NON BUS BRYS Estates FROSE’ Traverse Old Mission Wine Tour

If you’re dreaming of savoring Traverse City’s best wines without the chaos of a typical party bus, this NON BUS BRYS Estates FROSE’ Traverse Old Mission Wine Tour might just be your perfect escape. Guided by friendly wine experts and riding in sleek, luxurious SUVs, this 4.5-hour journey offers a more intimate, relaxed way to explore the region’s acclaimed wineries.

Two things we particularly love about this experience are its focus on personalized, VIP treatment and the innovative frozen drinks—especially the Frose’—which turn the usual wine tasting into something fun and memorable. Also, the fact that it’s not a party bus, but a semi-private luxury vehicle, significantly enhances the comfort level.

A potential consideration is that the tour emphasizes frozen drinks and a curated experience—so if you’re mainly interested in tasting a broad range of wines or spirits, you’ll want to weigh that against the focus on specialty frozen beverages. Still, the variety of wineries and the expert-guided approach cater well to those seeking both education and enjoyment.

This tour is ideal for couples, small groups, or anyone looking for a comfortable, upscale wine adventure that skips the loud bus scene. Whether you’re celebrating, on a romantic getaway, or just want to see Old Mission Peninsula in style, this experience offers a distinctive mix of luxury, education, and fun.

Key Points

• Luxury Transportation: Ride in a spacious GMC Yukon or Cadillac Escalade, avoiding crowded party buses.
• VIP Experience: Personal guides and private vehicle make for a relaxed, personalized tour.
• Unique Frozen Drinks: Enjoy Frose’, Sangria, Lemonade Lavender, and seasonal favorites.
• Four Iconic Wineries: Visit storied spots like Chateau Chantal, Bowers Harbor, and Brys Estate.
• Educational & Tasty: Learn about the region’s wine-making while sampling wines, ciders, spirits, and frozen drinks.
• Flexible Scheduling & Downtown Pickup: Depart from centrally located spots in Traverse City with options for sunset or full-day tours.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Close Look at the Tour Experience

This Frose’ and wine tour offers much more than a typical tasting route. It’s a carefully curated journey, emphasizing comfort, quality, and authenticity. Starting from downtown Traverse City, you’ll be greeted with the comfort of a luxury SUV, avoiding the typical chaos of party buses. This arrangement creates a more intimate environment where conversation flows easily, and you feel like a guest rather than just a passenger.

The Itinerary and Wineries

The tour’s route takes you through four of the Old Mission Peninsula’s most renowned wineries. Each stop offers a distinct experience and taste profile.

Brys Estates is the star of the show, with its claim to fame being the world-renowned Frose’. Here, you’ll sample their signature frozen wine slushy, which is anything but a sugary mess. These drinks are crafted with finesse, offering a perfect blend of flavor and refreshment. The tour guides highlight that these frozen drinks are not your typical Slurpees—they’re refined, balanced, and seasonally inspired. You might also get to choose from other frozen options like Lemonade Lavender or seasonal favorites, all crafted with quality ingredients.

At Chateau Chantal, the focus shifts slightly to traditional options—wines, ciders, brandy, vodka, and beer. Their Frozen Sangria is a highlight, providing a chilled, fruit-forward sip that’s perfect for the warmer months. The guides emphasize the variety here, so you’re encouraged to explore beyond the wines.

Bowers Harbor Vineyards is known for its Pinot Secco Rose and a range of award-winning ciders, which are a hit for those seeking something a little different than wine. It’s also a great chance to enjoy the scenic vineyard views, which are often praised for their beauty.

Bonobo Winery offers the seasonal Frozen Lemonade Lavender Vodka—a creative twist on a classic frozen drink—plus other wines and spirits. The guides note that at Bonobo, the frozen Lemonade Lavender is a must-try, especially when in season.

The Atmosphere and Service

One of the most appreciated aspects, according to reviews and descriptions, is the personalized service. The guides—referred to affectionately as “Magic Mike and wine connoisseurs”—know their stuff and focus on educating guests while ensuring everyone has a great time. The tour is semi-private, typically with groups of six to seven, giving it a cozy, exclusive feel.

The vehicle itself is air-conditioned and luxurious, making the experience comfortable regardless of the outside weather. This is a refreshing change from the typical noisy, crowded buses often seen on wine tours. It’s clear that the tour prioritizes quality and comfort, making it suitable for travelers who prefer a more upscale, relaxed vibe.

What’s Included & What’s Not

For the price of $89 per person, the tour includes all the wine and frozen drinks offered during the trip, as well as the guided experience. The local guides are U of M and MSU grads, adding a touch of local expertise and friendly professionalism.

You should note that food, additional wine, and spirits are extra, and alcoholic drinks are not allowed in the vehicle—so plan accordingly. Plus, groups of six or more are rewarded with a free bottle of wine (Gamay or Secco, depending on availability), which is a nice perk.

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The Value Proposition

At $89 for 4.5 hours of guided, upscale touring—plus all the frozen drinks and tastings—this is a strong value. It offers a high-quality, personalized experience that avoids the typical bus chaos. The focus on winery education, scenic views, and innovative frozen drinks makes it stand out from more generic tours.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for couples looking for a romantic, relaxed day, small groups wanting a private, luxurious outing, or wine enthusiasts eager to learn about Traverse City’s wine scene. It’s especially suited for those who enjoy creative drinks and scenic drives without loud music, crowds, or uncomfortable bus rides.

It’s not ideal for pregnant women or anyone seeking a fast-paced, broad wine tasting experience. If you value comfort, quality, and a curated approach, this tour hits the mark.

Final Thoughts

This NON BUS BRYS Estates FROSE’ Traverse Old Mission Wine Tour offers an exceptionally comfortable, personalized, and fun way to explore Traverse City’s renowned wineries. With its focus on luxury transportation, expert guides, and creative frozen drinks, it elevates the typical wine tour experience into something special.

While it might not suit those wanting a large variety of wines or spirits at each stop, it excels at providing a relaxed, educational, and enjoyable journey through some of the region’s finest vineyards. If you’re after upscale ambiance, friendly guidance, and memorable flavors, this tour could be your new favorite way to toast Traverse City.

FAQs

Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, you’ll ride in a luxury SUV (GMC Yukon or Cadillac Escalade), with no noisy party buses involved. Pickup and drop-off are at centrally located spots in downtown Traverse City.

How many wineries do I visit?
The tour visits four wineries or three wineries plus a distillery, depending on the schedule. The focus is on quality experiences at each stop.

Are drinks included?
Yes, wine, cider, spirits, and frozen drinks are included during the tour. Food and extra drinks are additional costs.

Can I book a private group?
Yes, private groups are available, and groups of six or more receive a free bottle of wine as a thank you for booking together.

What makes the frozen drinks special?
They’re described as perfection—not overly sweet, crafted with seasonal ingredients, and include options like Frose’, Sangria, and Lemonade Lavender.

Is this tour suitable if I don’t drink alcohol?
This tour is not suitable for pregnant women or those avoiding alcohol, as tastings are part of the experience.

This tour offers a memorable, comfortable way to enjoy Traverse City’s wine country, blending education, scenic views, and innovative drinks—all wrapped in a VIP package.

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