NON BUS Traverse City: First Responder & Military Wine Tour

Experience the Best of Traverse City Wine Country Without the Bus Hassle

If you’re a first responder, military personnel, or someone who appreciates a personalized, comfortable wine adventure, the NON-BUS Traverse City: First Responder & Military Wine Tour might just be your perfect day. For $89 per person, this 4.5-hour journey takes you in luxury SUVs through some of the most beautiful vineyards on the Old Mission Peninsula, with stops at four well-regarded wineries including Hawthorne Vineyards, Bowers Harbor Vineyards, Chateau Chantal, and Brys Estates.

What sets this tour apart is its focus on VIP treatment and flexibility. Unlike crowded party buses, you’ll ride in air-conditioned GMC Yukons or Cadillac Escalades, enjoying a quieter and more intimate experience. The guides, led by former law enforcement officers, make it clear that this is a safe, welcoming space for those who have served our community — a thoughtful touch that adds to the overall comfort.

Two features we particularly appreciate are the personalized itinerary—you can let your guide know if you have a favorite winery—and the opportunity to receive expert wine recommendations from Magic Mike and his team. The inclusion of a complimentary bottle of wine for groups over six is another nice perk, along with the chance to purchase additional wines and food at the stops.

One possible consideration is that this experience is not suitable for children under 12, pregnant women, or those with back problems. It’s clearly tailored for adults seeking a relaxed, premium wine experience, so if you’re traveling with young kids or looking for a more party-like atmosphere, you might want to look elsewhere.

This tour is ideal for those seeking a more refined, personalized wine day in Traverse City—perfect for couples, small groups of friends, or even local groups of veterans and first responders looking to celebrate their service in style.

Key Points

Luxury Transportation: Ride in air-conditioned SUVs, avoiding crowded party buses.
Personalized Experience: Customizable itinerary and wine recommendations from expert guides.
Exclusive Focus: Designed specifically for law enforcement, first responders, military, teachers, and their families.
Quality Wineries: Visit four top wineries, including Hawthorne Vineyards and Chateau Chantal.
Relaxed Pace: No rushing; you enjoy each stop comfortably with plenty of time for tastings.
Additional Perks: Groups over six receive a free bottle of wine; options for private groups.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Closer Look at the Tour Experience

If wine interests you, we've examined these other wine experiences in Traverse City

The Transportation and Group Size

Traveling in luxury SUVs makes this tour stand out. This isn’t your typical loud, overcrowded bus — instead, you’ll be comfortably seated in GMC Yukons or Cadillac Escalades, with air conditioning and plush seats. Most groups of 6-7 enjoy their own vehicle, giving a semi-private feel, while larger groups are combined but still enjoy a personalized experience. The small group setting ensures you aren’t just another face in a crowd, which means more flexibility and a chance to ask questions.

The Wineries and Stops

The tour hits four wineries—including well-known names like Hawthorne Vineyards and Bowers Harbor Vineyards—each offering its own unique charm. The winery selection depends on availability, weather, and guest preferences, but guides are happy to accommodate special requests, especially if you have a favorite spot on your wishlist.

Hawthorne Vineyards tends to impress with its scenic location and friendly staff, while Chateau Chantal offers stunning views and a wide selection of wines. Brys Estates is often praised for its diverse offerings, and Bowers Harbor is lauded for its welcoming atmosphere and quality wines.

What to Expect at Each Stop

Expect to sample wines (splashes), with the opportunity to purchase additional tastings, bottles, or food for extra costs. Guides like Magic Mike, a former cop, bring a wealth of knowledge about the wines and the local region, making each tasting informative and engaging.

Guests have noted the stunning views at many wineries, especially at Chateau Chantal with its hillside vistas. This aspect is often highlighted as a favorite part of the tour, making the experience not just about wine but also about soaking in the beautiful Michigan scenery.

More Great Tours Nearby

The Tour Itinerary and Flexibility

The itinerary is flexible — if there’s a winery you particularly want to visit, just let your guide know. For day tours, you’ll visit four wineries, while sunset/afternoon tours include three wineries plus an optional distillery visit. The timing ensures you get to each spot without feeling rushed, and the pace allows plenty of time to appreciate the wines and the views.

For broader city exploration in Traverse City, we've covered these other tours

Extra Perks and Special Features

A noteworthy perk is the complimentary bottle of wine for groups over six, adding extra value to the experience. Guides also work hard to offer meaningful suggestions—whether it’s a bottle to take home or a wine pairing tip. Many guests appreciate the relaxed, friendly atmosphere fostered by guides who are passionate and knowledgeable.

The Cost and Value

At $89 per person, this tour offers solid value considering the luxury transportation, expert guides, and small group setting. The price doesn’t include additional tastings or food, but those are optional and can be tailored to your preferences. Compared to the chaos of party buses, this experience provides a more sophisticated, memorable day in wine country.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This experience is perfect for adults seeking a relaxed, VIP wine tour. It’s especially suited for first responders, military, teachers, or their families who want a special way to unwind and celebrate their service. It’s also a good choice for couples or small groups, particularly if you value comfort, personalized service, and beautiful views over large crowds and loud music.

The Sum Up

The NON-BUS Traverse City: First Responder & Military Wine Tour offers a unique blend of luxury, flexibility, and authenticity in Michigan’s renowned wine country. The use of luxury SUVs instead of a party bus elevates the experience, making it more intimate and comfortable. With knowledgeable guides and carefully selected wineries, you’ll find yourself learning, tasting, and savoring in a relaxed setting that emphasizes quality over quantity.

What truly makes this tour special is its focus on service members and community heroes — it’s more than just a wine tour; it’s a toast to those who serve. The stunning views and personalized touches ensure this will be remembered as a highlight of your Michigan visit.

If you’re after a high-quality, small-group experience that balances scenic beauty and wine expertise with a respectful, relaxed vibe, this tour is worth considering. It’s particularly well-suited for those who appreciate comfort, authenticity, and a touch of VIP treatment.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children or pregnant women?
No, the tour isn’t recommended for children under 12 or pregnant women, as it involves wine tastings and is designed for adults seeking a relaxed, mature experience.

How many wineries do we visit?
On the standard day tour, you will visit four wineries, while sunset/afternoon tours include three wineries plus an optional distillery.

What is included in the price?
The $89 price covers luxury SUV transportation, expert guides, and wine samples (splashes). Additional tastings, bottles, and food are extra.

How large are the groups?
Most groups of 6-7 enjoy a private vehicle, providing a semi-private experience. Larger groups are combined but still enjoy personalized service.

Where do we meet for the tour?
Meet at the Hardy Street Parking Structure near the Middlecoast Brewery, with pickups at 10:30 AM for the day tour or 3:30 PM for the afternoon/evening tour. Alternate pickup locations in downtown Traverse City may be arranged.

Can I customize the wineries visited?
Yes, guides are happy to accommodate requests if you have specific wineries you’d like to include, depending on availability.

What about food and additional purchases?
Food, additional wine flights, bottles, and glasses are available at extra cost. You’re encouraged to bring your own snacks if desired.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?
While not explicitly stated, the luxury SUVs with comfortable seating are generally accessible, but you may want to confirm in advance if needed.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility for your trip planning.

This detailed review should help you decide whether this exclusive, relaxed wine tour in Traverse City fits your vacation style—one that combines comfort, authenticity, and a touch of VIP treatment.