friendly, professional guidance that makes each stop educational and enjoyable.

The guides’ passion and expertise help guests understand the nuances of each wine, making the tastings more meaningful. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned enthusiast, the personalized advice adds significant value to the tour.

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Scenic Views and Flexibility with Scheduling

The tour includes spectacular scenery of Traverse City and the Old Mission Peninsula, making the drive as enjoyable as the wine tastings. The morning departure at 10:30 AM helps avoid crowds and provides a relaxed pace, while the afternoon or sunset tour at 3:30 PM offers a beautiful sunset experience, sometimes with an optional distillery stop.

Guests can choose the schedule that best fits their plans. The shorter sunset tour typically visits three wineries plus a distillery, providing a well-rounded experience. This flexibility ensures the tour can be tailored to different preferences and occasions.

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Winery Stops and Tasting Highlights

Each winery offers specialized reds, with tastings often including flights, bottles, and food (extra cost). The stops are carefully selected for their quality and reputation, ensuring a memorable wine journey.

At Hawthorne Vineyards, guests sample the Cab Franc, a quintessential red of the region. Bowers Harbor impresses with La Familia and 2896 blends, both showcasing the winery’s versatility. Chateau Chantal combines red wine tastings with stunning views, adding to the overall experience. Lastly, Brys Estate & Bonobo Winery offers a range of reds, including Cabernet Merlot and Pinot Noir, known for their flavor depth.

The Experience of a Private or Small Group Tour

With groups of 6 or more receiving a complimentary bottle of wine (Gamay or Secco, depending on availability), the experience feels exclusive and relaxed. The small group size allows for more personalized attention from guides and fewer crowds at each stop.

The option for private groups makes this tour a great choice for celebrations like bachelorette parties, birthdays, or anniversaries. It’s a comfortable, intimate environment that emphasizes quality over quantity.

Included amenities and Additional Costs

The tour includes the luxury transportation, expert guides, and wine samples. Food, additional wine bottles, and snacks are available for purchase at the wineries, allowing customization of the tasting experience.

Not included are alcoholic drinks in the vehicle (which are prohibited), and any food or wine outside the planned tastings. The tour guides are law enforcement/military friendly, owned and operated by former law enforcement, adding an extra layer of professionalism and safety.

Practical Tips for Participants

Guests should bring comfortable shoes, a hat, a camera, sunscreen, and water. The tour offers a relaxed pace, but wearing comfortable footwear helps at winery tasting rooms. Fancy wine-drinking hats are highly recommended for added fun and style.

Participants must be 21 or older to partake in wine tastings, and the tour is not suitable for children under 10, pregnant women, or people with back problems. The meeting point is easily accessible, and the pick-up process is straightforward, with options for additional downtown locations.

Flexibility and Booking Policies

The tour allows free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, providing peace of mind. Guests can reserve now and pay later, keeping plans flexible. The duration of 4.5 hours can be checked for availability with multiple starting times to suit different schedules.

The pickup location is conveniently across from the Park Place Hotel, with drop-offs in downtown Traverse City after the tour. This makes it easy to continue exploring or relax after the wine experience without worrying about driving.

Final Word on the Old Mission Red Wine Tour

This VIP, non-party bus experience offers a refined alternative to traditional wine tours, emphasizing luxury, personalized service, and craftsmanship at the wineries. The expert guides, scenic views, and carefully curated stops make it an appealing choice for red wine lovers seeking a calm, intimate, and educational outing.

While it’s not suitable for children, pregnant women, or those with back issues, the small group size and luxury transportation ensure a comfortable and special day for adults interested in exploring Michigan’s renowned wine scene. The flexible scheduling and extra amenities help tailor the experience to individual preferences.

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NON BUS VIP Red Wine Lovers Old Mission Traverse Wine Tour

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of this wine tour?
The tour costs $89 per person.

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

What wineries will I visit?
You visit four iconic wineries, including Hawthorne Vineyards, Bowers Harbor Vineyards, Chateau Chantal, and Brys Estate & Bonobo Winery.

Is transportation included?
Yes, the tour includes luxury transportation in a GMC Yukon or Suburban.

Can I customize the schedule?
Yes, you can choose between a morning departure at 10:30 AM or a sunset tour at 3:30 PM, which may include an optional distillery stop.

Are children allowed on this tour?
No, this tour is not suitable for children under 10 or pregnant women.

What should I bring?
Guests should bring comfortable shoes, a hat, camera, sunscreen, and water.

Is there a cancellation policy?
Yes, full refunds are available if canceled up to 24 hours in advance.

Do I need to worry about driving?
No, the luxury SUV and private driver handle all transportation, so guests can relax and enjoy the scenery.

Can I bring my own wine or alcohol?
No, alcoholic drinks in the vehicle are not allowed.

Is this tour available year-round?
The data does not specify seasonal availability, but flexible scheduling suggests options for different times of year.

How do I confirm my booking?
Reservations can be made online with the option to pay later, and guides will reach out to coordinate pickup details.

This NON BUS VIP Red Wine Lovers Old Mission Traverse Wine Tour offers a luxurious, personalized tasting experience that combines expert guidance, scenic views, and a curated selection of reds. It’s ideal for anyone looking to indulge in Michigan’s wine scene in a comfortable, refined setting.