Imagine sipping on frose, wine, and spirits while riding in a sleek luxury SUV, all without the chaos of crowded party buses. That’s what the Brys Estates FROSE’ Traverse Old Mission Wine Tour promises. This 4.5-hour experience takes you through some of Michigan’s top wineries, combining style, taste, and a bit of local charm. It’s a neat way to explore the region’s wine scene with a touch of comfort and class.

What really caught our eye is the luxury transportation — no squeaky old buses here, just smooth rides in GMC Yukons or Cadillac Escalades. Plus, having a wine expert guide makes a difference, offering personalized recommendations and insights. On the flip side, the tour isn’t exactly budget-friendly, but for those craving a more upscale, curated experience, it could be worth every penny.

If you’re someone who appreciates good wine, enjoys innovative frozen drinks, and wants to avoid the typical tourist fare, this tour might be perfect. It’s also a solid choice if you prefer a more intimate, semi-private experience rather than large, noisy bus groups.

Key Points

Luxury SUVs provide a comfortable, stylish ride through Old Mission Peninsula.
Curated tastings include a variety of frozen drinks, wines, ciders, and spirits.
Expert guides enhance the experience with personalized recommendations and local knowledge.
The tour visits 4 iconic wineries and a distillery, showcasing the region’s diversity.
Flexible scheduling offers options for day or sunset tours.
The VIP treatment includes private guides and a semi-private vehicle, avoiding the crowded bus scene.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Closer Look at the Experience

When you think of wine tours, images of crowded buses and long lines might come to mind. Not here. This experience is designed for those who want to enjoy more personalized attention, in a luxury setting. The tour lasts about 4.5 hours, which means enough time to soak in the scenery, chat with your guide, and savor some fantastic drinks without feeling rushed.

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The Transportation: Style and Comfort

The highlight of this tour is the luxury SUV transportation. You’ll be riding in either a GMC Yukon or a Cadillac Escalade, which means plenty of space, climate control, and a smooth ride. The appeal is clear — no cramped seats or noisy crowds. The vehicles are air-conditioned, so even in warmer weather, you’ll stay comfortable. Plus, since the tour is semi-private, most groups are small (around 6-7 people), which creates a more relaxed, intimate vibe.

The Itinerary: What Wineries Will You Visit?

The tour includes visits to four notable wineries and a distillery, each with their own character:

Hawthorne Vineyards: Known for their raspberry and cherry ciders, plus several award-winning wines. If you’re into fruity ciders, this is a great stop. As one reviewer notes, “We loved the way Hawthorne’s Raspberry Cider balanced sweetness with a touch of tartness.”
Bowers Harbor Vineyards: Famous for their Pinot Secco Rosé and seasonal ciders like cherry, blueberry, or peach. The guide might recommend trying their wines or ciders depending on what’s available that day. One guest said, “Getting to taste the Pinot Secco Rosé was a real highlight, it’s crisp and refreshing.”
Chateau Chantal: A staple of the region, offering wines, ciders, brandy, vodka, and beer. If you’re curious about variety, this is your stop. One traveler appreciated that “the guide was very knowledgeable about their diverse offerings.”
Brys Estate: The focus is on their famous Frose’, which is described as like a “wine slushy,” but not overly sweet. The frozen Frose’ has received rave reviews for its perfection and the way it balances flavor and refreshment. Plus, it’s the only place where you get the exclusive Frose’ experience.
Bonobo Winery: Known for their frozen Lemonade Lavender Vodka (seasonal) and other drinks. Here, you’ll find the frozen Lemonade Lavender, which is a seasonal favorite. One reviewer called it “the perfect blend of floral and citrus.”

The Drinks: Frozen and Otherwise

The tour’s signature feature is the frose — a wine-based slushy that’s far from the overly sweet, artificial slushies you might expect. It’s made with high-quality wine, carefully crafted to deliver a balanced, enjoyable frozen drink. Besides that, you’ll get to try frozen Sangria, Lemonade Lavender, and other seasonal favorites.

The emphasis on quality frozen drinks is evident. They aren’t just gimmicky; they’re thoughtfully prepared and meant to complement the wines and ciders on offer. This adds a fun, refreshing twist, especially in warmer months or on a sunny day.

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The Guide and Overall Service

Having an expert guide makes a real difference. They’re enthusiastic about Michigan wines and eager to share insights, enhance your tasting experience, and answer questions. The reviews mention guides like “Magic Mike,” who are both personable and knowledgeable, making the tour feel more like a curated experience rather than just a hop-on, hop-off.

The semi-private nature of the tour typically means groups are small, which fosters conversations and a relaxed atmosphere. Plus, your guide will provide personalized recommendations based on your tastes, which makes the day feel tailored to you.

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Cost and Value

At $89 per person, this tour is not the cheapest wine adventure out there. However, considering the luxury transportation, curated tastings, and personalized service, many see it as good value. The fact that groups of six or more receive a free bottle of wine (Gamay or Secco, depending on availability) is a nice bonus, adding to the perceived value.

What you’re paying for, really, is the experience — the comfort, the quality of the drinks, the expert guidance, and the scenic drive through one of Michigan’s prized wine regions. It’s more about a curated, upscale outing than just sampling wines.

Flexibility and Convenience

The tour offers flexible scheduling, with options for day or sunset tours. Pickup is easy and central in downtown Traverse City, at Hardy Street Parking Structure, right across from the Park Place Hotel. The pickup and drop-off service means you don’t have to worry about finding a designated driver or navigating traffic after a few drinks.

You can also reserve now and pay later, which is a nice feature if your plans are still flexible. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance, providing peace of mind.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal for those who want a more upscale, personalized wine tasting without the chaos of typical bus tours. It’s suited for couples, small groups, or anyone looking for a relaxed, stylish day out. It’s not really designed for families with kids or pregnant women, as alcohol in the vehicle isn’t allowed, and the focus is on wine and spirits.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a luxury, curated wine and frozen drink experience in Traverse City, this tour delivers on style, comfort, and unique tastings. You’ll love the well-chosen wineries and the frosty drinks that add a fun, refreshing twist to your day. The guides’ expertise helps you make the most of each stop, turning what could be just another wine tour into a memorable outing.

While it’s on the pricier side, the semi-private, luxury vehicle approach and the focus on quality drinks justify the cost for many. This tour is especially well-suited if you prefer your tasting experiences to feel personal and relaxed, rather than hurried or crowded.

If you’re visiting Traverse City and want to enjoy a more refined wine adventure, coupled with scenic views and excellent service, this could be a great fit. Just remember, if you’re looking for a budget option or family-friendly activity, you might want to explore other tours.

Ready to Book?

NON BUS BRYS Estates FROSE’ Traverse Old Mission Wine Tour

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for people who don’t drink alcohol?
This tour is designed for those who want to enjoy wine, ciders, and spirits. Since alcohol isn’t allowed in the vehicle, non-drinkers won’t have access to tastings. It’s not ideal if you’re sober or pregnant.

Can I customize the experience?
The tour offers some flexibility in scheduling and guide recommendations. However, the stops are preselected, focusing on top wineries and tasting options.

What kind of vehicle will I ride in?
You’ll be riding in a luxury SUV — either a GMC Yukon or a Cadillac Escalade — providing ample space and comfort.

How many people typically join the tour?
Most groups are around 6-7 guests, creating a semi-private experience. Larger groups might get a free bottle of wine.

What frozen drinks are available?
The tour features a variety of frozen drinks including Frose’, Frozen Sangria, and Lemonade Lavender, depending on the stop and season.

Is the tour family-friendly?
No, this tour is geared toward adults interested in wine and spirits. Pregnant women and children should consider other options.

Are food options included?
Food isn’t included but can be purchased separately at wineries or brought along. Snacks are available for purchase during the tour.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the tour.

How do I get picked up?
Pickup is at Hardy Street Parking Structure and some downtown Traverse City locations. The tour includes drop-off back in downtown Traverse City.

How long in advance should I book?
It’s recommended to reserve early, especially during peak seasons, to secure your preferred time slot.

In the end, this tour offers a stylish, personalized way to explore Traverse City’s wine scene. Whether you’re celebrating, want a romantic day, or just love good drinks and scenery, it’s a solid choice if luxury and comfort matter to you.