NON BUS Traverse Sunset Wine Tour 3 Winery Old Mission Peninsula

Planning a wine tour around Traverse City? You’ve probably come across a range of options, but this NON BUS Traverse Sunset Wine Tour truly offers something special. Designed for those who want a relaxed, intimate experience without the chaos of party buses, this tour combines expert guiding, beautiful scenery, and top-notch wine tasting—all in a semi-private vehicle.

What we love about this experience is the personalized attention from knowledgeable guides, the stunning vistas of Grand Traverse Bay, and the chance to sample diverse, high-quality wines at some of the region’s best vineyards. One potential consideration? The tour is just 3 to 4 hours, so those wanting a longer day might need to plan accordingly. This tour is best suited for couples, small groups, or anyone eager to enjoy wine and scenic views without the typical crowds.

Good To Know

Personalized, semi-private experience with small groups or couples
Expert guides offer local insights and wine recommendations
Luxury SUV transportation avoids the hassle of party buses
Includes wine samples—flights, bottles, and food are extra
Flexible pickup in downtown Traverse City
Stunning views of Grand Traverse Bay add to the charm

Why Choose This Tour?

This wine tour stands out because it’s not just transportation—it’s a curated experience. You’ll enjoy being driven in a comfortable, air-conditioned SUV, with a knowledgeable guide who treats the journey as a VIP event. Unlike bigger bus tours, this one limits the group size, so conversations feel more genuine and tailored. Reviewers, such as Sandra, appreciated the guides’ expertise and friendly service, noting her trip with Mike as particularly memorable. She mentioned he took them to the best spots and shared useful wine insights, making the experience feel more like a visit with friends than a tour.

The stunning scenery plays a big role, especially at Hawthorne Vineyards, perched on a high bluff overlooking East and West Grand Traverse Bays. The panoramic views alone make the trip worthwhile. Plus, visiting iconic wineries like Bonobo—founded by local natives—means tasting wines that reflect the region’s unique terroir and craftsmanship.

The Itinerary in Detail

Stop 1: Hawthorne Vineyards

Your first stop is at Hawthorne Vineyards, a standout because of its secluded location and breathtaking panorama. Its high bluff position offers views of both bays, making it a perfect spot to sip wine while soaking in the scenery. The vineyard is known for its reds and whites, with popular options like Merlot/Cab Franc blends and Auxerrois or Dry Riesling whites.

Guests can purchase flights, wine by the glass, or bottles. The tasting room also offers popcorn flights and charcuterie boards, adding a delightful snack to the wine tasting. Reviewers consistently praise Hawthorne for its beautiful setting and the chance to enjoy a more intimate tasting experience away from crowded wineries.

Stop 2: Bonobo Winery

Next, the tour takes you to Bonobo Winery—founded by local brothers Todd and Carter Oosterhouse. This winery is renowned for its stunning views and excellent wines. You can sample reds like BDX and top-tier Pinot Noir, or whites such as Blanc de Blancs, chardonnays, and a Fume Blanc. One of the unique perks here is the opportunity to try a glass of whiskey, a rare find on the peninsula.

Guest reviews highlight Bonobo’s friendly, star-worthy atmosphere and its knowledgeable staff. The quality of wines and the top-notch customer service make it a favorite, and the fact that you can purchase wines on-site makes it convenient to bring a bottle home.

Stop 3: Old Mission Distilling

This stop adds a bit of variety with Old Mission Distilling, a newer but rapidly popular spot. Here, you’ll learn about the local ingredients used to craft spirits, mainly sourced from nearby farms and orchards. The tasting room offers mixed drinks and wines, giving you a chance to explore beyond just wine.

Guests have mentioned the lively atmosphere and appreciate the focus on local ingredients. It’s an excellent opportunity to see the diversity of what Old Mission Peninsula has to offer.

Optional Stop 4: Bowers Harbor Vineyards

Depending on the season, the tour might include a visit to Bowers Harbor Vineyards, one of the original wineries established in 1991. Known as the “dog winery”, it’s famous for its friendly pet-friendly environment. The estate has 20 acres of vinifera vines, and the cozy tasting room, a former horse stable, offers a warm, rustic vibe.

Guests often mention the generous wine selections—Riesling, Chardonnay, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Grigio, Merlot, Pinot Noir—and the friendly staff who make everyone feel at home. This stop is particularly appreciated for its laid-back, welcoming atmosphere.

Grand Traverse Bay Views

The tour includes a scenic drive past the expansive Grand Traverse Bay, often considered the jewel of the region. The bay, separated from Lake Michigan by the Leelanau Peninsula, spans about 32 miles and boasts depths up to 620 feet. On the way between stops, you’ll get glimpses of the crystal-clear waters and rugged shoreline, making even the drive a visual treat.

What to Expect During the Tour

The 3 to 4-hour experience is a well-paced journey with about 55 minutes at each stop, providing ample time for tasting, exploring the vineyard or distillery, and soaking in the views. The luxury SUV—most likely a GMC Yukon or Chevrolet Suburban—ensures comfort, with climate control and plenty of space.

The semi-private nature means your group will be a mix of couples or small parties, typically 6-7 people per vehicle. This setup strikes a balance between intimacy and social interaction, perfect for those who prefer a more personal experience.

The Guides and Service

Guests consistently rave about the knowledge and friendliness of the guides. They’re not just drivers—they’re wine enthusiasts eager to share recommendations and insights. For example, Sandra noted her guide Mike’s recommendations and teaching about local wines, which added a lot of value to her trip.

Cost and Value

While the tour price of $68 per person covers luxury transportation and wine samples, wine tastings, bottles, and food are additional costs. This means you can tailor your experience—whether you want just a splash of wine or a full bottle, or perhaps some snacks to go along.

Many reviewers feel this price offers good value for the intimate, guided experience and stunning scenery. Plus, the convenience of pickup and drop-off in downtown Traverse City eliminates the hassle of parking or navigating on your own.

Who Will Love This Experience?

This sunset wine tour appeals most to travelers who value personalized service, scenic beauty, and quality wines. It’s ideal for couples wanting a romantic outing, small groups celebrating special occasions, or anyone keen to learn about local wines from passionate guides.

If you’re not a huge fan of crowds or busy party buses, you’ll appreciate the semi-private, relaxed vibe. Plus, the focus on expert recommendations and insider knowledge makes it a perfect choice for wine enthusiasts eager to deepen their understanding.

FAQs

Is transportation provided?
Yes, you’ll be driven in a luxury SUV, most often a GMC Yukon or similar, with pickup and drop-off in downtown Traverse City.

How long does the tour last?
The experience takes approximately 3 to 4 hours, with around 55 minutes spent at each stop.

Are wine tastings included?
Wine samples are included during the tour, but tastings, bottles, and food are extra and can be purchased at each stop.

Can I join this tour if I’m traveling alone?
Absolutely. The group size is limited, and the tour is semi-private, so solo travelers are more than welcome and will likely be paired with others.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, this popular tour is typically booked about 52 days in advance, and early booking is recommended.

What is the best time to do this tour?
The tour ends around sunset, making it especially scenic. The timing at 3:30 pm aligns well with the sunset, ideal for capturing memorable views.

Final Thoughts

The NON BUS Traverse Sunset Wine Tour offers a refined, stress-free way to explore the wineries of Old Mission Peninsula. With professional guides, intimate group sizes, and stunning scenery, it elevates the traditional wine tasting experience to something more personal and memorable.

For those eager to taste top-tier wines without the chaos of larger groups or party buses, this experience provides a perfect balance of comfort, education, and scenic beauty. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want a relaxing afternoon, it’s a worthwhile indulgence.

In short, if you appreciate expert-led tours in a cozy setting with breathtaking views and high-quality wines, this tour is an excellent choice. It’s especially well-suited for couples or small groups who want a meaningful, personalized experience that captures the essence of Traverse City’s wine country.

Enjoy your wine adventure, and cheers to discovering some of Michigan’s finest.