Traverse City: Luxury Red Wine Tour (No Buses!)

Traverse City’s Luxury Red Wine Tour offers an elevated wine tasting experience for discerning oenophiles. This semi-private tour showcases the finest red wines from the Old Mission Peninsula’s acclaimed wineries. Guests won’t find any rowdy party buses here – just an intimate, sophisticated journey through the region’s viniculture. With expert guidance, luxurious transportation, and a stunning sunset finale, this tour promises to transport wine enthusiasts to new heights of indulgence.

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Key Points

Immersive 4.5-hour luxury SUV tour of Old Mission Peninsula’s acclaimed wineries, featuring exceptional red wine tastings.
Visit four wineries known for exceptional red wines, including Cab Franc, La Familia, Naughty or Nice Red, and Cab Merlot.
Semi-private tours with expert wine guides, and complimentary bottle of wine for groups of 6 or more.
Comfortable, spacious transportation in luxury SUVs, with no party bus atmosphere.
Tour not suitable for children under 10, pregnant women, or individuals with back problems.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The Traverse City Luxury Red Wine Tour offers an immersive 4.5-hour experience for wine enthusiasts, priced from $99.00 per person.

Guests can reserve their spot without upfront payment and enjoy free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Guests can reserve their spot without upfront payment and enjoy free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

The tour traverses the picturesque Old Mission Peninsula, visiting four acclaimed wineries renowned for exceptional red wines.

Participants will sample a variety of blends, including Cab Franc, La Familia, Naughty or Nice Red, and Cab Merlot.

The experience can be customized with flexible scheduling, with departures at 10:30 AM or 3:30 PM.

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Experience and Itinerary

Guests embark on a luxury SUV tour of the Old Mission Peninsula, visiting four iconic wineries renowned for their exceptional red wines.

They’ll savor Cab Franc at Hawthorne Vineyards, taste La Familia and 2896 blends at Bowers Harbor Vineyards, explore Naughty or Nice Red and Malbec at Chateau Chantal, and sample Cab Merlot, Cab Franc, BDX, and OV Pinot Noir at Brys Estate & Bonobo Winery.

An optional distillery stop is included in the sunset experience. The tour offers flexible scheduling, with departures at 10:30 AM or 3:30 PM, and is led by expert wine guides and local UofM and MSU graduates.

Tour Features

Semi-private tours combine couples and small groups, typically 6-7 per vehicle. Expert wine guides lead the tastings, sharing their deep knowledge of the region’s exceptional red wines.

Groups of 6 or more receive a complimentary bottle of wine, subject to availability. The tours are led by local guides who are graduates of the University of Michigan and Michigan State University, ensuring an informed and engaging experience.

The vehicles are luxury SUVs, like the GMC Yukon or Chevrolet Suburban, with air conditioning to keep guests comfortable.

Alcoholic drinks aren’t allowed in the vehicle, but wine samples, flights, bottles, and food can be purchased at the wineries. Fancy wine-drinking hats are highly recommended.

Transportation and Amenities

Luxury GMC Yukon or Chevrolet Suburban SUVs, with air conditioning, transport guests on the tour.

The vehicles offer a comfortable, spacious ride without the party bus atmosphere.

Wine samples are available, though flights, bottles, and food are at an additional cost.

Alcoholic drinks aren’t allowed in the vehicle, but guests can purchase snacks and refreshments.

Clients should note the tour isn’t suitable for children under 10, pregnant women, or those with back problems.

Fancy wine-drinking hats are highly recommended, though not required.

The tour uses local guides who are University of Michigan and Michigan State University graduates.

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Meeting Point and Considerations

The tour meeting point is at the east side of the Hardy Street Parking Structure, near the State Street entrance. This location provides a convenient starting point for the Traverse City Luxury Red Wine Tour.

Guests should be aware that the tour isn’t suitable for children under 10, pregnant women, or individuals with back problems. Comfortable shoes, hats, cameras, sunscreen, and water are recommended.

Alcoholic drinks aren’t allowed in the vehicle. Participants must be 21 or older to participate in the wine tastings. Fancy wine-drinking hats are highly encouraged for those looking to embrace the Traverse City wine experience fully.

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Wineries Visited

The tour takes guests to four iconic wineries on the Old Mission Peninsula, each renowned for its exceptional red wines.

At Hawthorne Vineyards, visitors sample the Cab Franc.

The tour then moves to Bowers Harbor Vineyards, where they try the La Familia and 2896 blends.

Next, they visit Chateau Chantal for the Naughty or Nice Red and Malbec.

The final stop is Brys Estate & Bonobo Winery, where they taste the Cab Merlot, Cab Franc, BDX, and OV Pinot Noir.

An optional distillery stop is included in the sunset experience.

Sunset Experience

If guests opt for the sunset experience, they’re treated to an optional distillery stop, allowing them to cap off the day with a satisfying nightcap.

At the distillery, they can sample unique, artisanal spirits and purchase bottles to take home. This extra stop provides a relaxing conclusion to the tour, with the opportunity to unwind and reflect on the exceptional wines tasted throughout the day.

With the sun dipping below the horizon, guests can savor the final moments of their luxury red wine adventure in Traverse City’s picturesque setting.

About the Guides

Expert wine guides lead the Traverse City Luxury Red Wine Tour, offering a wealth of knowledge and insights to guests.

They’re real wine connoisseurs, not just generic tour guides. Many are University of Michigan and Michigan State University graduates, providing a local perspective.

During the tour, they’ll lead engaging tastings and share fascinating stories about the region’s winemaking history and the distinct characteristics of each varietal.

The expert guides lead engaging tastings and share fascinating stories about the region’s winemaking history and distinct varietal characteristics.

Their expertise ensures guests have a truly immersive and educational experience, elevating the overall tour from a standard wine tasting to a deep dive into Traverse City’s renowned red wine scene.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I Need to Bring My Own Wine Glasses?

No, you don’t need to bring your own wine glasses. The tour provides all necessary glassware for the wine tastings at the wineries you’ll visit. Just bring yourself and a thirst for some delicious red wines.

Can I Bring My Own Snacks and Drinks?

No, guests can’t bring their own snacks and drinks on the tour. The luxury vehicles provide wine samples, and alcoholic drinks, snacks, and food are available for purchase during the winery stops.

Is There Any Handicap Accessibility for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t provide specific handicap accessibility. While the vehicles are large SUVs, guests with mobility issues should contact the company in advance to discuss their needs and determine if the tour is suitable for them.

How Often Do the Tours Run During the Day?

The tours run twice daily, with departures at 10:30 AM and 3:30 PM, allowing guests to choose the schedule that best fits their plans. This flexible scheduling provides convenient options for exploring the region’s renowned red wines.

Can I Request a Private Tour for My Group?

Yes, private tours are available for groups. The tour operator can accommodate private bookings for your party, and the tour experience can be tailored to your group’s preferences. Pricing may vary based on group size and tour customization.

The Sum Up

The Traverse City Luxury Red Wine Tour offers a sophisticated and personalized wine tasting experience. With expert guides, private luxury transportation, and visits to four renowned wineries, this tour allows wine enthusiasts to indulge in exceptional red wines while enjoying the breathtaking scenery of the Old Mission Peninsula. The convenient meeting point and lack of upfront payment make this tour an attractive option for those seeking a premium wine experience.