NON BUS Traverse City Wine Old Mission Peninsula Wine Tour

If you’re dreaming of a wine adventure in Michigan’s renowned Traverse City area but prefer a more intimate, flexible experience than the typical party bus, this NON BUS Traverse City Wine Old Mission Peninsula Wine Tour might be just what you’re after. For $68 per person, this 3 to 4-hour journey offers the chance to sample stellar wines across three iconic wineries, all while enjoying the comfort and personalized attention of a luxury SUV. With knowledgeable guides, stunning vistas, and a relaxed pace, it stands out as a top choice for those seeking a genuine wine experience—not just transportation.

One of the best features? This tour focuses on quality over quantity. You’re not herded onto a crowded bus; instead, you get to enjoy the scenery, learn from experts, and have more time to savor each wine and view. However, this also means the tour is more dependent on the specific wineries’ offerings and guided interactions, which could be a limiting factor if you’re after a large variety in a single day. It’s especially suited for couples or small groups who appreciate personalized service and authentic tasting moments.

Key Points

• Personalized Experience: Semi-private, small group setting with most groups of 6-7, offering a more intimate atmosphere.
• Expert Guides: Guides are wine enthusiasts, often with local or academic backgrounds, providing knowledgeable insights.
• Stunning Scenery: Views of East and West Grand Traverse Bays along with renowned vineyards make the drive as enjoyable as the tastings.
• Flexible Itinerary: Stops are customizable, with options to buy wines, join wine clubs, and enjoy tasting room specialties.
• No Party Bus Hassle: Avoid noisy, crowded buses—this is a relaxed, vehicle-based tour with a focus on quality experiences.
• Cost-Value Balance: For $68, you receive a guided wine experience with included tastings, making it a worthwhile investment for wine lovers.

The Itinerary: A Closer Look

Stop 1: Hawthorne Vineyards

We start at Hawthorne Vineyards, which frequently earns praise as one of the best vineyards in Traverse City. The tasting room is perched on a high bluff, offering sweeping views of both East and West Grand Traverse Bays—a perfect backdrop for your wine tastings. Guests can purchase flights, wine by the glass, or bottles, and even join the winery’s wine club during the visit.

What makes Hawthorne stand out? Its seclusion and location. The vineyard is somewhat hidden away, providing a peaceful environment away from busier tasting rooms. The wines include a Merlot/Cab Franc blend, Auxerrois, and Dry Riesling—ideal for red and white enthusiasts alike. Guests on reviews mentioned enjoying a popcorn flight and charcuterie boards, which are available to enhance the tasting experience. The site’s setting on a high bluff ensures that you’re sipping wine with a view that’s almost as good as the wine itself.

Stop 2: Bonobo Winery

Next is Bonobo Winery, which has a reputation for making guests feel like movie stars. Founded by Traverse City natives Todd and Carter Oosterhouse, the winery boasts stunning views, a lively atmosphere, and wines that are described as brag-worthy. Our guides highlighted Bonobo’s expertise in reds like the BDX and top-tier Pinot Noir, alongside excellent whites such as Blanc de Blancs, chardonnays, and a Fume Blanc.

One reviewer noted, “The wines are so good they make you want to brag,” and the same reviewer appreciated the top-notch customer service. Interestingly, Bonobo is the only stop where visitors can sample a glass of whiskey if they’re interested—a fun bonus. The tasting room’s vibrant energy and varied wine selection make it a highlight, especially for those who love reds and whites equally.

Optional Stop 3: Bowers Harbor Vineyards

Depending on the season and group size, your guide might suggest visiting Bowers Harbor Vineyards instead of or in addition to other stops. Established in 1991, Bowers Harbor is one of the original wineries in the area, set on a former horse farm with 20 acres of vinifera vines. Its tasting room, housed in a converted horse stable, offers a friendly, unpretentious atmosphere and a wide variety of wines, including Riesling, Chardonnay, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Grigio, Merlot, and Pinot Noir.

Guests in reviews appreciated the “dog-friendly” vibe, as Bowers Harbor is often called the “dog winery,” where you might see various dogs wandering about. This stop offers a more laid-back experience and a chance to taste wines that are both well-established and locally loved.

Grand Traverse Bay Views

Throughout the tour, you’ll enjoy breathtaking scenery of Grand Traverse Bay, a large arm of Lake Michigan. Your guides often highlight the bay’s historical significance—named by French voyageurs as “la grande traverse”—and its geological marvels. During the drive from Traverse City to Hawthorne Vineyards, expect to see stunning vistas and learn about this impressive body of water, adding a layer of context and local pride to your tasting day.

Why This Tour Works

The real charm of this experience lies in its thoughtful blend of education, scenery, and comfort. The guides are described as passionate and knowledgeable, often with backgrounds from local universities (U of M, MSU, EMU), which translates into enriching conversations about wine, local history, and the area’s geography. Unlike large, noisy bus tours, this semi-private setup allows for a more relaxed pace, with plenty of time at each stop to savor wines and take in views.

The luxury SUV (GMC Yukon, Chevrolet Suburban, with Cadillac Escalade coming soon) ensures a smooth, climate-controlled ride, which is a step above the usual bus experience. Plus, the pickup and drop-off in downtown Traverse City means you can conveniently start and end your day without fuss.

However, it’s worth noting that tastings and wines are not included in the tour price—you’ll need to buy your own flights, bottles, or food if desired. This allows flexibility but also means you should budget extra if you plan to indulge.

Authenticity and Small Groups

Multiple reviews mention the semi-private nature of the tour, with most groups comprising couples or small parties. Larger groups of 6-7 typically have their own vehicle, allowing for a more personalized experience. This setup is ideal for those who prefer a quieter, more intimate day with dedicated guides rather than a bus full of strangers.

Cost and Value

At $68 per person, the tour offers excellent value considering the guided nature, comfortable transportation, and the opportunity to visit three iconic wineries. Since tastings are extra, your overall expense depends on how much wine you choose to purchase, but the tour provides a great baseline for a day of enjoying Traverse City’s best.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for small groups, couples, or wine enthusiasts who appreciate a relaxed, guided tour with knowledgeable guides. It’s ideal if you want to avoid the chaos of party buses and prefer more meaningful interactions with the wineries and scenery. Those interested in learning about local wines from passionate experts will find it especially rewarding.

If you’re seeking a luxurious, comfortable day with plenty of time to savor wines and take in views, this tour hits the mark. Conversely, if you’re after a high-volume, fast-paced tasting tour with many stops, this might not be the best fit.

Final Thoughts

This non-bus Traverse City wine tour offers a compelling blend of personalized service, beautiful scenery, and quality wines at an accessible price point. Its focus on small groups and expert guides makes it feel more like a curated experience than a typical guided tour. The stops at Hawthorne Vineyards and Bonobo Winery are especially memorable, thanks to their exceptional wines and stunning vistas, while optional stops like Bowers Harbor add variety and a relaxed, friendly vibe.

While the extra costs of tastings and wines are not included, the overall experience is well worth the investment for lovers of wine and scenic drives. It’s a wonderful way to explore Old Mission Peninsula with a little more authenticity—and a lot less noise—than your average group tour.

If you’re looking for an authentic, intimate, and scenic wine experience in Traverse City, this tour delivers on all fronts.

FAQs

Is pickup included in the tour?
Yes, pickup is offered and typically available in downtown Traverse City at select locations, making it convenient to start your day.

How long does the tour last?
The tour runs for approximately 3 to 4 hours, offering enough time to enjoy each stop without feeling rushed.

Are tastings included in the price?
No, wine samples, flights, and bottles are extra. The tour includes tasting opportunities, but you’ll pay directly for wines you wish to purchase.

Can I join this tour if I have a larger group?
Most groups of 6-7 will have their own vehicle, making it semi-private, ideal for small parties or couples. Larger groups may need to coordinate in advance.

What kind of vehicle is used?
The tour operates in a luxury SUV, currently a GMC Yukon or Chevrolet Suburban, with plans for a Cadillac Escalade soon, ensuring a smooth and comfortable ride.

Is this tour suitable for all seasons?
While not explicitly stated, the tour’s flexibility suggests it can operate year-round, with scenic views and winery visits adjusted to seasonal conditions.

Can I customize the stops on this tour?
Stops are flexible, and guides are knowledgeable about local wineries, so there’s some room for tailoring the experience based on your preferences.

This thoughtfully designed wine tour offers a refined yet relaxed way to discover Traverse City’s Old Mission Peninsula. Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or simply enjoy scenic drives and good company, it’s a memorable choice for a day in Michigan’s wine country.