NON BUS Traverse City Old Mission Sunset Wine & Distillery Tour

This NON BUS Traverse City Old Mission Sunset Wine & Distillery Tour offers a refined way to explore Michigan’s famed wine country. Priced at $68 per person, it lasts approximately 4 to 5 hours and features luxury SUVs instead of traditional buses, providing a more intimate and comfortable experience. Led by Magic Mike, a guide with 7 years of experience on Old Mission Peninsula, this tour stands out with personalized service, expert wine recommendations, and a focus on quality over crowds. The tour begins and ends in downtown Traverse City, with pick-up and drop-off included, making the logistics simple for participants.

While the tastings, wines, and food are extra, the tour offers a semi-private setting with a maximum of 20 travelers—ensuring a relaxed and personal atmosphere. Visitors should plan to book about 23 days in advance due to popularity. This tour appeals most to wine enthusiasts and those seeking a luxurious, no-rush experience with outstanding service and breathtaking views.

Key Points

• Luxury SUVs instead of buses provide a more personal and comfortable ride.
• Expert guide Magic Mike adds in-depth knowledge and a fun, friendly vibe.
• Tour includes visits to 3 vineyards and an optional distillery, with tastings available at each stop.
• Stunning views of Grand Traverse Bay and the Old Mission Peninsula set the scene for a picturesque day.
• Optional food and wine purchases are available at each stop; tastings are not included in the base price.
• Flexible schedule with a perfect balance of sightseeing, tasting, and relaxing.

How the Tour Stands Out with Luxury Transport and VIP Treatment

This Old Mission Sunset Wine & Distillery Tour emphasizes luxury and personalized service. Instead of standard group buses, guests are picked up in luxury SUVs such as GMC Yukon or Chevrolet Suburban, with Cadillac Escalade coming soon. This setup creates a more exclusive atmosphere and eliminates the feeling of being in a large crowd.

Magic Mike, the guide, ensures every guest feels like a VIP, sharing insider tips and recommendations while providing celebrity-level service. The tour’s flexibility allows for a relaxed pace, avoiding the rush often found in larger tours. The semi-private nature, with most groups having 6-7 guests, helps foster conversation and a more intimate experience.

The Winery Stops: Hawthorne Vineyards, Bonobo Winery, and Bowers Harbor Vineyards

Hawthorne Vineyards is the first stop, renowned for its secluded location on a high bluff with views of East and West Grand Traverse Bays. Here, guests can buy flights, wines by the glass, bottles, or join the wine club. The vineyard offers a selection of reds like Merlot/Cab Franc blend and whites such as Auxerrois and Dry Riesling. The venue is one of the newest on Old Mission Peninsula and provides an authentic, high-quality tasting experience.

Next, Bonobo Winery is distinguished by its stunning views and exceptional wines. Founded by brothers Todd and Carter Oosterhouse, the winery is known for expert-level reds like BDX and Pinot Noir, as well as white varieties like Blanc de Blancs and top chardonnays. Unique to this tour, guests can even sample whiskey at Bonobo, adding variety to the tasting experience. The top-notch customer service and brag-worthy wines leave a lasting impression.

Old Mission Distilling offers a different kind of stop—here, guests enjoy sampling spirits and purchase mixed drinks or wine. The distillery emphasizes local ingredients sourced from farms and orchards, giving visitors insight into the art of spirit-making. This stop adds a hip, modern vibe to the tour, complementing the wine tastings with distinctive spirits.

Bowers Harbor Vineyards is a seasonal option, presenting an original winery established in 1991. Originally a horse farm, the estate now features 20 acres of vinifera vines. The friendly staff serve wines including Riesling, Chardonnay, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Grigio, Merlot, and Pinot Noir. Known as the “dog winery”, visitors might see various dogs roaming the property—adding a casual, welcoming touch to the experience.

Scenic Drive and Views of Grand Traverse Bay

A key highlight of this tour is the stunning scenery of Grand Traverse Bay. As the group drives from downtown Traverse City to Hawthorne Vineyards, they pass by the second-largest bay of Lake Michigan, with its long, 32-mile stretch and up to 620 feet in depth. The division of East and West arms by the Old Mission Peninsula provides a breathtaking backdrop for the day.

The tour stops at viewpoints overlooking the bay, giving travelers ample opportunities for photos and sightseeing. The spectacular vistas are a major part of the experience, making the journey just as memorable as the tasting stops.

The Expert Guides: Magic Mike and the Team

The guiding team is noted for their extensive knowledge and friendly, approachable demeanor. Magic Mike is praised in reviews for being funny, personable, and well-informed about both the wines and the local area. He shares insider tips and background stories that enhance the tasting experience without feeling rushed.

Tour guides are local Traverse City residents, many with regional expertise and formal education from institutions like U of M and MSU. Their goal is to make each guest feel like a VIP, offering personalized attention—whether it’s checking in during tastings or accommodating specific needs.

Flexibility and Pace of the Tour

Unlike larger, rushed tours, this experience offers a relaxed pace with ample time at each stop—typically 55 minutes per winery or distillery. The flexibility allows for more conversation, tasting, and exploration. This keeps the experience enjoyable and unhurried, particularly appealing to those who prefer a less structured, more personal outing.

Plus, tastings, wines, and food are not included in the base price and are available for purchase at each venue. This allows guests to control their budget and try wines or spirits that appeal most to their palate.

Logistics: Meeting Point, Duration, and Group Size

The tour begins at 303 E State St, Traverse City, with pickup and drop-off included in the price. The group size is capped at 20 travelers, with most groups having just 6-7 guests, ensuring a semi-private atmosphere. The tour lasts around 4 to 5 hours, which feels well-paced and not overly long.

Transportation is in luxury SUVs, offering a comfortable and stylish ride. The most travelers find this setup more enjoyable than traditional bus tours, especially those seeking a more intimate and upscale experience.

Value and Booking Insights

At $68 per person, this tour offers excellent value considering the luxury transport, personalized guides, and quality stops. The average booking window of 23 days indicates it’s popular well in advance, so early reservation is advisable.

While tastings and food are extra, the overall experience justifies the price for those looking for a relaxed, upscale wine tour. The free cancellation policy allows flexibility in case plans change, offering peace of mind.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This Old Mission Sunset Wine & Distillery Tour suits wine lovers, couples, and small groups looking for a luxurious, personalized experience. It’s ideal for those who appreciate scenic drives, expert guides, and high-quality wines and spirits. The semi-private format makes it perfect for celebrations, special occasions, or simply a more refined way to explore Traverse City’s wine country.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is food included in the tour?
No, food is not included, but at each stop, you can buy wines, flights, and food such as charcuterie or popcorn.

Can I bring my own drinks?
No, outside alcohol is not permitted. However, you can purchase wines and spirits at each stop.

What is the group size?
Most groups have 6-7 guests, with a maximum of 20 travelers, ensuring a semi-private experience.

Is transportation comfortable?
Yes, the tour uses luxury SUVs like GMC Yukon and Chevrolet Suburban, providing a stylish and comfortable ride.

How far in advance should I book?
Booking about 23 days in advance is typical, as the tour is popular and fills quickly.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, full refunds are available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the tour.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins and ends at 303 E State St, Traverse City, MI.

Are the tastings guided or self-directed?
Guides are expert wine connoisseurs who lead and explain at each stop, enhancing the tasting with knowledge and recommendations.

What makes this tour different from bus tours?
The key difference is the luxury SUV transport, personalized VIP treatment, and more relaxed pace, free from the typical bus crowd.

Is this tour suitable for non-wine drinkers?
Yes, non-wine drinkers can enjoy the spirits at Old Mission Distilling and the scenic views of Grand Traverse Bay.

Can I customize the stops or timing?
The tour is designed for flexibility, but specific customizations are not detailed in the provided information. It’s best to check with the operator for special requests.

This NON BUS Traverse City Old Mission Sunset Wine & Distillery Tour delivers a personalized, luxurious experience of Michigan’s wine country. With expert guides, stunning scenery, and the comfort of luxury SUVs, it stands out as a memorable way to explore Old Mission Peninsula. Ideal for wine enthusiasts and those seeking a relaxed, upscale outing, this tour offers a taste of local brilliance paired with breathtaking views.