Traverse City’s Hawthorne Vineyards Old Mission Wine Tour offers an immersive experience for wine enthusiasts. Guests can enjoy a luxury SUV ride as they visit four renowned wineries on the picturesque Old Mission Peninsula. Led by local experts, the semi-private tour provides personalized attention and stunning views, making it an unforgettable adventure. With 50 minutes dedicated to wine tasting and sightseeing at each stop, this tour promises to delight the senses and leave visitors eager to discover more.

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Key Points

4-hour immersive wine tour exploring Traverse City’s Hawthorne Vineyards and Old Mission Peninsula wineries.
Transportation in luxury SUVs led by local expert guides providing wine recommendations.
Includes visits to 4 wineries with 50 minutes at each for tastings and sightseeing.
Personalized experience for couples and small groups, avoiding noisy party buses.
Complimentary bottle of wine for groups of 6 or more, subject to availability.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The Traverse City Wine Tour offers an immersive 4-hour experience exploring the region’s renowned wineries.

An immersive 4-hour tour exploring the renowned wineries of the Traverse City region.

Starting at $79 per person, the tour includes luxury SUV transport and a semi-private setting for couples and small groups.

Participants can expect to visit four wineries, with 50 minutes at each for wine tasting, sightseeing, and food sampling.

Tours are led by local Traverse City guides, who provide expert wine recommendations.

Guests can enjoy free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a reserve-now-pay-later option.

Groups of 6 or more receive a complimentary bottle of wine, subject to availability.

Transportation and Experience

Luxury SUV transport (GMC Yukon or Chevrolet Suburban) whisks guests away on the Traverse City Wine Tour, skipping noisy party buses for a VIP experience. The semi-private tour combines couples and small groups (6-7 guests may have a private vehicle), offering a personalized experience led by local Traverse City guides, including University of Michigan and Michigan State University graduates.

| Tour Experience | Details |

| — | — |

| Vehicle | Luxury SUV |

| Group Size | Semi-private (couples/small groups) |

| Tour Guides | Local Traverse City experts |

| Educational Background | UofM and MSU graduates |

Itinerary and Highlights

Starting at Hawthorne Vineyards, the tour visits four wineries, including Bowers Harbor Vineyards and Bonobo Winery, among two others.

Each winery stop lasts 50 minutes, allowing for:

Wine tasting
Sightseeing
Food tasting
Expert wine recommendations from tour guide Magic Mike
Stunning views of Old Mission Peninsula

The tour guides, including University of Michigan and Michigan State University graduates, provide a semi-private experience, combining couples and small groups.

Groups of 6 or more receive a complimentary bottle of wine, subject to availability.

Inclusions and Restrictions

While wine samples are available during the tour, the cost of tastings, wines, and food isn’t included in the tour price.

Groups of 6 or more, however, receive a complimentary bottle of wine, subject to availability.

The tour isn’t suitable for children under 9, pregnant women, or individuals with back problems.

Participants should bring comfortable shoes, a camera, sunscreen, and water.

Drinking isn’t allowed in the vehicle.

The tour may include other groups, and pickup and drop-off locations are flexible.

Itineraries are subject to change, so participants should check availability for starting times.

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Preparation and Guidelines

Participants should come prepared with comfortable shoes, a camera, sunscreen, and water for the tour.

The following guidelines should be observed:

No outside drinks are allowed in the vehicle.
The tour may be combined with other small groups.
While the itinerary is planned, it may be subject to change.
Participants should check availability for the starting time before the tour.
The tour isn’t suitable for children under 9, pregnant women, or individuals with back problems.

Following these simple preparations and guidelines will ensure a smooth and enjoyable wine tour experience.

Exploring Hawthorne Vineyards

As the starting point of the tour, Hawthorne Vineyards provides visitors with a picturesque introduction to the Old Mission Peninsula.

Guests can admire the lush vineyards and panoramic views of East Bay while sipping on the winery’s acclaimed wines. The tasting room offers a cozy and inviting atmosphere, where guests can sample a variety of Hawthorne’s offerings, from crisp whites to bold reds.

With friendly staff on hand to share their expertise, the winery sets the stage for an enjoyable and educational wine tasting experience.

From here, the tour ventures to explore the other renowned wineries of the region.

The Wonders of Old Mission Peninsula

The Old Mission Peninsula, situated along the picturesque shores of Lake Michigan, enchants visitors with its stunning natural beauty and world-class wineries.

This scenic region offers a delightful blend of outdoor exploration and wine tasting. Some of the highlights include:

Breathtaking panoramic views from the historic Old Mission Lighthouse
Hiking trails that wind through lush forests and along the peninsula’s serene coastline
Charming farm markets showcasing local produce and artisanal goods
Charming boutiques and art galleries that showcase the region’s vibrant creative spirit
Exceptional wine tastings at renowned vineyards, offering a taste of the peninsula’s terroir.

Crafting the Perfect Wine Tasting Experience

Although a wine tasting tour offers a delightful opportunity to sample the region’s finest vintages, tour organizers carefully craft the experience to ensure guests maximize their enjoyment. From selecting premium wineries to providing expert guides, every aspect is tailored for an exceptional experience. As the table below shows, the tour includes a range of activities, transportation, and amenities to create a VIP-level excursion.

| Activity | Transportation | Amenities |

| — | — | — |

| Wine Tasting | Luxury SUV | Expert Guide |

| Sightseeing | Skip Noisy Buses | Complimentary Wine |

| Food Tasting | Semi-Private Tour | Flexible Pickup/Drop-off |

| Winery Visits | Local Guides | Stunning Views |

| Wine Recommendations | | |

The result is a well-orchestrated tour that allows guests to savor the flavors and beauty of the Old Mission Peninsula in comfort and style.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are There Any Dietary Restrictions or Accommodations Available?

The tour doesn’t mention any dietary restrictions or accommodations. However, guests should check with the tour provider about any special needs or dietary requirements prior to booking to ensure the experience meets their needs.

Can We Customize the Tour to Visit Specific Wineries?

Yes, the tour can be customized to visit specific wineries upon request. Guests can work with the tour provider to tailor the itinerary to their preferences, subject to availability and operational constraints.

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

There’s no formal dress code, but visitors should wear comfortable, casual clothing and shoes suitable for walking around winery grounds. Avoid overly formal or restrictive attire that could detract from the relaxed, enjoyable wine tasting experience.

Do We Need to Bring Our Own Wine Glasses?

No, you don’t need to bring your own wine glasses. The tour provides all necessary glassware for the wine tastings. Just be sure to wear comfortable shoes and bring any other personal items you might need for the day, like sunscreen or a camera.

Can We Extend the Tour Duration for an Additional Fee?

Yes, the tour duration can be extended for an additional fee. Guests can inquire with the tour provider about extended tour options and pricing. The standard tour is 4 hours, but longer durations may be available upon request.

The Sum Up

The Hawthorne Vineyards Old Mission Wine Tour offers a spectacular and intimate wine tasting experience. Visitors can indulge in the region’s finest vintages while marveling at the stunning natural beauty of the Old Mission Peninsula. With luxury transportation, personal guidance, and ample time to savor each winery, this tour promises an unforgettable journey for wine enthusiasts seeking to discover the best of Traverse City’s vibrant wine scene.