NON BUS Traverse Sunset Wine Tour 3 Winery Old Mission Peninsula
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NON BUS Traverse Sunset Wine Tour 3 Winery Old Mission Peninsula

Active
(12 reviews)
3h - 4h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Skip the hassle of a party bus and let us handle the driving! Enjoy stunning views with no buses, no rush, and visit iconic wineries while savoring stellar wines and receiving 5-star Celebrity customer service. Experience the VIP tour with expert wine connoisseurs and guides – this is not just transportation to wineries, but THE WINE EXPERIENCE, complete with real wine recommendations. Our knowledgeable staff knows the wines and tour better than anyone else. Tours are flexible with pickup and drop-off in downtown Traverse City (at select locations).

Wine samples are included, but tastings, wines, and food are not part of the tour price. The tour is semi-private, combining groups of couples or small parties. Larger groups of 6-7 will typically have a private GMC Yukon.

Available options

NON BUS Traverse Sunset Wine Tour 3 Winery Old Mission Peninsula

Pickup included

Private Tour Option

Pickup included

What's included

Wine Samples/Splashes ARE available on our tour- flights, bottles, food are extra
NON PARTY BUS - semi private, we combine couples, groups of 6-7 most likely have their own vehicle
Luxury SUV - GMC Yukon/Chevrolet Suburban - coming soon Cadillac Escalade
Law Enforcement/First Responder/Military friendly - owned/operated by former Law Enforcement
Air-conditioned vehicle
Expert Wine Tour Guides- Wine enthusiasts, Wine Experts
Local Traverse City Guides - UofM Grads (owner) / MSU, EMU Grads (some guides)

Detailed itinerary

1

Tour guests can buy flights, wine by the glass, bottles or join the wine club during the wine tour.

One of the best vineyards in Traverse City, guest can sip, savor and taste some of the best reds and whites on the peninsula. Red wine drinkers can sample Merlot / Cab Franc blend and for the white drinkers try the Auxerrois or Dry Riesling. Guests can get a popcorn flight and even a charcuterie board. One of the newest up and coming wineries on Old Mission Peninsula.

The Hawthorne Vineyards site is arguably the most secluded Old Mission Peninsula tasting room site. The tasting room is location on a high bluff with views of both East and West Grand Traverse Bays. Our visitors will be seeing nature– no view of traffic, no close neighbors -- just vineyard, woods and water.

Guests can see both bays from the tasting room. An outdoor patio area will provide a relaxing environment with stunning bay views and a cozy outdoor fireplace.

2

Tour guests can buy flights, wine by the glass, bottles or join the wine club during the wine tour.

A place where guests feel like Movie Stars, with wines you cannot wait to brag about and share...
Bonobo Winery was founded by brothers and longtime Traverse City natives, Todd and Carter Oosterhouse. Stunning views, excellent wines and top notch customer service!

Guests on our tours can sample expert level red wines like the BDX and a top shelf Pinot Noir. White drinkers can sample a bubbly Blanc de Blancs, top notch chardonnays and a Fume Blanc. This is the only winery on Old Mission Peninsula where our tour guests can sample a glass of whiskey! Frozen drink lovers can get a frozen lemonade lavender vodka based frozen drink. Guests can also get some amazing pretzel bites, an expert level charcuterie board or fried goat cheese (food depends on availability). This winery is one of the most memorable locations on our wine tour- it's quite an experience.

3

Tour guests can buy flights, wine by the glass, or bottles.

OLD MISSION DISTILLING

Our tour guests will be welcomed to Old Mission Distilling with open arms, nestled in the heart of the picturesque Old Mission Peninsula in Traverse City, our guests will be able to sample one of the newest hip locations on Old Mission Peninsula. Our guests will be able to purchase mixed drinks and wine.

At Old Mission Distilling, the crew believes that the soul of a spirit lies in its ingredients. Our tour guests will learn that ingredients are sourced locally, tapping into the abundance of farms and orchards that grace the peninsula. From the luscious orchards bursting with sun-ripened fruits to the fertile fields that yield grains of the highest quality, the staff brings the essence of Old Mission Peninsula directly into every bottle.

Our tour guests will be impressed by the selection of very unique mixed drinks, wines, food and even a mixed drink flight all offered for purchase.

4

This is a seasonal stop-ALTERNATE STOP

Tour guests can buy flights, wine by the glass, bottles or join the wine club during the wine tour.

Bowers Harbor Vineyards stablished in 1991 is one of the original wineries in the area. Initially a horse farm, the estate now boasts 20 acres of vinifera vines. An inviting tasting room is a former horse stable, and a friendly staff will welcome and introduce our tour guests to an extensive selections of top wines by the glass, bottle or by the flight.

Bowers Harbor Vineyards is nicknamed the "dog winery" and guests might see various dogs at the winery.

Bowers Harbor grows Riesling, Chardonnay, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Grigio, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. The real show stopper is the Pinot Secco (bubbly Pinot Grigio) and a Pinot Secco Rose (Magic Mike's pick).

Guests can order wine flights and head to the patio, fire pit, pavilion, and tables tucked alongside the vines on the property.

5

Grand Traverse Bay is an arm of Lake Michigan. The bay is separated from the rest of Lake Michigan by the Leelanau Peninsula. The bay is some 32 miles long, ranges from 7 to 10 miles wide, and up to 620 feet deep in spots. It is the second-largest bay of Lake Michigan, behind Green Bay.

Grand Traverse Bay earned its name from 18th-century French voyageurs who made "la grande traverse" or a long trek or crossing, across the mouth of bay.

The most famous feature of the Grand Traverse Bay is the division into East and West arms by the Old Mission Peninsula.

During this tour, on the way from Traverse City to Hawthorne Vineyards, our tour guests will see stunning views of the East Bay. Tour guests will be driven right along the shoreline at times. On the drive from Hawthorne to Bowers guests will see views of the West Bay. Tour guests will see views of both East and West Bays during the rest of the tour as well. A very large part of this award winning tour are the views!

What's not included

Food, flights, bottles, glasses available at extra cost- old former school buses excluded as well

Available languages

Guide guide
EN

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0
5 reviews
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Tripadvisor 5.0
7 reviews
5★
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Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

East side of Hardy Parking Structure near the State Street Entrance next to Middlecoast Brewery, look for some Yukons. Staying local? Let us know, We may be able to get guests back to local hotels after the tour depending on location.

About Traverse City

Traverse City is a charming lakeside destination in Northern Michigan known for its stunning natural beauty, vibrant cherry orchards, and thriving arts and culinary scene. Nestled along the shores of Grand Traverse Bay, it offers a unique blend of outdoor adventure, cultural attractions, and small-town charm.

Top Attractions

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

A stunning national park featuring massive sand dunes, forests, and over 100 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline. Perfect for hiking, picnicking, and scenic drives.

Nature Half day to full day Free

Downtown Traverse City

The heart of the city with a vibrant mix of shops, restaurants, galleries, and historic buildings. A great place to stroll, dine, and explore local culture.

Cultural Half day Free to explore, costs vary for dining and shopping

Old Mission Peninsula

A picturesque peninsula offering stunning views of Grand Traverse Bay, wineries, and the historic Old Mission Lighthouse. Ideal for scenic drives and wine tasting.

Scenic Half day Free to drive, wine tastings vary

Traverse City Beach

A beautiful sandy beach along Grand Traverse Bay, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports. The beach is family-friendly and offers stunning sunsets.

Beach Half day Free

Must-Try Local Dishes

Cherry Pie

A classic dessert made with fresh cherries from the region, often served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Dessert Contains gluten and dairy

Pasties

A traditional savory pastry filled with meat and vegetables, originally brought to the area by Finnish immigrants.

Snack Contains gluten and dairy

Cherry Wine

Wine made from locally grown cherries, a specialty of the region's wineries.

Drink Alcoholic

Popular Activities

Hiking at Sleeping Bear Dunes Kayaking on Grand Traverse Bay Mountain biking in Traverse City trails Wine tasting at local wineries Sunbathing at Traverse City Beach Spa treatments at local resorts Visiting the Dennos Museum Center Attending performances at the Interlochen Center for the Arts

Best Time to Visit

June to August

Summer is the peak season with warm weather, outdoor activities, and festivals. The National Cherry Festival in July is a major highlight.

15-30°C 59-86°F

Practical Information

Language

  • Official: English
  • Widely spoken: English
  • English: Widely spoken

Currency

US Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

EST (GMT-5) or EDT (GMT-4) during daylight saving time

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Traverse City is generally safe for tourists, with low crime rates. However, it's always important to take basic precautions, especially in crowded areas and at night.

Important Precautions:
  • • Keep valuables secure and out of sight
  • • Be cautious when using ATMs, especially at night
  • • Only use licensed taxis or ride-sharing services

Getting there

By air
  • Cherry Capital Airport • 3 miles from city center
  • Gerald R. Ford International Airport • 100 miles from city center
By bus

Traverse City Transit Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

Affordable and convenient for getting around town. Buses run on a regular schedule.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Downtown Old Mission Peninsula East Bay

Day trips

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
30 miles • Half day to full day

A stunning national park featuring massive sand dunes, forests, and over 100 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline. Perfect for hiking, picnicking, and scenic drives.

Leelanau Peninsula
20 miles • Full day

A picturesque peninsula known for its wineries, cherry orchards, and stunning coastal views. Ideal for wine tasting, scenic drives, and outdoor activities.

Interlochen
20 miles • Half day

A charming arts community known for the Interlochen Center for the Arts, a renowned arts education institution. Offers cultural events, performances, and scenic beauty.

Festivals

National Cherry Festival • July Traverse City Film Festival • Late July to early August Winterfest • February

Pro tips

  • Visit the Traverse City Visitor Center for maps, brochures, and local recommendations
  • Check the weather forecast and dress in layers, as temperatures can change quickly
  • Explore the local wineries and breweries, as the region is known for its craft beverages
  • Try the local cherry-based products, such as cherry pie, cherry wine, and cherry-infused treats
  • Take a scenic drive along the Old Mission Peninsula for stunning views of Grand Traverse Bay
From $25 per person

Price varies by option

Adults
Age 21-100
1
Booking requirements:
  • Min travelers: 1
  • Max travelers: 12
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation

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