NON BUS Chateau Chantal Hawthorne Traverse City Wine Tour

Traveling through Michigan’s wine country doesn’t have to mean squeezing onto a noisy, crowded bus. This non-bus, luxury SUV tour offers a more refined, relaxed way to experience Traverse City’s famed vineyards. With Movie Stars Wine Tours, you’ll enjoy a 4.5-hour journey that combines stunning scenery, expert guidance, and intimate winery visits—without the party bus chaos.

What we love about this experience? First, the luxury SUVs provide a comfortable, stylish ride that feels more like a VIP experience than a typical group tour. Second, the personalized winery visits, especially Chateau Chantal, give you the chance to savor wines in a setting that’s both scenic and sophisticated. A possible consideration? The tour is priced at $349 per person, which might seem steep for some, but the quality of the guides, vehicle, and curated visits often justify it. Perfect for wine lovers seeking an elegant, intimate day in Traverse City’s wine country.

This tour suits travelers who appreciate quality over quantity, prefer traveling in style, and want authentic vineyard experiences without the typical party bus atmosphere. If you’re looking for a relaxed, informative, and scenic wine adventure, this could be just what you need.

Key Points

• Luxury SUV Comfort: Travel in a high-end GMC Yukon, Chevrolet Suburban, or soon a Cadillac Escalade for a smooth ride.
• Focus on Quality: Visit three carefully selected wineries, including the renowned Chateau Chantal.
• Expert Guides: Led by knowledgeable wine enthusiasts, ensuring informative and engaging commentary.
• Stunning Views: Expect breathtaking vineyard vistas, especially at Chateau Chantal with its panoramic scenery.
• Flexible Itinerary: Tour includes visiting Chateau Chantal with guided cellar tour, plus options at other wineries based on weather and availability.
• Inclusive Experience: Tasting samples are included; additional wines, food, and bottles are extra.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Tour

The Starting Point and Transportation

The tour begins on the east side of the Hardy Street Parking Structure in downtown Traverse City, conveniently located near Middlecoast Brewery. The pick-up spot is easy to find, marked by the presence of luxury SUVs, which immediately set a tone of comfort and exclusivity. Travel in climate-controlled vehicles, which is a significant upgrade over traditional buses—think plush seats and a quieter, more personal environment.

Because the tour limits groups to around 6-7 people per vehicle, you won’t be squeezed into a crowd. Larger groups of five or more will enjoy their own vehicle, making for an even more personalized experience. This semi-private setup means you can relax, chat with your guide, and enjoy the scenery without feeling rushed or lost in a crowd.

The Itinerary and Winery Visits

The core of this tour is the three winery visits, with Chateau Chantal serving as the highlight. You’ll begin here with a guided cellar tour, which provides valuable insight into the winemaking process. These tours are designed to be accessible and engaging, whether you’re a seasoned wine connoisseur or a casual sipper.

After the cellar tour, you’ll enjoy a wine tasting flight or a glass of your chosen wine, paired with spectacular views of vineyards and Lake Michigan on clear days. Chateau Chantal’s reputation is well earned—it’s one of the most recognized wineries in Traverse City, especially after its Ice Wine was featured at a White House dinner during the Obama administration. It’s a place that combines history, beauty, and excellent wines.

Depending on weather and availability, the other two stops might be Chateau Grand Traverse, Brys, or Bonobo. Each offers its own character and specialties, providing a well-rounded exploration of the region’s diverse wine options. Notably, Hawthorne Vineyards offers a contrasting experience, as its wines are crafted by the same winemaker as Chateau Chantal, allowing for interesting comparisons.

The Experience and Its Value

What makes this tour stand out is the combination of stunning views and expert guidance. We loved the way the guide is clearly passionate about wine and eager to share their knowledge. Their insights turn what could be routine tastings into memorable, educational moments.

While tastings, wines, and food are not included in the price, samples are provided during the tour, giving you a good sense of the wineries’ offerings. You can purchase bottles directly at each stop, which is typical, and the added cost for tastings or food is something to budget for.

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The Setting and Scenery

Traverse City’s vineyards are visually striking, especially when viewed from the terraces at Chateau Chantal, which boasts sweeping vistas of Lake Michigan and rolling grapevines. This scenery elevates the wine-tasting experience from mere sipping to a feast for the senses. Many reviews mention the breathtaking views as the tour’s highlight, making it clear that this scenery adds significant value.

Practical Considerations

At $349 per person, this is a premium experience. The price reflects the quality of transportation, guides, and the curated selection of wineries. Travelers seeking a laid-back, elegant way to enjoy Traverse City’s wine country will find this investment worthwhile. It especially appeals to those who prefer traveling in style and value expert insight.

Timing is flexible—you can choose a morning or afternoon tour—and cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance. Bring comfortable shoes, a camera, sunscreen, and water, as you’ll want to stay comfortable while enjoying the outdoors and scenic views.

Customer Experience and Feedback

Reviews often highlight the friendly, knowledgeable guides and the opportunity to visit prestigious wineries like Chateau Chantal. Many appreciate the semi-private nature of the tour, which allows for a more intimate experience. The comfort of the SUVs and the scenic stops are frequently praised, as they elevate what could otherwise be a typical wine tour into a memorable outing.

The Sum Up

For travelers who want a relaxed, upscale, and scenic introduction to Traverse City’s wine scene, this non-bus tour hits the mark. The luxury SUVs, intimate group size, and expert guides make it stand out from more conventional, party-style tours. Expect to spend your day sipping excellent wines, learning about the winemaking process, and soaking in some of Michigan’s most stunning vineyard vistas.

This experience is best suited for those who value quality over quantity, enjoy comfortable travel, and seek authentic, memorable moments in wine country. It’s ideal for couples, small groups, or anyone wanting a sophisticated take on Traverse City’s vineyards without the noise and chaos often associated with larger tours.

FAQ

How many wineries will I visit?
You will visit three wineries, including Chateau Chantal, with the possibility of visiting others depending on weather and availability.

What is included in the price?
Tastings or samples are included during the tour, but additional wines, bottles, or food are extra. The tour covers transportation, expert guides, and the winery visits.

What vehicles are used for transportation?
Travel is in high-end SUVs like GMC Yukon or Chevrolet Suburban, with a Cadillac Escalade coming soon. Larger groups of five or more will have their own SUV, ensuring a private, comfortable ride.

Are the tours flexible?
Yes, the itinerary is flexible to some extent. You can choose between morning or afternoon tours, and wineries may be adjusted based on weather and availability.

Is this tour suitable for children?
No, the tour is not suitable for children under 10, pregnant women, or people with back problems.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, sunscreen, camera, and water are recommended. Smoking and alcohol consumption inside the vehicle are not permitted.

Is there a cancellation policy?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility in planning your trip.

Where do we meet?
The meeting point is on the east side of the Hardy Street Parking Structure near Middlecoast Brewery, marked by the presence of fancy SUVs.

In the end, this tour offers a classy, scenic, and well-guided way to enjoy Michigan’s wine country. Perfect for those craving an authentic, intimate experience with breathtaking views—and a bit of luxury.

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