Traverse City: Old Mission Peninsula 4-Hour Sunset Wine Tour – An Elegant Evening of Wine and Scenic Vistas

The Traverse City Old Mission Peninsula 4-Hour Sunset Wine Tour offers a well-curated escape into Michigan’s premier wine region. For $85 per person, this 4-hour journey takes you to three highly-rated wineries, with tastings, scenic views, and the relaxed vibe of a sunset tour. It departs from the Grand Traverse County Civic Center and features a luxury limo-style bus that handles the driving, allowing you to focus on enjoying the experience.

This tour stands out for its stunning bay views, carefully selected wineries, and the fact that it’s suitable for those who want to savor wine without the stress of driving. While tasting prices are extra, the overall experience offers a balance of delicious wines, picturesque landscapes, and professional guidance, making it a great choice for a scenic evening outing.

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Key Points

Visit three top-rated wineries on Michigan’s Old Mission Peninsula
Enjoy sunset views with wine in hand at a vineyard estate
Taste local wines and snacks including cheeses and spreads
Relax with transportation provided, eliminating the need to drive
Experience panoramic bay vistas from multiple winery locations
Tour duration is 4 hours, with approximately one hour at each stop

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Starting Point and Transportation: The Grand Traverse Civic Center

This tour begins at the Grand Traverse County Civic Center in Traverse City, where guests gather for the luxury limo-style bus. The vehicle is air-conditioned and designed for comfort, ensuring a pleasant ride throughout the evening. The bus departs at 5:30 pm on Fridays and 4:30 pm on Saturdays, making it easy to fit into an evening plan.

The driver is experienced and friendly, handling all the logistics so you can relax and take in the scenic surroundings. The transportation arrangement enhances the tour’s appeal, especially for those who prefer to enjoy wine without worry about driving.

Exploring Bowers Harbor Vineyards

The first stop is Bowers Harbor Vineyards, a family-run estate that was once a horse farm. Its rustic charm and lush vineyards create a welcoming atmosphere. As you arrive, rows of grapevines stretch toward the bay, surrounded by towering trees and open skies.

Here, you can enjoy a $5 five-wine flight or order a glass of your favorite. The outdoor patio offers a peaceful spot to savor local wines such as Riesling, Pinot Noir, or Cabernet Franc. You also have the option to pair your wine with locally crafted cheeses, savory dips, and artisanal spreads, making this a delightful beginning to the evening.

Visiting Chateau Chantal for Panoramic Vineyard Views

Next, the tour takes you to Chateau Chantal, perched on a high ridge with sweeping views of East and West Grand Traverse Bays. Approaching via a vineyard-lined driveway, the estate feels like a European retreat.

Inside the spacious tasting room, large windows frame the vineyard below, inviting you to relax with handcrafted Michigan wines. The tasting menu features aromatic Rieslings, full-bodied Chardonnays, complex Pinot Noirs, and rich Cabernet Francs. Guests can also stroll through the vineyard or enjoy the outdoor terrace, soaking in the sunset over the water.

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Final Stop at Bonobo Winery with Water View Sunset

The last visit is to Bonobo Winery, a property with over 20 acres of vines and a history as a horse farm. With over 27 years of winemaking experience, Bonobo offers a diverse selection, including Gewürztraminer, Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, and Cabernet Sauvignon, along with hard ciders.

The modern tasting room features floor-to-ceiling windows and exposed wood beams, creating a cozy yet sleek setting. Guests can sip wines on the outdoor patio overlooking the water, where the golden sunset reflects off the bay, providing a mesmerizing backdrop for the concluding moments of the tour.

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Wine Tastings and Additional Costs

While the tour price includes transportation and guided commentary, wine tastings are purchased separately at each location. Prices for tastings range from $5 to $10, with some venues offering flights of five pours or glasses for $8-$28. For example, Bowers Harbor Vineyards charges $5 for a flight, while Bonobo Winery offers $9-$13 for glasses, including a souvenir wine glass.

Guests should plan for additional costs if they wish to purchase wine, and tipping the driver (recommended at 20%) is customary.

Scenic Bay Views and Sunset Experience

A key highlight of this tour is the spectacular sunset over Grand Traverse Bay. From Chateau Chantal, you get expansive views of the water, while Bonobo Winery’s outdoor patio offers perhaps the most stunning sunset scene on the peninsula. The winding country roads and gentle slopes along the route enhance the scenic quality of the evening.

The timed stops allow ample opportunity to capture photos, relax, and soak in the changing sky colors as the sun dips below the horizon. This combination of wine tasting and natural beauty creates a memorable, almost magical experience.

Practicalities: Meeting Location, Duration, and Accessibility

The meeting point is straightforward at the Grand Traverse County Civic Center. The bus departs promptly at specified times—5:30 pm on Fridays and 4:30 pm on Saturdays—so punctuality is advised. The tour lasts about 4 hours, with each stop allocated roughly one hour for exploration, tasting, and enjoyment.

The air-conditioned vehicle and guided commentary make the experience comfortable and informative. However, pregnant guests and those under 21 are not permitted on the tour, and pets or smoking are not allowed onboard.

Price and Value: What You Get for $85

At $85 per person, the tour offers good value by combining luxury transportation, guided insights, and visits to three renowned wineries. The scenic views and variety of wines available at each stop add to its appeal, especially for those seeking a relaxed, all-in-one evening experience.

While tasting costs are extra, the overall package balances premium scenery, good wine, and professional guidance without the hassle of self-driving.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour Most?

This sunset wine tour is ideal for wine lovers, scenic admirers, and relaxation seekers. It’s perfect for those who want a guided experience with beautiful bay views and top Michigan wines. Families, couples, or groups celebrating special occasions will find the combination of scenery and wine particularly appealing.

It’s less suitable for pregnant women or guests under 21, and those with mobility concerns should consider the walking involved at each stop.

Final Thoughts on the Old Mission Peninsula Sunset Wine Tour

This 4-hour tour offers a beautiful blend of scenic vistas and fine wines on Michigan’s renowned Old Mission Peninsula. The carefully selected wineries, breathtaking sunset views, and comfortable transportation make it a solid choice for anyone wanting to enjoy the region’s best in a relaxed setting.

While tasting prices are additional, the overall experience with professional guides and stunning scenery provides real value. It suits those who appreciate wine, nature, and a laid-back, guided outing in a scenic wine country setting.

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Traverse City: Old Mission Peninsula 4-Hour Sunset Wine Tour

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 4 hours, with about one hour spent at each of the three wineries.

What is included in the tour price?
The luxury transportation, guided commentary, and visit to three wineries are included. Tasting fees are paid separately at each winery.

Where does the tour start?
The tour departs from the Grand Traverse County Civic Center in Traverse City, with specific departure times at 5:30 pm on Fridays and 4:30 pm on Saturdays.

Is this tour suitable for children or pregnant women?
No, pregnant women and guests under 21 are not permitted on the tour.

What should I bring?
Bring a camera, credit card, comfortable clothes, and cash for tasting purchases.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.