NON BUS ICE WINE Traverse City Old Mission Wine Tour

If you’re looking for a wine tasting adventure that skips the typical noisy bus and offers a more intimate, luxurious experience, this Non-Bus Ice Wine Tour in Traverse City is worth considering. For around $89 per person, you get about 4.5 hours of exploring Old Mission Peninsula‘s best wineries, tasting exceptional ice wines, ciders, and white wines—all while riding in a sleek GMC Yukon or Cadillac Escalade.

What makes this tour stand out? First, the personalized, private vehicle approach means fewer crowds and more time for each winery visit. Second, the hosts, led by knowledgeable guides with backgrounds in law enforcement and local expertise, make the experience both fun and informative.

One potential drawback? If you’re a serious wine connoisseur wanting in-depth tours of each winery, this experience focuses more on sampling and scenery rather than detailed winery tours. Still, for those who want a luxe, relaxed day with plenty of tastings, it hits the mark.

This tour really suits travelers who enjoy a curated, boutique experience rather than large group bus tours. Couples, small groups, or anyone looking to indulge in Traverse City’s renowned ice wines in style will find this a perfect fit.

Key Points

• Luxury Transportation: Ride in a private, air-conditioned SUV, avoiding the typical party bus vibe.
• Exclusive Winery Visits: Visit four iconic wineries known for their white wines, reds, and ice wines.
• Expert Guides: Led by knowledgeable guides with local and wine expertise.
• Tastings Included: Sample ice wines, ice ciders, and other unique varietals.
• Flexible Scheduling: Tours depart multiple times daily, with options for sunset or afternoon experiences.
• Special Touches: Complimentary group bottles and seasonal treats like a Lemonade Lavender Slushy.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Non-Bus Ice Wine Traverse City Tour

Starting Point and Transportation

The tour kicks off at the Hardy Street Parking Structure, conveniently located near downtown Traverse City and across from the Park Place Hotel. Instead of the usual crowded bus, you’ll step into a luxury GMC Yukon or Cadillac Escalade. These vehicles are air-conditioned, spacious, and give the entire experience an upscale feel—perfect for those who prefer comfort and style over traditional bus tours.

The fact that the tour uses private vehicles means you won’t be sharing the ride with strangers, allowing for a more relaxed and personalized atmosphere. After the day, most guests are dropped off right back at their hotels or downtown, making logistics straightforward and stress-free.

Visiting Four Iconic Wineries

The tour typically includes four stops, each offering something special. The wineries are carefully selected based on availability, your preferences, and the season. Here are some highlights:

• Hawthorne Vineyards: Known for their Cherry Splendor, a very sweet cherry wine that captures Michigan’s famous fruit. Guests rave about the flavor and the opportunity to taste something authentically local.

• Bowers Harbor Vineyards: They offer the famous Ice Wine and Ice Cider. This is a key highlight, especially since their Ice Wine is limited in supply. The Ice Wine here has even been served at a White House Dinner during the Obama administration, so it’s a rare treat.

• Chateau Chantal: This winery is renowned for its Vidal Blanc and Estate Ice Wines. You’ll get to savor the famous Ice Wines, which are dessert-like and intensely sweet. Guides often mention how knowledgeable the staff is here, making it a good place to learn about the winemaking process.

• Brys Estate: They feature the Froze’, a unique frozen wine experience. It’s a fun and different tasting, ideal for those curious about the nuances of ice wine production.

• Bonobo Winery: Offers a seasonal Lemonade Lavender Slushy, which is perfect for summer or warm days. This treat adds a dash of fun and flavor variety to the tour.

What to Expect at Each Stop

While the focus is on sampling, each winery provides the chance to learn about the different varietals and the winemaking process. The guides are described as beer and wine enthusiasts who can tailor their explanations based on your level of interest.

Guests often comment that guides go beyond simple descriptions, making the tasting more engaging. The personalized attention and small group sizes mean you can ask plenty of questions and get recommendations tailored to your palate.

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Tasting Experience and Wines

The ice wines are the star attraction here, especially since the longer grapes stay on the vine during cold winter months, the more sugar they develop. These wines are sweet, syrupy, and often served as dessert wines. If you’re not used to such sweetness, the tour offers a variety of options, including white and red wines, to suit different tastes.

The Ice Cider at Bowers Harbor is another treat, offering a different style of sweet beverage made from apples, providing a nice contrast to the wines. The Cherry Splendor at Hawthorne Vineyards is a very sweet, berry-forward wine that’s quite popular among visitors.

The Added Value of the Tour

Many reviewers appreciate the flexibility of this tour. With multiple departure times and options for sunset or afternoon tours, you can fit this into your trip easily. The free group bottle of wine for groups of six or more adds a nice touch, giving you a souvenir to take home.

The owner and guides are local experts, often U of M or MSU grads, who bring a wealth of knowledge about the wines and the area. Their friendly, approachable manner makes the experience feel more like visiting friends than a formal tasting.

What’s Not Included

The tour price covers tastings and transportation, but winery tasting fees are extra—so budget accordingly if you want additional flights or bottles. Meals are also not included, although most guests find time to explore downtown Traverse City afterward, where you can find excellent dining options.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re someone who appreciates luxury and personalized service, this tour will appeal. It’s perfect for small groups, couples, or those celebrating special occasions like anniversaries or bachelorette parties. The informative guides and the chance to sample rare ice wines make it a memorable experience.

However, if you’re seeking an in-depth educational tour of each winery’s production process or prefer a large group atmosphere, this might not be your best fit. The focus here is on quality over quantity and a relaxed, upscale vibe.

The Sum Up

The Non-Bus Ice Wine Tour in Traverse City offers a delightful mix of luxury, education, and scenic beauty. It’s a fantastic way to experience Old Mission Peninsula’s wine culture without the hassle of large buses or rushed schedules. The private vehicle, expert guides, and carefully chosen wineries make it a true indulgence.

This tour is especially suited for wine lovers who value comfort, personalized attention, and unique tastings. The focus on ice wines and local specialties means you’ll leave with a new appreciation for Michigan’s winemaking scene, as well as some memorable photos and perhaps a bottle or two to take home.

Whether celebrating a special occasion or simply wanting a relaxing day tasting some of the best wines Michigan has to offer, this tour delivers an authentic, upscale experience that’s both fun and informative.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for someone with limited mobility?
The tour involves some walking at each winery, but the vehicles are accessible and air-conditioned, making it manageable for most.

Are meals included in the tour price?
No, meals are not included, but there are opportunities to purchase food at the wineries or enjoy local restaurants afterward.

Can I customize the wineries visited?
Yes, you can let the guides know if you have specific wineries on your wish list; they will do their best to accommodate.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes are recommended for walking around wineries, and dress in layers for changing weather conditions.

Are the tastings included in the price?
Tastings are included, but additional food or drinks beyond the samples are extra.

What is the group size?
Most groups are small, with 6-7 guests typically sharing a vehicle, which promotes a more intimate experience.

Is alcohol consumption in the vehicle allowed?
No, drinking in the vehicle is not permitted. Tastings are done at each winery.

When do tours operate?
Tours depart at multiple times each day, including options for sunset or afternoon, providing flexibility for your schedule.

Can I join as a couple or a small group?
Absolutely. The tour is designed for small groups and couples, ensuring a personalized experience.

This private, luxurious wine tour in Traverse City really stands out for its comfort, expert guidance, and focus on local, high-quality wines. If you want a relaxed, upscale way to enjoy Michigan’s wine country, it’s well worth considering.

You can check availability for your dates here: