NON BUS Traverse City: First Responder & Military Wine Tour

The "NON BUS Traverse City: First Responder & Military Wine Tour" offers a unique opportunity for those who serve our communities. This exclusive 4.5-hour adventure takes participants to 4-5 beautiful wineries, providing them with a comfortable and personalized experience. With knowledgeable guides, 50-minute tastings, and the chance to explore the vineyards, this tour promises a memorable time. The free cancellation and pay-later options make it convenient, while the focus on first responders and military personnel adds a special touch. What sets this tour apart, however, is the chance to…

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Key Points

Luxury SUV transportation for a personalized wine tasting experience tailored for first responders, military personnel, teachers, and families in Traverse City, Michigan.
Visits to 4-5 wineries with 50-minute tastings, including Hawthorne Vineyards, Bowers Harbor Vineyards, and Bonobo Winery.
Designed by former law enforcement officers to provide a safe and intimate environment, avoiding crowded party buses.
Knowledgeable guides offer local insights and a personalized experience, with complimentary wine and amenities available.
Restrictions include not being suitable for children under 12, pregnant women, or individuals with back problems.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The Non Bus Traverse City: First Responder & Military Wine Tour offers a unique wine tasting experience in Traverse City, Michigan.

Traverse City, Michigan offers a unique wine tasting experience for first responders, military personnel, and their families.

Priced from €91.20 per person, the 4.5-hour tour provides free cancellation and a pay-later option. Guests travel in luxury SUVs, visiting 4-5 wineries for 50-minute tastings, including Hawthorne Vineyards, Bowers Harbor Vineyards, and Bonobo Winery.

The tour is designed for first responders, military personnel, teachers, and their families, ensuring a safe and personalized experience.

Inclusions encompass expert guides, wine samples, and a complimentary bottle for larger groups, catering to couples and small parties.

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Transportation and Itinerary

Guests travel in luxury SUVs, whether GMC Yukons or Chevrolet Suburbans, for the Non Bus Traverse City: First Responder & Military Wine Tour.

The tour starts at 303 E State St and includes visits to Hawthorne Vineyards, Bowers Harbor Vineyards, and Bonobo Winery. Each stop features a 50-minute tasting, and the Bonobo Winery also includes a whiskey tasting.

Depending on time, the tour may make an additional stop at Chateau Chantal or Brys Estates before returning to the starting location. The air-conditioned vehicles ensure a comfortable and personalized wine experience.

Target Audience and Experience

This Non Bus Traverse City: First Responder & Military Wine Tour is designed specifically for First Responders, Military personnel, Teachers, and their families.

Run by former law enforcement officers, the tour ensures a safe and welcoming environment for these groups. The personalized wine experience avoids crowded party buses, offering a more intimate exploration of the region’s wineries.

Participants can expect knowledgeable guides who provide local insights, making this an ideal choice for those seeking a unique and tailored wine tasting adventure away from the typical tourist crowds.

Inclusions and Amenities

Air-conditioned luxury vehicles transport participants throughout the tour, providing a comfortable and relaxed experience. Guests can enjoy wine samples, with flights, bottles, and food available at an additional cost. For larger groups, a complimentary bottle of wine is provided, subject to availability. The tour guides offer expert insights, ensuring a personalized wine experience without the crowds of a party bus.

| Inclusions | Amenities |

| — | — |

| Air-conditioned luxury vehicles | Expert wine tour guides |

| Wine samples (splashes) | Complimentary bottle of wine for groups over 6 |

| Semi-private tours for couples | Private vehicles for groups of 6-7 |

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Important Information and Restrictions

Although the tour isn’t suitable for children under 12, pregnant women, or individuals with back problems, the experience is designed to provide a safe and welcoming environment for First Responders, Military personnel, Teachers, and their families.

The meeting point is the Hardy Street Parking Structure near the State Street entrance. Pickup times are 10:30 AM for the morning tour and 3:30 PM for the afternoon tour.

Smoking and bringing drinks into the vehicle aren’t allowed.

The wineries featured are Hawthorne Vineyards, Bowers Harbor, Brys, Chateau Chantal, Bonobo, and Chateau Grand Traverse.

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Hawthorne Vineyards: A First Stop on the Tour

As the first stop on the Traverse City Wine Tour, Hawthorne Vineyards offers visitors a captivating 50-minute tasting experience.

Nestled amidst rolling hills, the winery showcases its impressive array of award-winning vintages. Guests can sample a selection of Hawthorne’s signature wines, from crisp Chardonnays to bold Cabernet Francs.

The knowledgeable staff guides participants through the tasting, sharing insights into the winemaking process and the unique terroir of the region.

This initial stop sets the tone for the tour, whetting the palates of first responders, military personnel, and their families as they embark on their personalized wine journey.

Bowers Harbor Vineyards: Exploring the Vineyards

From the first stop, the tour proceeds to Bowers Harbor Vineyards, nestled in the heart of the Old Mission Peninsula. Guests enjoy a 50-minute tasting in the winery’s inviting tasting room, exploring a selection of the estate-grown wines.

| Wine | Tasting Notes |

| — | — |

| Chardonnay | Crisp, with notes of apple and citrus |

| Pinot Noir | Soft, with flavors of red berries |

| Riesling | Aromatic, with a touch of sweetness |

| Cabernet Franc | Medium-bodied, with hints of spice |

The tour provides a personalized experience, allowing guests to learn about the winemaking process and the unique terroir of the region. With its picturesque setting and exceptional wines, Bowers Harbor Vineyards is a highlight of the tour.

Bonobo Winery: Whiskey and Wine Tasting Experience

The next stop on the tour is Bonobo Winery, where guests can indulge in a unique tasting experience featuring both wine and whiskey.

The 50-minute tasting includes samples of Bonobo’s signature wines as well as a whiskey tasting. Guests will learn about the winery’s commitment to crafting high-quality, small-batch products.

The knowledgeable staff provides insights into the winemaking and distilling processes, ensuring a personalized and educational experience.

With its inviting atmosphere and diverse offerings, Bonobo Winery offers a memorable stop on the First Responder & Military Wine Tour.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

No, guests are not allowed to bring their own food and drinks on the tour. The tour provides complimentary wine samples, and guests can purchase flights, bottles, and food at an additional cost during the winery visits.

Is There an Option to Add More Winery Visits?

Yes, there’s an option to add more winery visits to the tour. For an additional cost, the tour can be customized to include stops at other wineries in the Traverse City area, depending on the group’s preferences.

Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary to My Preferences?

Yes, the tour can be customized to visitors’ preferences. Guests can request additional winery stops or adjustments to the itinerary, subject to availability and guide approval, to personalize their wine tasting experience.

What Is the Dress Code for the Wine Tour?

The tour has a casual dress code. Comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and closed-toe shoes are recommended. There’s no need for formal attire, as the focus is on enjoying a relaxed wine tasting experience.

Are Tips for the Tour Guides Included in the Price?

Tips for the tour guides are not included in the listed price. Participants can tip the guides at their own discretion based on the quality of service provided during the wine tour experience.

The Sum Up

The "NON BUS Traverse City: First Responder & Military Wine Tour" offers an exclusive and personalized wine tasting experience for those who serve our communities. With complimentary tastings, knowledgeable guides, and comfortable transportation, this tour provides a unique opportunity to explore the region’s wineries while enjoying the camaraderie and appreciation of fellow first responders and military personnel.