NON BUS VIP Chateau Chantal / Hawthorne Traverse City Wine Tour
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NON BUS VIP Chateau Chantal / Hawthorne Traverse City Wine Tour

Active
4h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Chateau Chantal VIP WINE TOUR - for Wine Connoisseurs

Start at Chateau Chantal with a guided cellar tour and wine-tasting experience.

NO MORE MAGIC SHUTTLE BUS FOR MAGIC MIKE - Book Magic Mike here! Yellowstone Style Meets Wine Country in Luxury GMC Yukons NOT cramped little SUV's! This tour is VIP!

Great for groups celebrating birthdays or just getting away!

Skip the hassle of a party bus and leave the driving to us! Stunning views, NO BUSES, NO Rush, Iconic wineries, stellar wines, and 5-star Celebrity customer service! Sip and savor as you sample the wines of 3 spectacular wineries with REAL wine connoisseurs/wine tour guides.
This is THE WINE EXPERIENCE with real wine recommendations.

Tours are flexible and go to 3 wineries, with pickup and drop-off at some downtown locations. Wine samples are included, but prices of Tastings, wines, and food are not included. We may combine small groups semi-private. Groups of 5 or more will have their own luxury GMC Yukon.

Available options

NON BUS VIP Chateau Chantal / Hawthorne Traverse City Wine Tour

Pickup included

What's included

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

Detailed itinerary

1

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

Chateau Chantel sits atop one of the highest points on Old Mission Peninsula and has incredible views of both East and West arms of Grand Traverse Bay.

The big story here is the Ice Wine which is very rare. Our guests can purchase a sample of the Ice Wine that was featured at a White House dinner during former President Obama's tenure. Guests on our tours can customize wine flights and Chateau Chantel is the only winery on Old Mission Peninsula where our tour guests can purchase a glass of Brandy. Wine lovers can select wines such Dry Riesling, amazing Pinot Blanc, the popular Naughty Red and Chateau Chantel is the only winery on Old Mission Peninsula where our tour guests can purchase a glass of Malbec.

Chateau Chantel is one of the originals in Traverse City Michigan, stellar wine, excellent customer service and the views are unforgettably AMAZING!

2

Just a few miles up Old Mission Peninsula, discover where, in 1974, founder Edward O’Keefe Sr. planted Northern Michigan’s first Riesling vines in hopes of one day crafting a cooler climate-styled varietal worthy of their European counterparts. Today, amongst stunning views and plenty of exceptional wines, see and taste for yourself just how far Chateau Grand Traverse has come.

Located on beautiful Old Mission Peninsula, in Traverse City, Michigan, Chateau Grand Traverse is family owned and operated offering guests a complete Northern Michigan wine country experience including premium wine tasting, winery tours, lodging and a beautiful setting.

No matter what your wine knowledge or experience is, the expertly trained staff is standing by to help our tour guests make the most of your visit. Whether guests are looking to relax and unwind with friends or they want to learn more about the winemaking process and Michigan wine industry, the staff at Chateau Grand Traverse is here to help!

3

A very interesting compare & contrast... Same Wine Maker as Chateau Chantal!

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

One of the premiere 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. Some food options as well. 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 located 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.

4

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!

5

Book and experience what tens of thousands of wine enthusiasts and guests have already fell in love with-Traverse City Wine Country! The famous Old Mission Peninsula Wine Trail is perfect for your next Movie Stars Wine Tour! Make some memories with friends and family during your next vacation or weekend escape!

During our award winning Old Mission Peninsula, guests will be treated to views of such destinations as the beautiful East and West Grand Traverse Bays, Bowers Harbor, The Bowers Harbor Inn, The Boathouse Restaurant, Jolly Pumpkin, Bryant Park just to name a few.

One of the big stories is the microclimate that is created by the surrounding bays which makes this region a great area for producing a wide range of fruits, vegetables AND of course grapes. The East and West bays stay warmer in the fall, which prolongs the growing season. After winter, the bays remain cool in spring, preventing damaging frost allowing the local vineyards to flourish. Learn more on our tour!

What's not included

Worn out tired old former school buses are excluded

Available languages

Guide guide
EN

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

Hardy Street Parking Structure - 24 hr parking structure, east side of the structure near the State Street Entrance next to Middlecoast Brewery, look for some fancy GMC Yukons. We will also pick up downtown Traverse City at most hotels. Tour guides will reach out with more information.

Important notes

East side of Hardy Street Parking Structure, near the State Street Entrance next to Middlecoast Brewery. Look for some fancy GMC Yukons. Hardy Street Parking Structure has 24-hour access.

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 21-120
1
Booking requirements:
  • Min travelers: 1
  • Max travelers: 15
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation

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