Discover Traverse City’s Premier Luxury Wine Tour at Only $89

This non-bus girls trip offers a standout experience on Old Mission Peninsula, starting at just $89 per person for a 4.5-hour journey through some of the region’s finest wineries. Unlike typical party buses, this tour focuses on luxury, comfort, and personalized service, making it ideal for group celebrations or anyone seeking a relaxed, upscale wine tasting day.

The tour begins with an early “Red Eye” start or a sunset option, depending on your preferred schedule. It takes place in GMC Yukons, Chevrolet Suburbans, or Cadillac Escalades, providing a semi-private, air-conditioned ride with a professional driver and expert guide. The experience is designed for those who want more than just transportation—they want a curated, high-quality wine adventure.

While the tour includes tastings at four iconic wineries, food, wine flights, and bottles are extra, allowing flexibility for those who want to indulge more. The group size typically stays around 6-7 people, and groups of 6 or more receive a free bottle of wine. This tour suits bachelorette parties, birthdays, anniversaries, or anyone eager for an upscale day exploring Michigan wines.

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Key Points

Luxury transportation in GMC Yukons, Cadillac Escalades, or Chevrolet Suburbans
Visit four renowned wineries on Old Mission Peninsula, including Chateau Grand Traverse and Hawthorne Vineyards
Personalized recommendations from knowledgeable wine guides
Flexible departure times, including sunset experiences
Group size generally limited to 6-7, with free wine for larger groups
No old buses, just a semi-private, comfortable ride

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Starting the Day with Private Pickup and Modern Vehicles

Unlike traditional wine tours, this experience begins with pickup at Hardy Street Parking Structure near the Park Place Hotel or other local downtown Traverse City spots. The luxury GMC Yukon or Cadillac Escalade awaits, giving guests a movie star-style arrival and departure. The easy pickup means no long walks or confusing transfers, and drop-offs at local hotels or motels make the day seamless.

This departure logistics setup ensures you won’t have to worry about parking, driving, or crowded buses. It also means you can start your wine day relaxed and ready to enjoy the scenic drive through Old Mission Peninsula. The professional guide is part of the experience, providing insights along the route and ensuring a smooth, enjoyable day.

Visiting Four Iconic Wineries Known for Exceptional Reds

The tour’s main focus is to visit four distinguished wineries, each celebrated for their reds and unique offerings. Chateau Grand Traverse is the first stop, renowned for its broad wine menu and the Plum Reserve. The second stop, Hawthorne Vineyards, features an opportunity to sample a rich Cabernet Franc, a regional favorite.

Next, Bowers Harbor Vineyards offers tastings including La Familia and 2896 blends, giving guests a taste of the diversity within the region. The final winery, Chateau Chantal, provides a chance to enjoy Naughty or Nice Red and Malbec, showcasing the area’s exceptional reds.

The winery selection may vary based on availability, weather, or guest preferences, but the focus remains on high-quality wines with options for personalized recommendations. Guests can inform guides if they have specific wineries they wish to visit, adding a personal touch to the experience.

The Experience at Each Winery

At each destination, wine tastings are included, and samples or splashes are provided during the tour. The wine menu at Chateau Grand Traverse, for example, is described as diverse, with a notable highlight being the Plum Reserve. Hawthorne Vineyards emphasizes its rich Cab Franc, while Bowers Harbor Vineyards features popular blends, and Chateau Chantal offers classic reds like Malbec.

The mix of wineries ensures a well-rounded exploration of Old Mission Peninsula wines, with opportunities to savor reds that are regionally renowned. The guided commentary from wine experts adds context and recommendations, enhancing the tasting experience.

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The Role of the Expert Guides and Personalized Service

Led by “Magic Mike” and other skilled wine connoisseurs, the tour provides more than just transportation. These guides are passionate wine enthusiasts who deliver personalized recommendations tailored to your preferences. Their knowledge helps deepen appreciation for the wines and regions visited.

The small group setting fosters a more intimate experience, allowing guides to customize the tour based on guest wishes, whether that’s focusing on reds, specific wineries, or including an optional distillery stop during a sunset tour.

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Flexibility with Departure Times and Tour Options

With multiple departure times, including a sunset experience, this tour offers flexibility to fit different schedules. The sunset option is especially popular for its beautiful scenery and relaxed atmosphere.

The tour’s “Reserve now & pay later” policy makes planning easy, and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance provides peace of mind. Whether celebrating a special occasion or just indulging in a luxurious day out, this flexibility works well for a variety of plans.

What’s Included and What’s Extra

The included features consist of an air-conditioned luxury SUV, expert wine guides, and wine samples during tastings. The group size is kept intimate, often around 6-7 people, with groups of 6 or more receiving a complimentary bottle of wine.

Items not included are food, wine flights, glasses, or bottles, which are available at additional cost. The tour emphasizes quality over quantity, giving guests the option to purchase extra wine or food if desired. Plus, the tour is Law Enforcement, First Responder, and Military friendly, reflecting its commitment to community service.

The Non-Party Bus Approach and Comfortable Ride

One of the tour’s biggest draws is the absence of the tired, old party buses. Instead, guests enjoy a semi-private experience in luxury SUVs, which provide more comfort and less crowding. This setup avoids the chaos often associated with larger, noisy bus tours, making the day more relaxing and enjoyable.

The small group setting is perfect for private groups or couples who want a more personalized experience. The luxury vehicles and professional guides ensure a smooth, comfortable ride through scenic Old Mission Peninsula.

Additional Amenities and Practical Tips

Guests should bring comfortable shoes, hats, cameras, sunscreen, and water for the day. Since drinks are not allowed in the vehicle, it’s best to enjoy wine tastings at each winery. The tour guides recommend fancy wine-drinking hats for fun, and mention that celebrations are welcome if arranged in advance.

The pickup location at Hardy Street Parking Structure is easily accessible, and drop-offs at local accommodations are included. This convenience allows for a stress-free day without worrying about parking or driving after enjoying the wines.

Who Will Love This Tour Most

This luxury, curated wine tour is perfect for groups seeking comfort and personalized attention. It suits bachelorette parties, birthday celebrations, or anniversaries best. The upscale vehicles and small group sizes make it ideal for those who dislike crowded party buses.

Wine enthusiasts will appreciate the quality of wineries visited, the expert guides, and the ability to tailor the experience. It’s also well-suited for anyone wanting a relaxed, stylish day exploring the wines of Michigan’s Old Mission Peninsula.

Final Thoughts on the Traverse City Old Mission Wine Tour

This $89 luxury wine tour delivers a high-end experience that emphasizes comfort, quality, and personalization. The semi-private SUV ride, combined with visits to four iconic wineries, makes for a special day on Old Mission Peninsula.

While food and additional wine purchases are extra, the core value lies in the scenic drives, expert guides, and curated wine tastings. It’s a great choice for those looking to enjoy Traverse City’s wine scene in style and relaxation.

For anyone wanting a refined, personalized wine experience without the chaos of larger buses, this tour offers top-tier service in a beautiful Michigan setting.

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NON BUS GIRLS TRIP Traverse City Old Mission Wine Tour

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children or pregnant women?
No, the tour is not suitable for children under 12 or pregnant women due to alcohol consumption and associated restrictions.

What is the duration of this wine tour?
The tour lasts 4.5 hours, including visits to four wineries and transportation.

Where does the tour pick up from?
Pickup is at the Hardy Street Parking Structure in Traverse City, with optional pickups at other local downtown locations.

Are food and wine bottles included?
No, food, wine flights, glasses, and bottles are extra and available at additional cost.

Can I customize the wineries visited?
Yes, guests can inform guides of their wineries of interest if they wish to include specific stops, depending on availability.

What vehicles are used for this tour?
The tour is conducted in luxury GMC Yukons, Chevrolet Suburbans, or Cadillac Escalades.

Is this tour private or shared?
It is semi-private with most groups consisting of 6-7 people, and private group options are available.

What should I bring on the tour?
Comfortable shoes, hats, cameras, sunscreen, and water are recommended.

Are there any restrictions on bringing alcohol into the vehicle?
Yes, drinks are not allowed in the vehicle to maintain a comfortable ride.

What makes this tour stand out from others?
The focus on luxury, personalized service, and small group intimacy makes it a distinctive experience, free from the typical chaos of party buses.