Traverse City: Wine Tasting Cruise on Schooner Manitou

Traverse City: Wine Tasting Cruise on Schooner Manitou

This 2-hour cruise in Traverse City offers a delightful blend of sailing on Grand Traverse Bay and sampling some of the best local wines. Priced with flexibility—reserve now and pay later—this experience provides a relaxing way to enjoy scenic views, expert-guided tastings, and interactive sailing fun. The tour is rated 4.4, reflecting its popularity and quality. With live guides leading the experience, it is well-suited for those who appreciate wine, scenic maritime settings, and engaging activities onboard.

The cruise departs from the Traverse Tall Ship Company at Discovery Pier, where guests are encouraged to arrive 30 minutes early. The itinerary includes a safety briefing, 1.5 hours of sailing, followed by a 1-hour wine tasting featuring five pours from a designated local winery. The wineries vary by date, with Black Star Farms, Dune Bird, and Left Foot Charley rotating through the schedule. This tour is wheelchair accessible and strictly for adults over 21, making it ideal for wine enthusiasts and those seeking a calming yet interactive maritime experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Duration: 2 hours total, combining sailing and wine tasting
• Pricing: Reserve now, pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance
• Location: Departure from Traverse Tall Ship Company at Discovery Pier
• Experience: Sail on Grand Traverse Bay, guided by an expert, with opportunities to help set sails or steer
• Wine: Sample five different pours from local wineries, with snacks available for purchase onboard
• Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible, suitable for guests with mobility needs

Meeting Point and Logistics at Discovery Pier

The tour begins at the small brown ticket booth at the end of Discovery Pier. Guests are advised to arrive at least 30 minutes early to accommodate check-in and safety briefings. The tour operator recommends avoiding Apple Maps due to its unreliability in this area; instead, use the coordinates 44.78595733642578, -85.63584899902344. Free parking is available in the lot behind Great Lakes Discovery Center, directly across from the pier, with instructions to cross at the designated pedestrian crossing.

Guests should plan for possible heavy traffic or construction around the area and bring comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a jacket, and casual clothing. The boarding process is straightforward, but those with mobility challenges should contact the operator in advance for assistance or alternative arrangements.

Scenic Sailing on Grand Traverse Bay

The sailing experience on the Schooner Manitou lasts approximately 1.5 hours. The vessel offers a chance to feel the wind in the hair and enjoy spectacular views of the bay’s shoreline. Participants are encouraged to help the crew set the sails or take a turn at the wheel, adding an engaging element to the trip. Gusts of wind and waves influence the route, creating a dynamic sailing environment that enhances the adventure.

The scenic beauty of Grand Traverse Bay is a highlight, with open decks providing panoramic views and fresh breezes. The sailing also acts as a calming counterpoint to the wine tasting, making this experience both invigorating and relaxing. The crew’s expertise ensures safety and adds a storytelling element, especially as they demonstrate sailing techniques.

Local Winery Tastings and Wine Selection

Following the sailing, the wine tasting takes place onboard, with five pours from the featured winery of the day. The wineries rotate during the season, including Black Star Farms (Tuesdays, July 8 – August 12), Dune Bird (Tuesday, August 19), and Left Foot Charley (Tuesday, August 26). Each selection offers a glimpse into local viticulture, emphasizing regional flavors.

Guests have the option to purchase snacks onboard as they taste the wines, but bringing your own alcohol is not permitted—only soft-sided coolers are allowed for drinks purchased on the vessel. The aromas and flavors of the wines are complemented by breezes and scenic views, creating a truly immersive tasting atmosphere.

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What to Expect During the Wine Tasting

The guided tasting is led by an expert who helps highlight the subtleties of each pour. The five wines represent the best offerings from the featured winery, making this a great opportunity to learn about regional vintages. The guide’s expertise enhances the experience, explaining the nuances of each wine and answering questions.

Guests can relax and enjoy the aromas of the wines while taking in the views of Grand Traverse Bay. The snack options available for purchase onboard provide additional enjoyment, making the entire experience more social and flavorful.

Interactive Sailing Activities and Crew Involvement

One of the unique features of this tour is the opportunity to participate actively. Guests can help set the sails, take a turn at the wheel, or simply sit back and relax on deck—whichever suits their mood. The crew ensures everyone feels comfortable and involved, creating a shared sense of adventure.

This hands-on approach makes the sailing component more than just a scenic ride; it becomes an engaging activity that adds a personal touch. The spectacular setting combined with interactive participation offers a memorable maritime experience.

Accessibility and Practical Tips

The tour is wheelchair accessible, and guests with mobility needs should contact the operator beforehand for assistance. Since wind and waves influence the course, dress appropriately, bringing comfortable shoes, sunglasses, and a light jacket. The experience takes place outdoors, so casual, weather-appropriate clothing is advisable.

Snacks and drinks are available for purchase, but brining alcohol is restricted to soft-sided coolers. The boarding process is straightforward, but arriving at least 30 minutes early helps ensure smooth check-in and safety briefing. Heavy traffic and construction around the pier are possible, so planning ahead is recommended.

Comparing the Experience to Other Tours

While this cruise emphasizes local wine tasting combined with sailing, similar experiences in Traverse City include wine and beer tours and old mission peninsula tours. However, the interactive sailing aspect on the Schooner Manitou adds a distinctive element not always present in land-based tours. The small group size and expert guides elevate this experience for those who enjoy hands-on activities and scenic maritime adventures.

Summing Up the Value of the Tour

The Traverse City Wine Tasting Cruise on Schooner Manitou offers a relaxing yet engaging way to explore local wines while sailing on Grand Traverse Bay. The cost-effective reservation policy—reserve now, pay later—and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance** make it accessible and flexible. The interactive sailing and guided tastings are highlights for wine lovers and sailing enthusiasts alike.

However, the limited duration (2 hours) means this tour provides a snapshot rather than an in-depth exploration of the vineyards. It is best suited for those seeking a scenic, social, and educational maritime experience, with a focus on local wines and hands-on sailing.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the cruise last?
The entire experience takes 2 hours, including sailing and wine tasting.

What is included in the tour?
Guests enjoy 5 wine tastings guided by an expert, sailing on Grand Traverse Bay, and the chance to participate in sailing activities.

Do I need to bring my own drinks?
No, drinks and snacks are available for purchase onboard, but alcohol cannot be brought aboard unless stored in a soft-sided cooler.

Is the tour suitable for children?
No, this activity is for guests 21 and over.

Where does the tour depart from?
It departs from the Traverse Tall Ship Company at Discovery Pier.

Is the cruise wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible.

What wineries are featured?
The featured wineries change by date, including Black Star Farms, Dune Bird, and Left Foot Charley.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a jacket, and casual clothing are recommended.

Can I help with sailing?
Yes, guests can help set the sails or take a turn at the wheel.

Is there parking nearby?
Yes, free parking is available behind Great Lakes Discovery Center, across the street from the pier.

This sailing and wine tasting experience provides a unique way to enjoy the natural beauty and local flavors of Traverse City, combining scenic views, interactive sailing, and delicious regional wines in a memorable 2-hour window.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby