NON BUS GIRLS TRIP Traverse City Old Mission Wine Tour

Traveling through Michigan’s wine country can be a delightful experience—and choosing the right tour makes all the difference. The NON BUS GIRLS TRIP Traverse City Old Mission Wine Tour, operated by Movie Stars Wine Tours, promises a sophisticated and personalized way to explore Old Mission Peninsula’s best wineries without the chaos of traditional party buses. From the moment we looked into it, a few things caught our eye: the luxurious transportation, the focus on reds and boutique wineries, and the highly-rated guides who seem genuinely passionate about wine and hospitality.

What we love about this tour? First, it’s luxury-oriented with exclusive vehicles like GMC Yukons and Cadillacs, which deliver comfort and style. Second, the personalized experience with knowledgeable guides who cater to your preferences—no rushing or crowded buses. Third, the variety of wineries visited, each renowned for their reds, offering a well-rounded tasting experience. The only thing to consider? The cost might seem higher than standard tours, but given the level of comfort and expertise, it’s a good value for wine aficionados seeking quality over quantity.

This tour is ideal for couples celebrating special occasions, groups of friends, or anyone who wants to enjoy Michigan’s wine scene with a touch of elegance. If you appreciate personalized service, smooth rides, and expert guidance, this experience is likely to be a highlight of your trip to Traverse City.

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Good To Know

Luxury Transportation: Travel in GMC Yukons, Cadillac Escalades, or similar vehicles, offering comfort and style.
Expert Guides: Knowledgeable, friendly guides lead the way, ensuring a curated and engaging winery visit.
Focused on Reds: The tour emphasizes red wine varieties, including notable wines like Cabernet Franc and Malbec.
Flexible Scheduling: Multiple departure times, including a sunset option, cater to different plans and preferences.
Semi-private Experience: Most groups are small (6-7 guests per vehicle), providing an intimate atmosphere.
Additional Benefits: Groups of six or more receive a complimentary bottle of wine, and the company is veteran-owned and operated.

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An In-Depth Look at the Traverse City Old Mission Wine Tour

The Starting Point: A Private, Comfortable Pickup

Unlike many tours that rely on the kind of rickety, overcrowded buses we’ve all endured, this experience begins with a luxury pickup from central Traverse City. The meeting spot is the Hardy Street Parking Structure, conveniently close to downtown and the Park Place Hotel. Guests are greeted by GMC Yukons or Cadillac Escalades, setting the tone for a stylish day ahead. The private pickups are a significant perk—no long walks from distant parking lots or crowded transportation hubs, which means you can start unwinding right from the start.

The flexibility of pickup locations and times, plus the option to be dropped off at local hotels or downtown spots, makes this tour especially appealing for travelers who want a seamless, hassle-free experience.

The Vehicles: Comfort and Style Matter

The tour’s vehicles aren’t just transportation—they’re part of the experience. The SUVs are air-conditioned, spacious, and modern, ensuring you stay comfortable no matter the weather. The promise of semi-private groups, mostly 6-7 people, means you won’t be crammed like sardines. Many guests noted in reviews that they appreciated the more intimate experience, which allowed for conversation and personalized attention.

The upcoming addition of Cadillac Escalades will only elevate this further, but even now, the GMC Yukons deliver a smooth, quiet ride. It’s quite different from the traditional party bus, making the entire day feel more exclusive and relaxed.

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The Wineries: Visiting Old Mission Peninsula’s Best

The core of the tour focuses on four iconic wineries on Old Mission Peninsula, each renowned for their reds. Here’s a quick overview of each:

Chateau Grand Traverse: The first stop, and a historic winery, offers a broad and diverse wine menu. Guests often rave about the Plum Reserve, which is a highlight for many. The winery’s setting provides beautiful scenery, making it a perfect photo op.

Hawthorne Vineyards: Known particularly for their Cabernet Franc, this winery is praised for its rich, flavorful reds. Visitors often mention the friendly staff and the chance to sample some of Michigan’s best reds.

Bowers Harbor Vineyards: This stop is all about blending and unique offerings like La Familia and 2896 blends. The tasting experience here is often described as “savoring the region’s best,” with some reviews noting the vineyard’s welcoming atmosphere.

Chateau Chantal: The finale for many tours, Chateau Chantal offers a variety of reds, including the Naughty or Nice Red and Malbec. Guests love the option to pair wines with locally sourced snacks, enhancing the tasting.

Some tours include an optional distillery stop during sunset, allowing guests to diversify their experience. The winery selection can be tailored based on guest preferences, weather, and availability, which speaks to the tour’s flexibility and customization.

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Personalized, Guided Experience

Led by guides like “Magic Mike,” the tour’s focus isn’t just on transportation but on providing expert insights and tailored recommendations. Many reviewers appreciated guides’ knowledge and friendliness, noting that they went beyond just pouring wine—they offered background, pairing tips, and answered questions with enthusiasm.

The guides’ background as former law enforcement officers adds a layer of trust and professionalism. Guests frequently mention the feeling of being well cared-for, with some noting the guides’ ability to blend professionalism with personalized attention.

The Winery Experience: What You Can Expect

Each winery visit lasts around an hour, enough for several tastings and a chance to chat with staff or relax on the scenic grounds. The focus on reds means you’ll sample a variety of flavorful options—perfect for wine lovers who prefer bold profiles. Many reviews note that the wines are award-winning and well-curated, showcasing Michigan’s emerging reputation as a red wine powerhouse.

If you’re curious about specific wines, guides are usually happy to recommend options based on your taste preferences. And if you’re celebrating a special occasion, letting your guide know in advance can add some extra touches, like a special bottle or personalized recommendations.

What’s Included and What’s Not

For $89 per person, the tour includes luxury vehicle transportation, expert guides, and wine samples at each stop. The company’s policy on not including food or wine flights means you might want to budget for additional tastings or snacks, but this also keeps the focus on the wineries’ offerings.

A fantastic perk is that groups of 6+ get a free bottle of wine, which is a nice gesture for larger parties. The tour is air-conditioned and veteran-owned, adding an extra layer of professionalism and safety.

What’s not included? Food, additional wine purchases, or extras like glasses and bottles. Also, no smoking or vaping is allowed during the tour, which helps maintain the enjoyment for everyone.

Sunset and Flexible Scheduling

The tour’s multiple departure times, including a sunset option, mean you can choose a time that fits your schedule and mood. The sunset experience adds a magical touch, with golden views over the vineyards—perfect for couples or a group celebrating anything from birthdays to anniversaries.

Why Choose This Tour?

This experience is especially suited for travelers craving a luxury, personalized wine tour rather than a rushed, crowded bus ride. Its focus on reds and boutique wineries will appeal to those wanting to taste Michigan’s best wines in a relaxed atmosphere. The small group size, expert guides, and luxury transportation make it a comfortable and memorable day.

It’s also a great choice for celebrating special occasions—the flexible scheduling and thoughtful touches like a complimentary bottle make it feel exclusive. If you’re looking for a stress-free way to enjoy Traverse City’s wine scene, this tour delivers.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

Wine lovers who prefer reds and boutique wineries
Travelers wanting a luxury, intimate experience
Groups celebrating milestones or special occasions
Those seeking a relaxing, guided day without the hassle of driving
Visitors who appreciate knowledgeable guides and personalized recommendations

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the price of the tour? The tour costs $89 per person, which covers transportation, guides, and tastings at each winery.

How long does the tour last? The standard tour runs for approximately 4.5 hours, with multiple departure times available, including sunset options.

Are the vehicles private and comfortable? Yes, the tour uses luxury SUVs like GMC Yukons and Cadillac Escalades, providing a smooth, air-conditioned ride. Most groups are small, around 6-7 guests.

What wineries will I visit? The standard tour visits four wineries on Old Mission Peninsula, including Chateau Grand Traverse, Hawthorne Vineyards, Bowers Harbor Vineyards, and Chateau Chantal. Select wineries depend on availability and guest preferences.

Is the tour suitable for children or pregnant women? No, the tour is not recommended for children under 12 or pregnant women due to alcohol consumption.

Can I bring my own wine or snacks? Outside drinks are not allowed in the vehicle, but you can purchase wine or food at the wineries.

What should I bring? Comfortable shoes, a hat, camera, sunscreen, and water are recommended for your comfort and safety.

Is there a choice of departure times? Yes, tours depart at multiple times, including options for sunset experiences, allowing you to pick what best fits your schedule.

How do I cancel or reschedule? You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility if your plans change.

Final Thoughts

The NON BUS GIRLS TRIP Traverse City Old Mission Wine Tour offers a high-end, relaxed way to explore Michigan’s renowned wine country. With its luxury vehicles, expert guides, and focus on reds, it’s perfect for those wanting a curated, authentic experience without the chaos of larger, party-focused tours.

You’ll appreciate the attention to detail—from the personal pickup to the carefully selected wineries—making your wine day not just enjoyable but memorable. Whether celebrating a special event or simply wanting to indulge in Michigan’s wine scene comfortably, this tour provides excellent value and an experience to savor.

For wine lovers who value comfort, exclusivity, and expert guidance, this tour hits the mark—delivering a taste of Michigan’s best reds while keeping you relaxed and well cared-for from start to finish.