NON BUS 4 Winery Traverse City Wine Tour on Old Mission Peninsula

The best thing about this tour is simple: you visit Old Mission Peninsula in a luxury SUV, not a tired school bus. Your guide handles the winding roads, winery timing, and parking while you watch both arms of Grand Traverse Bay slide past the windows. The day tour usually includes four wineries, but the exact lineup changes with the season, weather, crowd levels, and your group’s wishes.

I like the easy downtown pickup and the flexible pace. I also like the small-group feel, especially for groups of six or more, which usually receive a private vehicle. The main catch is cost: the $89 tour price covers the ride and guide, but wine flights, food, bottles, and some tasting charges cost extra, so your final bill can climb.

What makes this tour worth a closer look

• Four wineries in four to five hours: A full day on Old Mission Peninsula without renting a car or assigning one person to stay sober.
• Luxury SUV transportation: Expect a GMC Yukon, Chevrolet Suburban, or Cadillac Escalade instead of a large party bus.
• Flexible winery choices: Possible stops include Hawthorne, Chateau Chantal, Bonobo, Brys Estate, Bowers Harbor, Chateau Grand Traverse, 2 Lads, and Old Mission Distillery.
• Views of both bays: The route follows parts of East and West Grand Traverse Bay, with scenic stretches between the vineyards.
• Local guides with personality: Guides including Mike, Cody, Clover, Tracy, Andie, Joe, Felicia, Jason, Addie, and Brian have handled the driving and wine advice.
• Downtown convenience: Pickup is at the Hardy Street Parking Structure, with some downtown hotel pickup and drop-off options by arrangement.

A wine tour built around the ride

Old Mission Peninsula reaches north from Traverse City and divides Grand Traverse Bay into east and west arms. That geography gives this outing much of its appeal. You are not simply moving from tasting room to tasting room. The road itself brings water views, wooded stretches, vineyards, and small-town scenery.

Movie Stars Wine Tours uses larger SUVs rather than buses. That matters more than it may sound. A bus can carry more people, but an SUV lets your guide talk with the group, adjust the order of stops, and make small timing changes when one tasting room is crowded.

The standard daytime plan visits four wineries. Sunset and afternoon tours generally visit three wineries and may add Old Mission Distillery. Private groups can usually suggest all four stops. Groups of six or more generally receive a private SUV, while smaller bookings may be combined with another couple or group.

The company accepts a maximum of 24 people overall, but that does not mean you will spend the day in one 24-person vehicle. The actual ride depends on the booking mix. Ask about the vehicle and group setup if a quiet, private outing matters to you.

Starting in downtown Traverse City

The main meeting point is the east side of the Hardy Street Parking Structure, near the State Street entrance and MiddleCoast Brewery. It is across from the Park Place Hotel. Look for the luxury SUVs rather than a marked bus.

This downtown starting point is useful because you do not have to drive to a distant park-and-ride lot, then sit through another ride back into Traverse City after the wine route. If you are staying downtown, the pickup is especially easy. Some local hotel and motel pickups may be possible, but you should arrange that ahead of time.

Traffic becomes heavier later in the day. For an afternoon or sunset tour, arrive downtown early and use a hotel shuttle or rideshare if needed. After a daytime tour, you may be dropped downtown even if your hotel is farther out. That can work in your favor: stay for dinner, then return to your hotel after rush hour.

The Grand Traverse Bay ride

The drive to the wineries is part of the experience. On the way toward Hawthorne Vineyards, you may follow the shoreline of East Grand Traverse Bay. Later, the route toward Bowers Harbor brings views of West Grand Traverse Bay.

Grand Traverse Bay is an arm of Lake Michigan, roughly 32 miles long and up to 10 miles wide. Old Mission Peninsula splits it into two broad arms. You do not need a geography lesson to enjoy the setting, but knowing why you can see water on both sides makes the route more interesting.

Bring a phone or camera, but do not spend the whole ride looking through a screen. The best views come between stops, and your guide may point out the shoreline as you go. The route and weather determine how much time you spend beside the water.

Hawthorne Vineyards, quiet views from a high bluff

Hawthorne is often a strong first stop because the setting feels removed from traffic and nearby buildings. The tasting room sits on a high bluff with views toward both East and West Grand Traverse Bays. Woods, vineyard rows, and water fill the view instead of parking lots.

You can order flights, wine by the glass, or bottles. A charcuterie board and popcorn flight may also be available. For red wine, look for the Merlot and Cabernet Franc blend. White wine drinkers might try the Auxerrois or dry Riesling.

The usual visit lasts about 50 minutes. That is enough time to taste, take in the view, and browse without turning the stop into a long meal. Outdoor seating, a patio, and a fireplace add appeal in pleasant weather.

Hawthorne is a good match for you if scenery matters as much as the wine. On a cold or wet day, outdoor features will matter less, and the experience may depend more on the tasting room atmosphere.

Chateau Chantal, high ground and rare Ice Wine

Chateau Chantal sits near one of the highest points on Old Mission Peninsula. It is another strong stop for broad views of both arms of the bay, and the setting gives the tasting a more classic estate feel.

The special bottle here is Ice Wine, a rare style made from grapes that freeze on the vine. Chateau Chantal’s Ice Wine was served at a White House dinner during Barack Obama’s presidency. You can purchase a sample if you want to try it without committing to a bottle.

Other possible choices include dry Riesling, Pinot Blanc, Naughty Red, and Malbec. Chateau Chantal is also the only listed Old Mission Peninsula stop where you can purchase a glass of brandy or Malbec. That wider drink selection gives you a reason to choose it even if sweet wine is not your thing.

Plan on about 50 minutes. The tasting flight, bottle purchases, and any extra drink are separate costs. If you prefer to keep spending under control, ask about prices before ordering several special pours.

Bonobo Winery, polished wines and food options

Bonobo has a more modern, special-occasion feel. Brothers Todd and Carter Oosterhouse, both longtime Traverse City natives, founded the winery. The setting, service, and wine list are designed to make the stop feel like more than a quick sample at a counter.

Red wine options may include the BDX blend and Pinot Noir. White wine drinkers can look for Blanc de Blancs, Chardonnay, and Fumé Blanc. Bonobo is also the only listed Old Mission Peninsula winery where the tour information specifically mentions a glass of whiskey.

Food availability can make this a useful middle stop. You may find a charcuterie board or hummus, but the menu changes and selections depend on availability. That means you should not count on one particular dish as your lunch.

Bonobo usually gets about 55 minutes, the longest of the listed winery visits. It is a good place to slow down, but four stops in one outing require some restraint. If you order a full flight at every winery, the alcohol adds up quickly. Eat beforehand or use available food options rather than treating the tour as four separate dinners.

Brys Estate, the Froze stop

Brys Estate is known for its vineyard setting and its Froze, a frozen wine drink that works especially well on a hot summer afternoon. You can choose different toppers, and the suggested favorite is a Froze with a red topper.

For wine, look for the estate’s Sauvignon Blanc or the Pinot Noir and Riesling blend called the Porch Pounder. You can also order a custom tasting and take it out to the deck. During summer, the lawn bar adds another place to sit and take photos.

Brys Estate also sells lavender soaps and lotions made with lavender grown by the Brys family. These are useful souvenirs for anyone who wants something smaller than a bottle of wine.

The experience here changes sharply with the season. In summer, the lawn bar, deck, and outdoor setting are a major part of the stop. In cooler weather, you will focus more on the tasting room and shop. Set aside about 50 minutes.

Bowers Harbor, the former horse farm

Bowers Harbor began as a horse farm and now has 20 acres of grapevines. Its tasting room occupies a former horse stable, giving the stop a more rustic feel than some of the newer winery buildings.

The estate grows Riesling, Chardonnay, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Grigio, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon. The standout specialty is Pinot Secco, a sparkling Pinot Grigio. A Pinot Secco Rosé is another possible choice.

You can order a flight, glass, or bottle, then sit on the patio, near the fire pit, in the pavilion, or beside the vines. Bowers Harbor is sometimes called the dog winery, so you might see dogs on the property.

The visit generally lasts 50 minutes. The open seating makes it a pleasant final stop, though outdoor comfort depends on the weather. If dogs are a concern, ask your guide about the day’s setup before you arrive.

When the itinerary changes

The advertised winery list is a menu, not a promise. Day tours usually visit four locations, while afternoon and sunset outings generally visit three wineries plus an optional distillery. Stops can change because of availability, weather, the time of year, or the pace of your group.

That flexibility is one of the tour’s best features. A guide can avoid a packed tasting room, keep the route moving, or work in a winery you especially want to see. Tell the guide your priorities early. You may prefer scenic patios, sweet wines, bold reds, sparkling wine, food, or a distillery visit.

The tradeoff is certainty. If you have your heart set on one specific winery, this is not the same as purchasing a fixed itinerary. Private groups have the most control, and groups of six or more can usually suggest stops.

What the $89 price really covers

At $89 per person, the tour is priced around transportation, a guide, and convenience. You are paying to avoid driving after tastings, finding parking at four wineries, and trying to coordinate reservations or arrival times yourself.

The price does not cover every drink or snack. Flights, bottles, glasses, and food are extra. The information also describes wine samples or splashes as available, but the exact tasting charges are not fully clear. One important practical detail: confirm what is included at booking, because tasting fees may be charged separately at the wineries.

That distinction can change the value. A couple who buys modest pours may find the tour fairly priced. A group that orders full flights, food, bottles, and specialty drinks at every stop can spend much more than the advertised tour rate.

Groups receive a complimentary bottle when available, with possible selections such as Gamay, Secco, or Gewürztraminer. It is a pleasant extra, but availability varies. A 20 percent gratuity for the guide is recommended and should be part of your budget.

Guides, vehicles, and the pace

The company is owned and operated by a former law enforcement officer and emphasizes first responder and military-friendly service. Guides are local, with University of Michigan and Michigan State University connections among the team.

The strongest part of the experience is the guide’s role. Mike has helped with quick pickup adjustments, wine suggestions, and local recommendations. Cody has been praised for a relaxed pace, humor, music choices, and taking group photos. Clover has helped shape flexible stop choices and taken pictures. Tracy has been described as a friendly, informed host with strong area knowledge. Other named guides include Andie, Joe, Felicia, Jason, Addie, and Brian.

You should still expect different personalities from different guides. That is normal for a small operator. The common advantage is direct contact with the person driving you, rather than a large bus system with a fixed script.

The vehicles are air-conditioned GMC Yukons, Chevrolet Suburbans, or Cadillac Escalades. One important expectation: a luxury SUV is still an SUV. It may not have swivel seats, a table, or a limousine-style interior. If you want a party vehicle with room to eat and drink inside, this tour is not designed for that.

Who should book this Old Mission Peninsula tour?

I would choose it for couples, small friend groups, birthdays, family outings, and anyone who wants four wineries without driving. It also fits people who care about scenery and prefer a conversational ride over a large bus.

It is especially useful if you are staying in downtown Traverse City. The central pickup lets you enjoy dinner afterward, and you can collect any purchased wine the next day instead of carrying it around for the rest of the afternoon.

I would think twice if your top priority is the lowest possible cost, a fixed winery lineup, or a party-bus atmosphere. You should also be ready for extra charges at the wineries and for the possibility that your preferred stop is unavailable.

Free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. Inside that window, the payment is not refunded, and changes are not accepted.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if you want a comfortable ride, four flexible winery stops, and a guide who can adjust the day around the group. The downtown pickup and bay views add real value, and the SUV format is a clear improvement over a crowded bus for many people.

Before booking, decide how much you plan to spend on tastings and bottles, then confirm what the $89 includes. If you can accept a changing itinerary and budget for drinks separately, this is a practical and personable way to see Old Mission Peninsula.

FAQ

How long does the wine tour last?

The tour usually lasts about four to five hours, depending on the pace of the group.

How many wineries will I visit?

Day tours usually visit four wineries. Afternoon and sunset tours generally visit three wineries and may include an optional distillery stop.

Which wineries might be included?

Possible stops include Hawthorne Vineyards, Chateau Chantal, Bonobo Winery, Brys Estate Vineyard and Winery, Bowers Harbor Vineyards, Chateau Grand Traverse, 2 Lads, and Old Mission Distillery.

Is the winery lineup fixed?

No. Stops depend on availability, weather, season, guest preferences, and the group’s pace. Private groups can usually suggest their four stops.

Where is pickup in Traverse City?

Pickup is at the east side of the Hardy Street Parking Structure near the State Street entrance and MiddleCoast Brewery, across from the Park Place Hotel.

Is the tour private?

It is usually semi-private. Smaller bookings may be combined with another group. Bookings of six or more generally receive a private SUV.

Are wine tastings included in the $89 price?

The tour includes the vehicle and guide, while flights, bottles, food, and glasses cost extra. Wine samples or splashes may be available, but you should confirm tasting charges before booking.

What happens if I need to cancel?

You can receive a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes made within 24 hours are not refunded or accepted.