NON BUS VIP Chateau Chantal / Hawthorne Traverse City Wine Tour

If you’re planning a trip to Michigan’s famous wine region, the Traverse City area, you might have come across this VIP wine tour offered by Movie Stars Wine Tours. Promising a more intimate, comfortable alternative to the typical party bus experience, this tour claims to combine luxury, expert guidance, and stunning scenery—all in a well-paced 4.5-hour adventure. While we haven’t personally taken this exact tour, we’ve analyzed the details and reviews to give you a clear picture of what you can expect.

What stands out most is the luxury transportation—a GMC Yukon or Suburban, not those cramped school buses—and the focus on authentic wine education. We also appreciate the flexibility in how the tour is structured, which seems ideal for groups celebrating special occasions or simply wanting a relaxed, upscale experience. The only potential drawback? The price tag of $349 per person might seem steep, but it’s worth considering what’s included and the quality of the experience.

This tour is perfect for wine lovers who value personalized attention and beautiful scenery. If you prefer a more private, less rushed exploration of Michigan’s wine country, and enjoy learning from knowledgeable guides, this could be your best choice.

Key Points

• Luxury Transportation: Travel comfortably in a GMC Yukon or Suburban, avoiding cramped shuttles and party buses.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable wine enthusiasts lead the way, offering genuine wine recommendations.
• Stunning Views: Enjoy panoramic vistas from Old Mission Peninsula and along Traverse City’s wine trail.
• Flexible Itinerary: Visit 3 top wineries, with optional wine purchases and tastings available.
• Private & Semi-Private Options: Small groups often share semi-private vehicles, with groups of 5+ receiving their own vehicle.
• Includes Samples: Tasting flights and wine splashes are part of the experience—wines, food, and additional tastings cost extra.

A Closer Look at the Tour Experience

Starting Point and Transportation

The tour begins at 303 E State St, Traverse City, a central location convenient for most visitors. Instead of the noisy, overcrowded buses typical of many wine tours, this experience employs luxury GMC Yukons or Chevrolet Suburbans. The result? A more relaxed and intimate atmosphere, where you can actually hear your guides, chat comfortably, and enjoy the scenery.

Traveling in an air-conditioned, upscale vehicle might seem like a small thing, but it makes a big difference in terms of comfort—especially when you’re on a tour that lasts approximately four and a half hours. The semi-private nature of the group, often limited to 6-7 people, ensures that you won’t feel lost in a crowd and can have more meaningful conversations with your guides.

The Itinerary: Three Iconic Wineries

Stop 1: Chateau Chantal Winery & Tasting Room
Perched atop one of the highest points on Old Mission Peninsula, Chateau Chantal offers more than just wine. You’ll get a guided cellar tour and a tasting experience, with the opportunity to purchase flights, glasses, bottles, or even join their wine club. The setting provides spectacular views that are hard to beat, making it a perfect place to start. One review notes that you can buy wines during the tour, which could be a great way to take home a souvenir of your day.

Stop 2: Chateau Grand Traverse Winery
Just a few miles up the peninsula, this winery is historic—founded in 1974, it was Michigan’s first Riesling vineyard. Here, you’ll learn about the cooler climate varietals that thrive in this region. The tasting room is another chance to sample their wines, and a review highlights that the winery produces “cool climate-styled” wines, which sets this region apart from more traditional wine areas.

Stop 3: Hawthorne Vineyards
This stop offers a “contrast” since it shares the same winemaker as Chateau Chantal. It’s known as one of the premier vineyards in the area, with a reputation for high-quality wines. Guests can buy flights, enjoy glasses, or join the wine club here, rounding out a day of diverse tasting experiences.

The Scenic and Cultural Highlights

The Grand Traverse Bay area, with its arm of Lake Michigan, provides a gorgeous backdrop for this tour. The combination of stunning vineyard vistas and the expansive bay views makes for memorable photos and a relaxing ambiance. The tour also emphasizes the Old Mission Peninsula Wine Trail, which is considered ideal for exploring Michigan wine country.

Why This Tour Offers Good Value

At $349 per person, this isn’t a cheap outing, but it’s priced to reflect the luxury transportation, expert guides, and curated winery visits. The inclusion of wine samples and the personalized approach—with semi-private vehicles—adds value, especially for those who prefer a more relaxed, intimate experience over large, noisy bus tours.

The fact that the tour is owned and operated by former law enforcement and emphasizes being law enforcement, first responder, and military friendly shows a commitment to safety and professionalism. This might appeal to travelers seeking a trustworthy, well-run operation.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience suits wine connoisseurs or those eager to learn more about Michigan wines from knowledgeable guides. It’s also ideal for groups celebrating special moments—birthdays, anniversaries, or simply a desire for a more upscale outing. If you value comfort and want to avoid the chaos of party buses, this tour’s semi-private, luxury vehicle setup will appeal. And if you’re looking for stunning views paired with authentic wine tasting, you’ll find plenty to enjoy here.

Possible Drawbacks or Considerations

While this tour shines in comfort and quality, it’s important to note that wines and food are not included in the price, so additional costs can add up. Some travelers might find the $349 price tag steep, especially if they’re only casually interested in wine tasting rather than a full guided experience. Also, timing is fairly fixed, so if you prefer spontaneous stops or a more flexible schedule, this might feel somewhat structured.

Final Thoughts

The NON BUS VIP Chateau Chantal / Hawthorne Traverse City Wine Tour stands out as a well-organized, luxurious way to explore Michigan’s top wineries without sacrificing comfort or authenticity. The knowledgeable guides, stunning scenery, and personalized vehicle experience combine to create a memorable day for those who want to prioritize quality over quantity.

If you’re someone who appreciates expert wine recommendations, enjoys beautiful landscapes, and prefers a smaller, semi-private setting, this tour could very well be your ideal way to experience Traverse City’s renowned wine country.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
While primarily focused on wine tasting, the tour is generally meant for adults. Kids or minors are not typically accommodated, especially since the experience involves wine samples.

What is included in the $349 price?
The price covers luxury transportation, expert guides, and wine samples at each stop. Wines, additional tastings, and food are extra.

How many wineries will we visit?
You will visit three wineries—Chateau Chantal, Chateau Grand Traverse, and Hawthorne Vineyards.

Can I buy wines during the tour?
Yes, at each winery, you can purchase wines, join the wine club, and enjoy glasses or flights.

What’s the vehicle like?
The tour uses luxury GMC Yukons or Chevrolet Suburbans, providing a comfortable, climate-controlled environment.

What if I want to customize the experience?
The tour is designed to be flexible within its itinerary, but specific customizations aren’t mentioned. It’s best to discuss with the tour provider ahead of time.

Are group discounts available?
Yes, group discounts are offered, and groups of 5 or more will likely have their own vehicle.

What about transportation from downtown?
Pickup and drop-off are offered at some downtown locations, making it convenient for most travelers.

Is the tour eco-friendly or sustainable?
While not explicitly mentioned, the semi-private vehicle setup reduces environmental impact compared to larger bus groups.

Choosing a wine tour can turn a good trip into a memorable adventure. This VIP experience offers a blend of comfort, authenticity, and scenery that’s hard to beat for those seeking a deeper connection to Michigan wine country.