The NON BUS BRYS Estates FROSE’ Traverse Old Mission Wine Tour offers a unique way to explore Michigan’s renowned wine region. Priced at $89 per person and lasting 4.5 hours, this tour departs from downtown Traverse City and takes guests on a luxury journey through Old Mission Peninsula’s finest wineries. Unlike traditional party bus experiences, this tour emphasizes personalized service, comfort, and gourmet frozen drinks like Frose’, Sangria, and Lemonade Lavender. It’s ideal for those who want a relaxed, upscale wine adventure without the crowds and noise of typical bus tours.

This semi-private experience is led by expert wine guides in luxury SUVs—either GMC Yukons or Cadillac Escalades—ensuring a comfortable, stylish ride. The guides, many of whom are wine enthusiasts and local University of Michigan or MSU grads, deliver personalized recommendations while explaining the region’s wine-making traditions and history. The tour’s focus on quality frozen drinks sets it apart, making it perfect for visitors who enjoy innovative beverages alongside wine tastings at iconic wineries.

Key Points

Luxury SUV transportation replaces traditional party buses, providing a more comfortable experience.
Visit 4 top wineries on Old Mission Peninsula, including Brys Estates, Chateau Chantal, Bowers Harbor Vineyards, and Bonobo Winery.
Frozen drinks like Frose’, Sangria, and Lemonade Lavender are the star attractions, with wine, ciders, and spirits also available.
Tour includes a private guide, who offers personalized recommendations and insights into the region’s wine-making process.
Flexible scheduling with options for day or sunset/afternoon tours.
Groups of 6 or more receive a free bottle of wine—a nice touch for celebrating or gifting.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Luxury, Non-Party Bus Experience in Traverse City

This tour departs from the Hardy Street Parking Structure in downtown Traverse City, with pickup arranged in luxury GMC Yukon or Cadillac Escalade vehicles. The no-rush atmosphere means guests enjoy a relaxed pace as they visit four distinctive wineries. The focus on comfort and exclusivity makes this a popular choice for those seeking a more refined wine tour without the usual crowding.

What truly sets this experience apart is the emphasis on personalized service. The guides are wine connoisseurs and local experts, ready to share stories, answer questions, and make recommendations tailored to individual tastes. The tour also avoids the tired, converted school buses common in many other tours, offering instead a luxury SUV for a more upscale, private vibe.

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Visiting Brys Estates for the Frose’ Highlight

The Frose’ at Brys Estates is the tour’s focal point, described as a wine slushy similar to a Slurpee but with refined flavors. The frozen drinks on this tour are not overly sweet; they are crafted for perfection, blending frozen spirits and wine into a smooth, refreshing treat.

Along With Brys Estates’ Frose’, guests can sample a Frozen Sangria at Chateau Chantal and a Frozen Lemonade Lavender at Bonobo Winery. The seasonal drinks are designed to complement the wine tastings at each stop. Visitors also have the option to purchase wine, ciders, and spirits at the wineries, adding to the variety of tasting experiences.

The Iconic Wineries on the Old Mission Peninsula

The tour takes visitors to four renowned wineries, each known for their distinctive offerings. Hawthorne Vineyards features raspberry and cherry ciders and award-winning wines. Bowers Harbor Vineyards is famous for its Pinot Secco Rose and seasonal ciders like Blueberry and Peach.

Chateau Chantal offers a diverse selection—from wines and ciders to brandy, vodka, and beer—providing a broad taste palette. Brys Estates is celebrated for its Frose’, while Bonobo Winery presents a seasonal frozen Lemonade Lavender vodka-based drink. Each stop allows guests to explore local flavors and regional specialties.

The Guided Experience and Personalized Recommendations

The expert guides lead the tour with a focus on educating and entertaining. They share stories about the region’s wine history and explain the wine-making process at each winery. Their enthusiasm and knowledge help guests feel more connected to the local wine culture.

The personalized approach ensures that each guest’s preferences are considered, whether they favor reds, whites, ciders, or spirits. The guides’ local knowledge enhances the experience, making each visit informative and engaging.

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Logistics, Pickup, and Group Size

The tour departs from the Hardy Street Parking Structure, conveniently located across from the Park Place Hotel. Guests are picked up in luxury SUVs, avoiding the hassle of crowd-packed buses. The no-wait pickup process means guests can start their experience promptly.

Group sizes typically consist of couples and small groups, with most vehicles accommodating 6-7 guests. Those booking for larger groups will receive a free bottle of wine, adding extra value. The tour maintains a relaxed pace, with flexible scheduling to suit different preferences, including options for day or sunset/afternoon tours.

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What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour includes luxury transportation, a private guide, and wine samples. Guests can purchase additional wine, food, and snacks at the wineries for extra enjoyment. The tour is law enforcement/military friendly and operated by former law enforcement, emphasizing safety and professionalism.

Not included are food, flights, bottles, and additional tastings, which are available for purchase. Importantly, alcoholic drinks are not allowed in the vehicle to ensure safety during transit.

Why Choose This Tour Over Others?

This non-party bus experience is perfect for those who want a more refined, private, and comfortable way to enjoy Old Mission Peninsula’s wine scene. The luxury SUVs and personalized guides elevate the experience, making it ideal for special occasions, romantic outings, or small groups seeking an upscale adventure.

The emphasis on quality frozen drinks like the Frose’ and seasonal beverages adds a fun twist that distinguishes this tour from standard wine tastings. Plus, the flexible scheduling and downtown pickup make it a convenient and stress-free option.

Traverse Old Mission’s FROSE’ and Wine Tour in a Nutshell

This tour combines luxury transportation, expert guidance, and delicious frozen drinks into a relaxed, stylish experience on Old Mission Peninsula. It offers the perfect balance of education, tasting variety, and comfort. The small, private groups, along with free wine for larger parties, bring added value to an already well-curated experience.

While it is not suitable for pregnant women, it is an excellent choice for adults seeking a refined way to explore Traverse City’s wine region. The $89 price point offers good value considering the luxury SUV, expert guides, and multiple wineries visited.

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NON BUS BRYS Estates FROSE’ Traverse Old Mission Wine Tour

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for large groups?
Yes, groups of 6 or more receive a free bottle of wine, and private group options are available.

Are food and additional drinks included?
No, food, bottles, and additional tastings are extra and can be purchased at the wineries.

Can I bring my own alcohol in the vehicle?
No, alcoholic drinks are not allowed in the vehicle to ensure safety and compliance.

What wineries are visited?
The tour includes Brys Estates, Chateau Chantal, Bowers Harbor Vineyards, and Bonobo Winery, each offering unique wines and frozen drinks.

What is the focus of this tour?
The tour emphasizes frozen drinks like Frose’, Sangria, and Lemonade Lavender, along with wine tastings and regional stories.

How do I arrange pickup?
Pickup is at Hardy Street Parking Structure or other local downtown Traverse City locations—simply provide your address for the convenient pickup in luxury SUVs.

How long is the tour?
The experience lasts approximately 4.5 hours, with flexible departure times available.

Is this tour family-friendly?
No, the tour is not suitable for pregnant women or those under 21 who cannot consume alcohol.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, full refunds are available if canceled up to 24 hours in advance.

Does the tour operate rain or shine?
While not explicitly stated, most tours like this are weather-dependent, so check with the provider for specific policies.