NON BUS BRYS Estates FROSE’ Traverse Old Mission Wine Tour

Planning a wine adventure in Traverse City? If you’re tired of crowded party buses and want a more personalized, upscale experience, this Frose’ and wine tour might just be your answer. Designed for those who appreciate quality, comfort, and authentic tastings, this tour offers a sleek, semi-private way to explore the Old Mission Peninsula’s finest wineries without the chaos of typical group tours.

What makes this experience stand out? First, the luxury SUVs—think GMC Yukons or Cadillac Escalade—offer a comfortable, stylish ride that elevates the whole day. Second, the expert guides, led by the charismatic “Magic Mike” and seasoned wine connoisseurs, ensure you learn about the region and its wines in a relaxed, engaging manner. Third, the frozen drinks, especially the signature Frose’, are crafted with care, avoiding the overly sweet, syrupy versions you might expect.

A potential consideration? The tour is not suitable for pregnant travelers or those who prefer a more energetic party vibe; it’s more refined and laid-back. Also, the experiences focus on tasting and scenery, so if you’re after a lively, party atmosphere, this might not be your vibe. However, if you’re after an elegant, personalized tasting day with a touch of luxury, this tour fits the bill perfectly.

This experience is best suited for couples, small groups, or anyone who wants a relaxed, luxury-focused way to explore Traverse City’s wine scene, enjoy beautifully curated frozen drinks, and learn from local experts.

Good To Know

• Luxury Transportation: Travel in style in high-end SUVs rather than standard party buses.
• Curated Experience: Led by knowledgeable guides providing personalized recommendations.
• Frozen Drinks & Wine: Unique offerings like Frose’, Sangria, Lemonade Lavender, plus regional wines.
• Visit Top Wineries: Including Chateau Chantal, Bowers Harbor, and Brys Estate, each with their own specialties.
• Flexible Scheduling: Departures from downtown Traverse City with options for day or sunset tours.
• Group Size & Value: Semi-private tours typically host small groups, with a complimentary bottle of wine for larger groups.

You can check if your dates are available here:

In-Depth Look at the Experience

The Itinerary & Stops

The tour spans about 4.5 hours, offering visits to four iconic wineries and a distillery, with the chance to sample wines, ciders, spirits, and frozen drinks. The day is carefully planned to maximize tasting time while keeping the journey relaxed and unhurried.

Hawthorne Vineyards is a highlight, especially if you’re into cider; here, you can enjoy raspberry and cherry ciders alongside their award-winning wines. Reviewers appreciate the laid-back atmosphere and the chance to sample multiple seasonal ciders like blueberry, peach, and blackberry. One guest mentioned, “Sampling the cherry cider was a real treat—perfect for a warm day.”

Next, a trip to Bowers Harbor Vineyards promises the renowned Pinot Secco Rose, plus a chance to explore their diverse cider offerings if available. The guides are praised for their knowledge about the wines and the region’s history, making each tasting more meaningful. One reviewer commented, “Our guide really explained how the region’s climate influences the wine, which made the tasting even more interesting.”

Chateau Chantal is a favorite for its wide array of options, including ciders, wines, brandy, vodka, and beer. Here, you’ll enjoy the Frozen Sangria—a hit among guests for its balance of fruitiness and coolness. The guides often recommend food pairings and share fun tidbits about the estate, adding depth to the experience.

Finally, at Brys Estate, the star attraction is the original Frose’. Unlike typical slushies, these frozen drinks are crafted with finesse, avoiding oversweetening. Reviews rave about their perfection, with one guest describing it as “the best Frose’ I’ve ever had—smooth, flavorful, and beautifully cold.” Bonobo Winery offers a seasonal Frozen Lemonade Lavender, made with vodka, which many find refreshing and unique.

The Journey in Style

Traveling in luxury SUVs like GMC Yukons or Cadillacs significantly elevates the experience. You won’t feel cramped; instead, you’re surrounded by comfort and style. The vehicle’s air conditioning keeps things cool, especially on warmer days, and the ride feels smooth and quiet—perfect for chatting with friends or listening to expert commentary.

The small group size (generally 6-7 guests per vehicle) fosters an intimate atmosphere. There’s no rushing or overcrowding typical of larger tours, which many guests appreciate. As one reviewer noted, “We felt like VIPs, with plenty of time at each stop and no feeling of being herded around.”

The Guides & Personal Touch

The guides, including “Magic Mike,” are praised for their enthusiasm and expertise. They’re passionate about wine, cider, and spirits, and they share stories that make each tasting memorable. Guests often mention how guides tailor their recommendations based on personal tastes, which adds a personalized touch that’s missing from typical group tours.

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Value for Money

At $89 per person, the tour offers a lot of value. The cost covers transportation, expert guidance, tastings, and a small group setting. Groups of six or more even receive a free bottle of wine—which adds an extra souvenir to remember your trip. Additional costs are transparent: flights, bottles, and food are extra, allowing you to choose what you want to indulge in without hidden fees.

Practical Details & Tips

The departure points are conveniently located in downtown Traverse City, with pickup at Hardy Street Parking Structure or nearby hotels. The flexible scheduling means you can choose between daytime visits to four wineries or a sunset tour with three wineries and a distillery, depending on your mood.

Guests should be aware that alcoholic drinks are not permitted in the vehicle, which makes sense for safety and compliance reasons. It’s also designed for those 21 and over, excluding pregnant travelers or those who prefer more energetic party atmospheres.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re after a sophisticated, relaxed day of tasting, learning, and enjoying in style, this tour hits the spot. It’s perfect for couples celebrating a special occasion, small groups of friends, or even wine enthusiasts wanting insider insights. It’s less about partying and more about savoring and appreciating the region’s best offerings in comfort.

This experience also suits travelers who value quality over quantity—getting plenty of time at each winery, personalized guidance, and a luxurious ride. If you prefer a more lively, loud party atmosphere, you might find this tour too subdued. But if you’re seeking elegance and intimacy, this will meet your expectations.

The Sum Up

This non-bus, luxury Frose’ and wine tour in Traverse City offers a refreshing, upscale way to explore the Old Mission Peninsula. From the sleek SUVs and knowledgeable guides to the curated tastings of wine, cider, spirits, and frozen drinks—every detail is designed to maximize comfort and enjoyment.

It’s an excellent choice for travelers who want to skip the crowd and experience the region in style. The combination of personalized service, beautiful scenery, and expertly crafted frozen drinks makes this a memorable day out—especially if you’re a fan of quality, authenticity, and a touch of luxury.

While it may be more subdued than typical party tours, it provides a satisfying balance of education, relaxation, and indulgence. Perfect for those who want a classy, intimate wine adventure, with plenty of opportunities to learn, sip, and take home a few stories—and maybe a bottle or two.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for pregnant women?
No, this tour is designed for those 21 and over, and alcohol consumption is part of the experience. Pregnant travelers would not be able to participate in the tastings.

What’s included in the price?
For $89, you get luxury transportation in SUVs, a knowledgeable guide, tastings of wine, cider, spirits, and frozen drinks, and a small group setting. A group of 6 or more also receives a free bottle of wine.

Can I choose the departure time?
Yes, the tour offers flexible scheduling, with options for daytime or sunset/afternoon departures, depending on your preference.

Where do I meet the guide?
Pick-up is at Hardy Street Parking Structure in downtown Traverse City, near Middlecoast Brewery, or at other local locations if arranged in advance.

Are food and additional drinks included?
No, food, additional wine, or spirits are extra and can be purchased separately at each winery or distillery.

Is this a private tour?
It’s semi-private, typically accommodating small groups of 6-7 guests per vehicle, which creates an intimate, VIP feel without the cost of a full private tour.

This Frose’ and wine tour strikes a great balance between comfort, authenticity, and fun. Whether you’re celebrating, sightseeing, or simply indulging, it promises an elegant adventure in Traverse City’s beautiful wine region.

You can check if your dates are available here: