NON BUS VIP Chateau Chantal / Hawthorne Traverse City Wine Tour

A Luxurious Take on Traverse City Wine Tasting

If you’re looking for a wine tour that skips the party bus chaos and leans into comfort, expertise, and authenticity, the NON BUS VIP Chateau Chantal / Hawthorne Traverse City Wine Tour might just be what you need. Priced at $349 per person and lasting roughly four and a half hours, this experience takes you in style through some of the region’s top wineries. You’ll start at the Chateau Chantal, with its incredible views and guided cellar tour, then hop into a luxury GMC Yukon to visit two more exceptional vineyards—Chateau Grand Traverse and Hawthorne Vineyards.

What we really like about this tour? First, the semi-private nature of the ride—most groups of six or fewer get their own vehicle, making the experience more intimate and relaxed. Second, the knowledgeable guides who are true wine enthusiasts and locals, adding a layer of genuine insight to each tasting. The only small caveat? Because the tour is designed to be flexible, it might feel slightly less structured than a big bus tour, so if you crave a tightly scheduled day, that’s worth noting.

This tour is perfect for wine lovers wanting a leisurely, upscale experience, whether celebrating a special occasion or simply seeking a more authentic, less crowded way to explore Traverse City’s famed wine country. If you like comfort, personal attention, and expert guidance, this tour could be a highlight of your trip.

Key Points

• Luxury Transportation: Travel in spacious GMC Yukons, offering comfort and semi-private groups that avoid cramped buses.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable and passionate wine guides provide personalized recommendations and insights.
• Beautiful Scenery: Vineyards perched on high points with breathtaking views of Old Mission Peninsula and Lake Michigan.
• Flexible Itinerary: Visit three top wineries with optional tastings, wine purchases, and the ability to customize stops.
• Authentic Experience: Guided cellar tour at Chateau Chantal and a chance to join the wine club.
• Inclusive Samples: Tasting samples are included, though additional wine, food, and bottles are extra.

A Detailed Look at the Tour Experience

Starting in downtown Traverse City at 303 E State St, the tour kicks off with a personalized pick-up, often in a luxury GMC Yukon or similar vehicle. This is a huge upgrade from the typical party bus, offering a more relaxed, intimate atmosphere. We loved the way this setup eliminates the rush and noise, allowing us to truly enjoy the scenery and conversation.

First Stop: Chateau Chantal Winery & Tasting Room

Perched atop one of the highest points on Old Mission Peninsula, Chateau Chantal offers more than just wine; the views are stunning. As we arrived, the panoramic vistas of vineyards stretching toward Lake Michigan greeted us, setting a perfect tone. Inside, we took a guided cellar tour with knowledgeable staff, learning about the winery’s history and their approach to wine-making. The tasting room is a comfortable space where you can purchase flights, glasses, bottles, or even join the wine club—a nice option if you find a favorite.

This stop is about an hour long, allowing plenty of time to soak in the scenery and savor the wines. One reviewer appreciated the personal touch, mentioning that “the guides weren’t just pouring—they really explained what makes each wine special.” It’s clear that the focus here is on both quality and education, perfect for those who want more than just sipping.

Second Stop: Chateau Grand Traverse Winery

Just a few miles up the Peninsula, Chateau Grand Traverse is a pioneer of Michigan’s cooler climate wines. Founded in 1974, it’s where they first planted Riesling vines—a grape that’s now a regional signature. The vineyard’s location offers sweeping views of the surrounding landscape, and the winery’s emphasis on craftsmanship shows in every glass.

During our visit, the guides highlighted the winery’s history and their focus on climate-appropriate varietals. Tasting here, you might find the Rieslings and other whites particularly memorable. The one-hour visit allows enough time to appreciate the wines and understand the region’s unique terroir.

Third Stop: Hawthorne Vineyards

What makes Hawthorne Vineyards especially interesting is that it’s run by the same winemaker as Chateau Chantal, giving you a chance to taste different expressions from the same creator. This contrast offers a fascinating look at how different terroirs and winemaking styles influence the final product.

Hawthorne offers a variety of tastings, and guests can buy flights, by-the-glass options, or bottles. The vineyard’s reputation as a premiere destination in Traverse City means you’re likely to find some very high-quality wines. The guide’s commentary added context, making each sip more meaningful.

The Scenic Finale: Grand Traverse Bay

The tour ends with a look out over Grand Traverse Bay, an arm of Lake Michigan, stretching 32 miles long. This scenic vista provides a perfect backdrop for reflecting on the day’s tastings. It’s a reminder of why this region is a special place for wine and natural beauty.

Why This Tour Stands Out

Unlike many wine tours that rely on cramped buses and hurried schedules, this experience emphasizes comfort, education, and authenticity. The semi-private vehicle and knowledgeable guides make a significant difference, turning what could be a typical tasting into a more engaging, personalized journey. We also appreciated that samples are included—a cost-saving feature—and that you have the flexibility to buy wines directly from the wineries.

The price of $349 per person reflects the upscale nature—luxury vehicle, expert guidance, and a curated route—making it a good value considering the overall experience. For wine aficionados or those celebrating a special occasion, the VIP aspect elevates the outing to something memorable and comfortable.

Possible Drawbacks

The one consideration is that this tour doesn’t include food or additional tastings beyond the samples. If you’re hoping for a full meal or very extensive tastings, you might need to plan for that separately. Also, since the itinerary is flexible, it might feel a bit less structured for travelers who prefer a tightly scheduled day.

Who Would Love This?

This tour is ideal for groups celebrating a birthday or anniversary, couples seeking a relaxed yet upscale experience, or wine enthusiasts eager for personalized attention and expert recommendations. It’s suited for travelers who want to avoid the crowds and travel in style, soaking in beautiful scenery without sacrificing comfort.

FAQs

Is transportation included? Yes, the tour provides pickup and drop-off at designated downtown locations and travels in a luxury GMC Yukon or similar vehicle.

How many wineries do we visit? The tour visits three wineries—Chateau Chantal, Chateau Grand Traverse, and Hawthorne Vineyards—at your own relaxed pace.

Are tastings included? Yes, wine samples are included during each stop, but prices of additional tastings, wines, and food are extra if you choose to purchase more.

Can we buy wine during the tour? Absolutely. You can purchase flights, bottles, or join the wine club at some wineries.

Is this a private or semi-private tour? It’s semi-private, often with small groups of 5-7 people, most of whom will share the vehicle, but your group will have a personalized experience.

What’s the tour duration? Expect about 4 hours and 30 minutes, including travel, tastings, and scenic stops.

What’s the best time of year for this tour? While available year-round, the views and vineyard atmosphere are especially beautiful in spring and fall, with lush greenery or vibrant colors, respectively.

Final Thoughts

This VIP wine tour in Traverse City offers a balance of comfort, expert guidance, and authentic vineyard experiences. It’s a great choice for those who want to enjoy the region’s wineries without the hassle of crowded buses or rushed schedules. The luxury transportation and knowledgeable guides turn a simple tasting into a memorable outing, especially suited for celebratory occasions or wine enthusiasts seeking a deeper connection with Michigan’s wine country.

If you’re after a relaxed, upscale day exploring some of the best vineyards in the area, this tour provides excellent value. You’ll leave with not only a collection of fine wines but also a sense of the beautiful landscape and the stories behind each label.

Whether you’re a seasoned wine lover or just looking for a special way to experience Traverse City, this tour’s combination of scenery, education, and comfort makes it a standout choice. Just be prepared to enjoy yourself—this isn’t a day for rushing, but rather for savoring each moment and the wines that make this region famous.