Traverse City: Old Mission Peninsula Bike and Wine Tour

If you’re dreaming of combining beautiful scenery, quality wines, and a bit of exercise, the Old Mission Peninsula Bike and Wine Tour offers a refreshing way to enjoy it all. For $59 per group, up to four people, this 4.5-hour adventure takes you to four renowned wineries—Hawthorne, Bowers Harbor, Brys Estates, and Bonobo—without the hassle of large tour buses or crowded vehicles. Instead, you’ll bike at your own pace, guided by expert wine connoisseurs who dish out VIP recommendations that might just make you feel like a movie star.

What we love most is the flexibility: you can start in the morning or late afternoon, choose to meet the guide at Hawthorne Vineyards or bike later, and decide how much of the 16-20 mile route you want to tackle. Plus, the focus on authentic, personal experience means you’ll get real insights from knowledgeable guides, not just generic commentary. One tiny consideration is that bikes are not included, so you’ll need to rent or bring your own, which can be a small extra step but is a good way to ensure you have the type of bike you prefer.

This tour is perfect for small groups or couples who enjoy cycling and want a more intimate, relaxed wine experience. If you love learning about wine in a friendly setting with personal attention, this tour is an excellent choice. However, be aware that the experience does involve some hills and moderate physical activity—so, it’s best suited for those with a reasonable level of fitness.

Key Points

• Self-Guided Flexibility: Bike at your own pace, with route and recommendations provided.
• Expert Guidance: Access to knowledgeable wine guides for VIP tasting tips.
• All-Inclusive Samples: Wine samples are included; additional tastings, food, and purchases are extra.
• No Party Buses: Enjoy a quiet, personal experience unlike typical large-group tours.
• Bikes Not Provided: Bring your own or rent locally before the tour.
• Ideal for Small Groups: Perfect for couples or small parties seeking a private, relaxed wine adventure.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Authentic Alternative to Large-Group Tours

Most wine tours tend to involve loud buses, crowded vans, or cramped SUVs—hardly the way to savor a fine wine. This self-guided biking experience turns that idea on its head. Instead of rushing from one stop to another, you’re encouraged to enjoy the scenery, linger at your favorite wineries, and truly take in the setting. It’s a more personal, relaxed approach that transforms a wine tasting into a day of leisure and discovery.

The tour begins at the Hawthorne Vineyards tasting room, where you check in, receive your itinerary, detailed route, and VIP-style wine recommendations from Magic Mike, a well-known guide with a background in elite transport services. These suggestions aim to give you the inside scoop on the best wines at each stop—think of it as a personalized pairing guide you can follow at your own pace.

The Route and Wineries

The route covers four stellar wineries: Hawthorne, Bowers Harbor Vineyards, Brys Estates, and Bonobo. You’re free to start early or later in the day, with options to meet the guide at Hawthorne at 11:00 AM or join the sunset tour at 4:00 PM. This flexibility is beneficial if you’re trying to coordinate with other plans or prefer a more leisurely start.

For those who are active and enjoy cycling, the route spans about 16-20 miles—a manageable distance for most bikers with moderate fitness. The terrain does feature some hills, which might be a minor challenge but also adds to the authentic outdoor experience. As one reviewer noted, “There are some hills to navigate but for a regular biker, it’s a challenging but manageable ride.”

What Happens at Each Stop?

• Hawthorne Vineyards: Kick off your tour with a tasting and VIP recommendations. Here, you’ll learn about the wines before biking to the next stop.
• Bowers Harbor Vineyards: Known for their scenic views and fine wines, this stop is ideal for photo ops and sampling.
• Brys Estates: A family-owned winery with a welcoming atmosphere, perfect for learning about local wine-making traditions.
• Bonobo: Finish your tasting experience on a high note, with a variety of wines to sample and the option to purchase bottles or merchandise.

You’re free to bike all or part of the route—some guests prefer to skip certain stops or spend more time at favorites. This freedom is part of what makes the tour so appealing.

The Experience and Guides

What sets this tour apart is the knowledge and friendliness of the guides. Magic Mike and his crew offer real wine connoisseurship, sharing stories behind the wines and tips on what to order or buy. One review highlighted, “Mike was great. The tour is fun and a great way to learn about wine, winery backstories, and safe biking routes around Old Mission.”

The personalized recommendations mean you’re not just tasting wines—you’re learning about what makes each one special, which elevates the experience well beyond a simple tasting tour. The guides are also attentive to safety and logistics, helping ensure you have a smooth, enjoyable day.

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Practical Details and Considerations

This tour costs $59 per group of up to four, which is quite reasonable considering the personalized experience and sample tastings included. It does not include bikes, so you’ll need to rent locally or bring your own—an extra step but a good way to ensure you get a bike that suits your comfort and style.

The duration of 4.5 hours offers enough time to enjoy multiple stops without feeling rushed. You’ll also have the opportunity to purchase wines or merchandise at each winery, and you can pick up any bottles the next day from the tour’s office.

What to Bring

• Helmet: Required for safety.
• Comfortable biking gear: Especially if you plan to cover the whole route.
• Sun protection: Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen.
• Water: Hydration is key, especially on warmer days.

Important Notes

• No transportation in vehicles: This is a biking-only experience.
• Fitness level: Suitable for those with moderate physical fitness; the hills might challenge less active riders.
• Meeting points: You can meet the guide at Hawthorne Vineyards or start later.
• Entry route: It’s recommended to use Peninsula Drive from the West Bay entrance to avoid traffic delays.

Authentic, Personalized, and Value-Driven

What we appreciate most about this experience is the focus on quality over quantity. Instead of rushing through wineries on a loud party bus, you get to enjoy each location, appreciate the scenery, and interact directly with guides who genuinely love sharing their knowledge. The wine samples are included, and the opportunity to buy bottles to take home adds to the value.

While the tour is a bit more involved—requiring you to rent or bring your bike—it’s a small price to pay for the freedom, comfort, and personalized service it offers. Plus, the small group size ensures you won’t feel like just another face in the crowd, making it ideal for couples, friends, or small families.

This experience is best suited for active travelers who enjoy cycling and want to explore the scenic Old Mission Peninsula at their own pace. If you’re a wine enthusiast who appreciates learning about wines from knowledgeable guides, this tour will deliver more than just tastings. It’s also great for small groups or couples looking for a private, relaxed way to spend a half-day.

However, if you’re not comfortable with hills or don’t have cycling experience, you might find the route a bit challenging, and it’s worth considering whether you’re prepared for the physical aspect. Also, if you prefer a more social or party-like atmosphere, this quiet, personalized tour might not be your style.

The Old Mission Peninsula Bike and Wine Tour offers a unique blend of outdoor activity and wine education, all wrapped in a relaxed, intimate setting. Its flexibility, knowledgeable guides, and focus on quality experiences make it stand out from typical large-group tours. It’s perfect for travelers who want to sample top-notch wines while enjoying the scenery and exercise.

This tour’s value comes from the ability to customize your pace and gain insider tips from expert guides, making each visit more meaningful. It’s an excellent choice for those who enjoy an authentic, hands-on experience and are ready for a bit of pedaling through one of Michigan’s most beautiful wine regions.

Do I need to have biking experience for this tour?
While some hills are involved, the route is manageable for most with a reasonable level of fitness. If you bike regularly, you’ll be comfortable; if not, consider your comfort with moderate hills.

Are bikes included in the tour price?
No, bikes are not provided. You must rent your own or bring your own bike to participate.

Can I start the tour later in the day?
Yes, you can meet the guide at Hawthorne Vineyards at 11:00 AM or join the sunset tour at 4:00 PM, depending on your preference.

What does the tour include?
You get wine samples at each winery, the route, and VIP wine recommendations. Food and additional tastings are extra.

Is this tour suitable for children or non-drinkers?
The focus is on wine tasting, so this tour is best suited for adults who enjoy wine and cycling.

How long does the tour last?
Approximately 4.5 hours, including travel between wineries and tasting time.

What should I bring?
A helmet (mandatory), comfortable biking gear, sun protection, and water.

Are there any restrictions on the route?
The route is about 16–20 miles with some hills, so it’s best for those in decent physical condition.

Can I purchase wine during the tour?
Yes, you can buy wine at each winery, and bottles can be picked up the next day from the office.

What should I do if I want to join but don’t have a bike?
You’ll need to rent a bike locally before the tour since bikes are not included.

In summary, this self-guided bike and wine tour offers a personalized, active way to experience Michigan’s stunning Old Mission Peninsula. With expert guides, VIP recommendations, and the freedom to set your pace, it’s a rare treat for those seeking a genuine connection to the landscape and wines of the region.

You can check availability for your dates here: