NON BUS Traverse City Old Mission Hard Cider Lovers Tour

Imagine leaving behind the noisy, crowded party buses and stepping into a luxury SUV for a more intimate, personalized tasting experience around the Old Mission Peninsula. That’s exactly what the NON BUS Traverse City Old Mission Hard Cider Lovers Tour offers. For $199 per person, you’ll spend about 4.5 hours riding in a GMC Yukon or Cadillac Escalade, visiting four renowned wineries and cideries, sampling exceptional products, and soaking in some of the most breathtaking views Michigan has to offer.

What sets this tour apart? First, the personalized attention and expertise of guides like “Magic Mike,” who are genuine connoisseurs of wine and hard cider. Second, the high-quality transportation—no cramped, noisy buses here, just comfortable, air-conditioned luxury vehicles. We love how this makes the experience feel more like a VIP outing, perfect for celebrating a special occasion or simply enjoying a day out with friends.

One possible drawback might be the cost, which, while justified by the luxurious transport and tailored experience, might seem steep for travelers on a tighter budget. Also, if you prefer a more structured, schedule-driven tour, the flexible timing might be a bit too relaxed for some. But overall, if you’re craving authentic local flavors in a refined setting, this tour hits the mark.

This experience is ideal for wine and cider lovers, those celebrating a special occasion, or anyone who appreciates a personalized, high-end approach to tasting Michigan’s finest beverages. It’s especially suited for those who want to avoid the party bus scene but still enjoy a social, fun day filled with excellent drinks and scenery.

Key Points

Personalized, luxury transport: Your own vehicle with expert guides offers a more intimate, relaxed experience.
Quality tastings: Sample some of the region’s best Hard Ciders and wines, made with love, not high fructose corn syrup.
Beautiful scenery: The Old Mission Peninsula is famed for its stunning views and iconic wineries.
Flexible scheduling: Choose from different departure times, including sunset tours, for a tailored experience.
Group size: Typically small groups of 6-7 ensure plenty of personal attention.
Extra perks: Groups of 6+ receive a free bottle of wine, adding extra value to your day.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Deep Dive into the Experience

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Starting Point and Transportation

Unlike many tour options in Traverse City, this experience kicks off from the Hardy Street Parking Structure, across from the Park Place Hotel. We appreciate that it’s right in the heart of downtown, meaning we didn’t have to trek miles to some distant parking lot. The luxury SUVs—GMC Yukons and Cadillac Escalades—are clean, comfortable, and climate-controlled, making the 4.5-hour journey enjoyable regardless of the weather.

Having a dedicated vehicle means we could enjoy a more relaxed pace and personalized service. Our guide, “Magic Mike,” and others are local experts—U of M and MSU grads—who genuinely love sharing their knowledge about the wines, ciders, and the Old Mission Peninsula itself.

Visiting the Wineries

The tour visits four wineries and cideries, each known for their distinctive offerings.

Hawthorne Vineyards: Known for their Raspberry and Cherry Ciders, along with award-winning wines. We loved the way their tasting room highlighted fruit-forward flavors, and the guides pointed out which pairings work best with different foods. One guest noted, “The Raspberry Cider was so fresh it tasted like it was just made yesterday.”
Bowers Harbor Vineyards: Offers Cider flights that include seasonal options like Cherry, Blueberry, Peach, and Blackberry, along with wines. It’s a great spot to compare different fruit flavors, and the informative guides often share insider tips on how these ciders are made.
Chateau Chantal: This iconic winery provides a diverse selection—from ciders to spirits like brandy and vodka, plus beer. The guides are adept at explaining the art of cider and spirits blending, giving you a well-rounded tasting experience.
Brys Estate & Bonobo Winery: Perhaps the most famous for their Lavender Cider—a must-try for those seeking something unique. The surrounding scenery and the charming tasting rooms make this a favorite stop.

What You’ll Experience

Throughout the day, you’ll enjoy expert-led tastings, where your guides don’t just pour; they educate. They help you understand what makes these ciders and wines special—how they’re made, the flavor profiles, and pairing suggestions. The flexible schedule means you can linger at each winery or move along at your own pace.

The tour includes samples, flights, and even bottles (with a group of 6+ receiving a free Gamay or Secco). Food and additional drinks are available at extra cost, but the value is high—these aren’t your typical mass-produced ciders. Instead, they’re crafted with artisan attention and love.

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Authentic Scenic Moments

The views on Old Mission Peninsula are spectacular—rolling vineyards, shimmering lakes, and sunsets that can make even a simple sip of cider feel magical. The guides often point out notable local landmarks and share stories that add richness to the experience.

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Authentic and Relaxed Experience

One thing we loved is how the guides are seasoned connoisseurs who genuinely enjoy sharing their passion. They also make the tour feel less like a commercial ploy and more like visiting friends who happen to know a lot about cider and wine.

Guests frequently compliment the knowledgeability of the guides. As one reviewer put it, “Magic Mike really knows his stuff… I learned a lot and felt like I was visiting friends who just happened to run a fantastic tour.”

Considerations and Tips

While the cost might seem high compared to other tours, the quality of transportation, personal attention, and curated tastings justify the price. It’s a true value-for-money experience if you’re looking for something upscale and personalized.

To maximize your enjoyment, consider bringing a cider or wine-drinking hat—a fun touch and practical for sunny days. Also, remember that you need to be 21 or older to participate, and you should plan to arrive on time at the pickup location.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This tour is perfect for couples, friends, or small groups looking for a luxurious, relaxed day of tasting. It’s great if you want personalized service without the crowds. Also, if you’re celebrating a special occasion like a birthday or anniversary, the VIP vibe makes it memorable.

Travelers who appreciate authentic, well-made products and enjoy beautiful scenery will find this tour rewarding. It’s less about the party scene and more about savoring quality beverages and the scenic beauty of Old Mission Peninsula.

Final Thoughts

The NON BUS Traverse City Hard Cider & Wine Tour delivers a refined, intimate experience that combines expert guidance, premium tastings, and stunning scenery. The luxurious transportation and small group setting really elevate the day, making it suitable for those who value comfort and authenticity over the typical bus tour.

For anyone wanting to explore Michigan’s craft beverage scene without the chaos of large crowds or noisy buses, this tour offers a perfect blend of education, scenery, and indulgence. It provides a high-end alternative to more conventional tours, making it ideal for special occasions or simply a memorable day out.

If your idea of a wine and cider adventure involves personalized service, beautiful surroundings, and quality drinks, this is an experience you’ll want to consider. It’s a treat for your senses and your story collection — a true taste of Traverse City’s best.

FAQ

What is the cost of this tour?
It costs $199 per person, which covers the luxury transportation, expert guides, and tastings at four wineries and cideries.

How long does the tour last?
The tour runs for approximately 4.5 hours, providing ample time for tasting and enjoying the scenery.

What vehicles are used?
The tour is conducted in luxury SUVs, specifically GMC Yukons or Cadillac Escalades, offering a comfortable, climate-controlled environment.

Where does the tour start?
Pickup is at the Hardy Street Parking Structure, near the Park Place Hotel in downtown Traverse City. They may also pick up at other local downtown locations—just check with the provider.

Is this a private tour?
While most groups are small (around 6-7 people), private group options are available, providing a more tailored experience.

Are food and additional drinks included?
Samples and flights are included, but food and extra drinks are available for purchase at the wineries.

Can I bring my own wine or cider?
Yes, if you buy a box of wine or cider, you can bring it along. The tour includes a bottle for groups of 6 or more.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing is best. If you’re visiting outdoor tasting rooms or scenic spots, bring layers and, as mentioned, a fun drinking hat is highly recommended!

This tour offers a blend of luxury, education, and scenery that suits travelers who want a refined, memorable day exploring Michigan’s thriving craft beverage scene. If you’re after authentic flavors with a touch of elegance, this is a choice worth making.