Discover the “Red Eye” 4 Winery Old Mission Traverse City Early Wine Tour

This $89 per person tour offers an upmarket, early-start wine experience in Traverse City, designed to beat the crowds and give you a more relaxed tasting day. With a duration of approximately 4 to 5 hours, the tour begins early in the day—often with guests enjoying their first wine by 10:10 AM. Unlike typical bus tours, this experience features luxury SUVs like the GMC Yukon, Chevrolet Suburban, or Cadillac Escalade, offering a more comfortable and stylish ride.

A standout feature is the small group setup, which allows for semi-private experiences, with most groups comprising 6-7 guests, ensuring plenty of space and personalized attention. The tour also includes pickup and drop-off at select downtown locations, making logistics simple. The focus on quality over quantity makes this tour ideal for those seeking a relaxed, VIP wine adventure with expert guides leading the way.

Key Points

Luxury SUV Transportation: Travel in style with GMC Yukon or Cadillac Escalade, avoiding tired old buses.
Early Start: Beverages begin flowing by 10:10 AM, helping you skip the crowds.
Four Top Wineries: Visit renowned stops including Hawthorne, Chateau Chantal, Bonobo, and Brys Estates.
Expert Guides: Led by wine connoisseurs and local guides with university ties.
Complimentary Wine: Receive a free bottle of wine (varieties depend on availability).
Flexible Itinerary: Choose your favorite wineries or follow the suggested stops.

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The Luxury SUV Experience in Traverse City

Starting at 303 E State St, the tour departs in a well-appointed luxury SUV, emphasizing comfort and style. Unlike traditional party buses or retired school buses, this tour offers a semi-private atmosphere, with most groups having their own vehicle. The air-conditioned SUV ensures a comfortable ride regardless of the weather, and the professional driver and guide handle all logistics.

The group size cap of 24 maintains an intimate feel, making conversations easier and more personalized. The pickup and drop-off options at downtown locations save time and make the experience smooth from start to finish. This setup is perfect for guests who prefer a more refined wine tour without the chaos of larger groups.

Visiting Iconic Wineries on Old Mission Peninsula

This tour stops at 4 carefully selected wineries on Old Mission Peninsula, known for their stellar wines and stunning vistas. The first stop is Hawthorne Vineyards, recognized as one of Traverse City’s best vineyards. Here, guests can buy flights, glasses, or bottles, and even join the wine club if desired.

Next, Chateau Chantal offers breathtaking views from one of the highest points on the peninsula. Guests have about 50 minutes to explore and taste, with plenty of opportunity for photo moments. The winery serves a variety of wines, and the scenic vistas reinforce the sense of exclusivity.

Bonobo Winery provides a more intimate setting where guests can enjoy wines that are brag-worthy and shareable. It’s known for wines that evoke a “Movie Star” feeling, with about 55 minutes to sample and explore.

The last stop is Brys Estate Vineyard & Winery, renowned as one of Michigan’s Top Ten wineries. Known for the “Froze'” drink, Brys Estate often becomes a tour favorite. Guests typically spend 50 minutes here, sampling a variety of wines amid beautiful vineyard views.

The Unique Bowers Harbor Vineyards Visit

Bowers Harbor, established in 1991, is one of the original wineries on the peninsula. The property used to be a horse farm, which adds to its charming and historic appeal. Guests can buy flights, glasses, or bottles, and the tasting experience here balances craftsmanship and history.

This stop provides a taste of the area’s wine development and its long-standing heritage. The 50-minute visit allows for a relaxed tasting session, with a chance to chat with staff and enjoy the scenic estate.

Scenic Views of Grand Traverse Bay

A key highlight of this tour is the visit to Grand Traverse Bay, a 32-mile-long arm of Lake Michigan. The bay’s separating feature from Lake Michigan by the Leelanau Peninsula offers breathtaking views that complement the wine experience. Though there is no tasting here, the photo opportunities and scenic vistas are a major part of the tour’s appeal.

The free admission to the bay allows guests to appreciate the natural beauty of the area, which enhances the overall relaxing vibe of the day. This stop is perfect for those who want to combine wine tasting with stunning scenery.

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Customizable Wineries and Flexible Scheduling

While the tour usually includes visits to four wineries, guests are encouraged to share their preferences with the guide. The flexible itinerary means that if certain wineries are on your wishlist, the guide will do its best to accommodate. This setup offers a personalized experience for each group.

The early start combined with the flexibility allows for a less rushed day, giving ample time to savor each wine and enjoy the surroundings. Guests receive expert recommendations from guides who are wine enthusiasts and local experts.

What’s Included and What’s Not

This tour provides several key inclusions that enhance value. Guests receive expert guidance from wine connoisseurs and local guides with university backgrounds. The complimentary bottle of wine (Gamay, Secco, or Gwertz, depending on availability) adds a nice touch to the experience.

The luxury SUV is equipped to handle the small group size, ensuring a comfortable ride. The air-conditioned vehicle and professional driver keep the day smooth.

However, wines, flights, bottles, and food are not included in the base price and are available for purchase during stops. The tour emphasizes a high-quality experience without party buses or mini SUVs, prioritizing comfort over quantity.

Booking, Cancellation, and Practical Tips

Reservations are confirmed immediately upon booking, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance. The small group limit of 24 helps keep the experience intimate and manageable. The tour departs from downtown Traverse City, with convenient options for public transportation.

Given the early start, guests should plan to arrive on time and wear comfortable clothing suitable for wine tasting and scenic stops. The semi-private setup makes this tour suitable for wine lovers seeking a relaxed, upscale experience without the crowds.

Why Choose the “Red Eye” 4 Winery Tour

This VIP-style tour stands out for its luxury vehicles, expert guides, and personalized approach. It’s an excellent choice for those who prefer style and comfort over large bus tours. The early start helps avoid crowds, making the tasting more relaxed and enjoyable.

The focus on stellar wineries and stunning views of Grand Traverse Bay ensures a memorable day. It’s perfect for wine enthusiasts wanting a high-end experience, as well as visitors eager to explore Traverse City’s wine country in style.

Despite the lack of wines included in the price, the overall value lies in luxury transportation, local expertise, and the personalized, less rushed schedule**. This tour suits guests who value quality, comfort, and scenery in their wine adventures.

Ready to Book?

The “Red Eye” 4 Winery Old Mission Traverse City Early Wine Tour

Frequently Asked Questions

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

How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately 4 to 5 hours.

What makes this tour different from others?
The focus on luxury SUVs, early start, and VIP treatment set this tour apart from typical bus-based wine tours.

Are wines included in the price?
No, wines are available for purchase at each stop, with complimentary wine bottles provided.

Can I customize the wineries visited?
Yes, guests can share their preferences with the guide, who will attempt to accommodate.

Is transportation provided?
Yes, the tour includes pickup and drop-off in downtown Traverse City in a luxury vehicle.

What stops are included?
Stops include Hawthorne Vineyards, Chateau Chantal, Bonobo Winery, Brys Estate, Bowers Harbor, and Grand Traverse Bay.

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Most guests can participate, but it is primarily designed for adults interested in wine and scenic views.

What is the cancellation policy?
Guests can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund.

How many people are in each group?
Most groups are 6-7 guests, maintaining an intimate experience.