A $89-per-person experience lasting 4.5 hours, the NON BUS ICE WINE Traverse City Old Mission Wine Tour offers a distinctive way to explore Michigan’s wine country. This tour avoids the typical party bus scene, replacing it with luxury SUVs like GMC Yukons and Cadillac Escalades, providing a more private, relaxed, and upscale environment. Guided by wine enthusiasts and local experts, the tour focuses on visiting four renowned wineries on the Old Mission Peninsula, each celebrated for their white wines, reds, and ICE wines.

This tour is ideal for those who appreciate personalized service, want to avoid crowded buses, and prefer luxury transportation. The flexible scheduling allows departures at multiple times, and small group sizes ensure a more intimate experience. A notable highlight is the ICE wine, which has even been served at the White House during a dinner in the Obama administration. While wine tasting fees and meals are not included, the wine samples provided during the tour make for a memorable experience.

Key Points

Luxury vehicle transport in GMC Yukon or Cadillac Escalade offers a private, comfortable ride
Four iconic wineries visited, each known for white wines, reds, and ICE wines
Expert guides lead the tour, providing personalized recommendations and stories
ICE wine served at Chateau Chantal is a rare highlight, linked to presidential history
Flexible departure times accommodate various schedules, with optional distillery stops in sunset tours
Group size is small, typically 6-7 people, with a free bottle of wine for groups of 6 or more

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The Luxury Ride: No More Old Buses on Wine Tours

This tour positions itself as the “Movie Star Experience”, offering luxury transportation instead of the typical party bus. Departing from the Hardy Street Parking Structure in downtown Traverse City, guests are picked up in luxury GMC Yukons or Cadillac Escalades, making a stylish first impression. The vehicle is air-conditioned and designed to ensure comfort throughout the 4.5-hour journey.

The private vehicle approach means smaller groups, often 6-7 people, enjoy a more personalized experience. This setup is perfect for couples, small groups, or special celebrations like bachelorette parties or anniversaries. The pickup and drop-off service in downtown Traverse City simplifies logistics, allowing visitors to explore downtown after or return to their hotel effortlessly.

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Visiting Four Iconic Wineries on Old Mission Peninsula

The tour’s core activity involves visiting four famous wineries in the Old Mission area, each offering a distinctive tasting experience.

Hawthorne Vineyards introduces visitors to the Cherry Splendor, a very sweet wine, along with options to taste their white and red wines. At Bowers Harbor Vineyards, the focus is on ICE Wine and ICE Cider, prized for their limited supply and exceptional quality.

Chateau Chantal stands out for its Vidal Blanc and Estate Ice Wines, with the Ice Wine having a special place in history—being served at a White House Dinner during the Obama administration. Brys Estate is known for the Froze’, a frozen wine that captures the essence of ICE wine.

Finally, Bonobo Winery offers a seasonal highlight: the Lemonade Lavender Slushy, adding a fun, refreshing twist to the traditional wine experience.

What Makes the Wineries Special

Each location on this tour offers a unique tasting, emphasizing the region’s signature wines. The Ice Wine at Chateau Chantal is a rare treat, harvested during January or February when grapes are frozen on the vine. Its sweet, syrupy profile makes it a memorable highlight, especially considering its prestigious history.

Bowers Harbor’s ICE Cider and ICE Wine are known for their limited supply and exceptional flavor profiles, making them highly sought-after. Hawthorne Vineyards adds a touch of local charm with their Cherry Splendor, and Brys Estate’s Froze’ gives a frozen wine experience that’s quite different from regular tastings.

The seasonal Lemonade Lavender Slushy at Bonobo Winery offers a refreshing, non-traditional twist, appealing to visitors looking for something light and fun.

The Guided Experience with Local Experts

The professional guides leading this tour are local wine enthusiasts and U of M / MSU graduates, offering insightful commentary along the way. They provide personalized recommendations and stories about each winery, including the history of the Ice Wine served at notable events like White House dinners.

The guide’s knowledgeable storytelling enhances the experience, especially at places like Chateau Chantal, where the Ice Wine has historical significance. Their friendly approach makes the tour both informative and relaxed, perfect for wine lovers who want to learn more without feeling rushed.

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The Experience in a Private, Intimate Setting

Instead of large, crowded buses, this tour guarantees semi-private groups in luxury SUVs. Most groups include 6-7 people, ensuring comfort and plenty of opportunity for conversation. The small group size means the wine guides can tailor recommendations based on guest preferences.

The vehicle remains climate-controlled, and there’s ample space to move around. Snacks and additional wine purchases are available at extra cost, but all tastings are included, providing a value-rich experience.

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Timing, Departure Options, and Flexibility

The tour departs at multiple times, allowing travelers to select the most suitable morning or afternoon slot. The sunset tour includes an optional distillery stop, adding variety to the experience.

Flexible scheduling helps accommodate different travel plans, and cancelations are accepted up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. This flexibility makes booking straightforward, especially for those planning trips around other activities.

Cost, Inclusions, and Additional Expenses

For $89 per person, the tour covers all wine samples and transportation. The luxury SUV and expert guides are included, making it a good value considering the private, upscale experience.

Additional costs include meals, winery tasting fees, and food purchases at the wineries. Groups of 6 or more receive a free bottle of wine, adding a nice bonus for larger parties.

The Pickup and Drop-Off Convenience

The meeting point is conveniently located at the Hardy Street Parking Structure in downtown Traverse City, opposite the Park Place Hotel. Guests are picked up in front of Middlecoast Brewery, making access easy.

The tour drops off in downtown Traverse City, enabling post-tour exploration. This local drop-off means visitors can easily continue their day without worrying about transportation.

Who Will Love This Tour

This luxury, private wine tour suits wine enthusiasts who prefer personalized attention and upscale transport. It is particularly suitable for small groups, couples, or celebrating special occasions. History and story lovers will enjoy the background behind the Ice Wine at Chateau Chantal.

While not suitable for pregnant women or those with back problems, the comfortable vehicle setup and relaxed pace make it accessible for most.

The Sum Up: A Sophisticated Spin on Michigan Wine Tours

The NON BUS ICE WINE Traverse City Old Mission Wine Tour offers a luxurious, personalized, and educational way to explore Michigan’s wine country. Its small group size, expert guides, and upscale transportation make it stand out from more typical tours. The focus on Ice Wine—including its prestigious history—adds a special touch for connoisseurs and curious newcomers alike.

While wine tasting fees are extra, the inclusion of samples and free bottle for groups provide good value. The convenient downtown pickup and flexible scheduling make this tour accessible and easy to fit into your Traverse City visit.

This tour is especially well-suited for those seeking a high-end, intimate experience, wine lovers interested in Ice Wine, and anyone celebrating a special occasion in Michigan’s beautiful Old Mission Peninsula.

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NON BUS ICE WINE Traverse City Old Mission Wine Tour

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour price?
The $89 per person fee covers transportation in luxury SUVs, expert guides, and wine samples at the four wineries.

Are winery tasting fees included?
No, winery tasting fees are additional and paid at each location.

How many wineries are visited?
The standard tour visits four wineries, with sunset tours visiting three wineries plus an optional distillery.

What is the pickup location?
Guests meet at the Hardy Street Parking Structure in downtown Traverse City, near Middlecoast Brewery.

Is this tour suitable for large groups?
Groups of 6 or more receive a free bottle of wine, and the tour is designed for small groups of 6-7 people.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, full refunds are available for cancellations made up to 24 hours in advance.