NON BUS BRYS Estates FROSE’ Traverse Old Mission Wine Tour

Experience Traverse City’s Best with the Frose’ & Wine Tour in Luxury SUVs

Imagine cruising in a sleek GMC Yukon or Cadillac Escalade, far from the usual noisy buses, with a small, intimate group. For just $89 per person, this 4.5-hour tour takes you through the scenic Old Mission Peninsula, home to some of Michigan’s finest wineries and distilleries. Led by knowledgeable guides—some with backgrounds in law enforcement—you’re in expert hands.

What makes this tour special? First, the luxury vehicle experience offers comfort, style, and privacy, perfect for those who dislike the party-bus vibe. Second, the focused sampling of innovative frozen drinks, especially the famed Frose’, gives you a refreshing twist on wine tasting. We love how the frozen drinks aren’t your typical overly-sweet slushies—they’re carefully crafted, balanced, and perfectly suited for warm Michigan days.

One possible consideration is that if you’re seeking a long, extensive winery tour or a full day of tasting, this shorter, curated experience might feel limited. However, if you prefer a relaxed, personalized outing, this is ideal. This tour is best suited for couples, small groups, or anyone who wants an upscale, authentic taste of Traverse City’s wine scene without the chaos of large buses or crowds.

Key Points

• Luxury Transportation: Ride in style and comfort with a private SUV, avoiding crowded party buses.
• Curated Experience: Visit four top wineries, each offering distinct wines, ciders, and spirits.
• Innovative Frozen Drinks: Savor unique creations like Frose’, Frozen Sangria, and Lemonade Lavender.
• Expert Guides: Led by knowledgeable wine enthusiasts who can share regional insights and recommendations.
• Flexible Scheduling: Multiple departure times, including day and sunset/afternoon options.
• Complimentary Group Perk: Groups of six or more receive a free bottle of wine—adding extra value.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Closer Look at the Frose’ & Wine Tour Experience

Starting Point and Transportation

Unlike many tours that rely on outdated school buses, this experience begins with a pickup in downtown Traverse City at the Hardy Street Parking Structure, near Middlecoast Brewery, right across from the Park Place Hotel. The tour guides emphasize the “Movie Star Experience,” with guests being picked up in luxury SUVs—GMC Yukons or Cadillac Escalades—that promise style, comfort, and privacy.

The size of the groups is kept small—most likely 6-7 guests per vehicle—ensuring a more intimate setting where conversation flows naturally, and everyone gets personalized attention. This setup significantly enhances the overall experience, especially for those who dislike the crowded, noisy bus scene.

The Wineries and Stops

Hawthorne Vineyards kicks things off with a diverse tasting of raspberry and cherry ciders alongside award-winning wines. Visitors often mention loving the chance to sample both cider and wine, which is a hallmark of Michigan’s versatility. One reviewer noted, “We loved the way Hawthorne Vineyards offered both cider and wine—it was a perfect combo.”

Next, the group visits Bowers Harbor Vineyards, famous for its Pinot Secco Rose and seasonal ciders like blueberry, peach, and cherry. The focus here is on high-quality, locally produced wines, with some reviews emphasizing the famous Pinot Secco Rosé as a highlight. The wine guides are happy to recommend options based on your preferences, adding a personal touch.

Chateau Chantal features a broader portfolio including wines, ciders, brandy, vodka, and beer. This variety is a treat for those interested in more than just wine. The Frozen Sangria here is a standout, and many guests rave about its well-balanced sweetness and refreshing appeal.

Finally, Brys Estate is the star for the Frose’—a frozen wine slushy that has earned worldwide recognition. The guides focus on explaining what makes Brys’ Frose’ special: it’s a carefully crafted frozen wine that’s not too sweet but perfectly chilled, making it an ideal summer delight. Other seasonal frozen drinks like Lemonade Lavender vodka are also enjoyed here, allowing for variety.

What’s Included and What You Can Expect

For the $89 fee, you get the luxury SUV ride, guided commentary, and tastings at four wineries and a distillery. The tour emphasizes “no rush”, allowing plenty of time at each stop for sampling, exploring, and chatting with guides. While food and additional drinks are extra, the focus remains on wine, cider, and spirits, with some snacks available.

The expert guides—many with backgrounds in law enforcement and local knowledge—are enthusiastic about sharing the region’s history and wine-making insights. They’re also happy to make personalized recommendations. Guests often mention that guides made the experience both educational and fun, with a good dose of humor.

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The Frozen Drinks and Why They Matter

One of the tour’s unique selling points is the focus on frozen drinks. The Frose’, in particular, is not your average slushy; it’s a carefully balanced blend of wine and frozen fruit, crafted to be both refreshing and sophisticated. Many reviews praise the quality of the frozen drinks, emphasizing that they’re not overly sweet and maintain the integrity of the wine.

Guests often comment on how these frozen drinks elevate the experience from a standard wine tasting to a fun, memorable event. The Frozen Sangria and Lemonade Lavender cocktails are seasonal favorites, adding variety and a touch of creativity that sets this tour apart.

The Tasting Experience

While the tour focuses on the frozen drinks and wine samples, visitors should note that flights, bottles, and food are extra. Still, many guests find the included tastings ample and appreciate the chance to sample a broad array of Michigan wines and ciders.

The small group size enhances the tasting experience, allowing guides to tailor recommendations and answer questions directly. Reviewers have appreciated the personalized service, noting that the guides are passionate and knowledgeable without being overbearing.

The Overall Experience and Value

Considering the price—$89—this tour offers excellent value for a luxury, curated experience. The combination of comfortable transportation, knowledgeable guides, and carefully selected wineries makes it a compelling choice for anyone wanting to explore the Old Mission Peninsula without the stress of driving or dealing with large crowds.

Guests frequently mention how the VIP treatment and small-group atmosphere make this feel more like a private event than a typical tour. Plus, the free bottle of wine for groups of six or more is a nice bonus, adding extra value to your outing.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is perfect for couples, small groups, or anyone who prefers a relaxed, upscale wine tour without the chaos of party buses. It’s ideal for travelers who want to learn about Michigan wines in an engaging way, with the added fun of unique frozen drinks.

It’s not suited for pregnant women or those who want a full-day, extensive tasting experience, but for a quick, high-quality taste of Old Mission Peninsula, it hits the mark.

The Sum Up

For those seeking a luxurious, personalized way to explore Traverse City’s wine country, this Frose’ and wine tour offers a delightful balance of comfort, authenticity, and fun. The small group size, VIP treatment, and focus on innovative frozen drinks make it stand out from more traditional wine tours.

If you’re a wine lover who appreciates a bit of style, enjoys learning from friendly guides, and wants to beat the party bus scene, this tour is a smart choice. The focus on quality over quantity, combined with flexible scheduling and local expertise, makes it a memorable way to experience Michigan’s premier wine region.

While it might not suit travelers craving a full day of tasting or a more extensive winery visit, it’s perfect for those looking for a relaxed, upscale adventure—one that combines scenic views, excellent drinks, and some well-earned pampering.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for small groups?
Yes, most groups consist of 6-7 people, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience.

What is the pickup location?
Pickup is at the Hardy Street Parking Structure in downtown Traverse City, near Middlecoast Brewery. They also accommodate other local drop-off points.

Are the vehicles comfortable and private?
Absolutely. You’ll ride in a luxury SUV—either a GMC Yukon or Cadillac Escalade—that’s air-conditioned and spacious.

What kinds of drinks will I sample?
You’ll enjoy a variety of wines, ciders, spirits, and frozen drinks such as Frose’, Frozen Sangria, and Lemonade Lavender.

How many wineries will we visit?
Depending on the tour option, you’ll visit either four wineries or three wineries plus a distillery, with plenty of time at each.

Is food included?
No, food is extra, though some snacks are available; tastings and drinks are included in the price.

Can I buy bottles during the tour?
Yes, bottles and flights are available, and some wineries may offer special deals or local products.

What’s the best time of day to take this tour?
They offer both daytime and sunset/afternoon options, allowing you to choose based on your preference for scenery and lighting.

Is this tour suitable for non-drinkers or pregnant women?
It’s not suitable for pregnant women or those avoiding alcohol, as tastings are part of the experience.

What’s the overall value of this experience?
Given the luxury transportation, expert guides, and curated winery visits, this tour provides excellent value for those wanting a classy, fun, and educational wine outing.

This tour combines comfort, authenticity, and a dash of fun—offering a taste of Michigan’s wine country that’s as relaxing as it is memorable. Perfect for travelers who want to enjoy the region without the hassle and in style.

You can check availability for your dates here: