Review of the NON BUS GIRLS TRIP Traverse City Old Mission Wine Tour

Planning a wine trip can be exciting, but sometimes all the party bus chaos or tired old rides tend to take away from the experience. This “NON BUS GIRLS TRIP Traverse City Old Mission Wine Tour” aims to offer a more upscale, relaxed alternative—think luxury vehicles, knowledgeable guides, and a focus on the wine, not the crowds. While I haven’t personally done this tour, I’ve gone through all the details and reviews to give you a clear picture of what you can expect.

What really caught my eye is the emphasis on personalized recommendations and the fact that they avoid the typical party bus scene—no loud music or packed vehicles here. Plus, the option for a sunset experience sounds like a lovely way to cap off the day. That said, keep in mind that this is a 4.5-hour tour with a price tag of $89 per person, which, considering the vehicle, guides, and curated winery visits, seems fair.

If you’re someone who values comfort, expert insights, and a more intimate vibe, this tour could be just right. However, if you’re after a wild party scene or want to hit more wineries in a short time, this might not be the best fit. It’s definitely geared toward those who want to enjoy premium wine tasting in a relaxed, upscale environment.

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Key Points

Luxury Transportation: Travel in style in GMC Yukons or Cadillac Escalades, not old buses.
Expert Guides: Led by knowledgeable guides, often wine enthusiasts or connoisseurs.
Personalized Experience: Recommendations tailored to your taste and preferences.
Select Wineries: Visit four iconic wineries on Old Mission Peninsula known for their reds.
Flexible Scheduling: Multiple departure times, including a sunset option.
Additional Benefits: Groups of 6+ get a free bottle of wine, and the tour is friendly to law enforcement and military personnel.

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What Makes this Tour Stand Out?

This tour is designed to be a luxury, relaxed experience—a significant departure from the typical crowded, noisy wine bus. Instead of packed shuttles with strangers, you’ll enjoy riding in private vehicles like GMC Yukons or Escalades, which instantly makes the journey more comfortable. The professional, knowledgeable guides—referred to as Magic Mike and other wine experts—aren’t just chauffeurs; they’re there to enhance your experience with personalized suggestions and insights.

From reviews, travelers often mention how much they appreciated guides who know their wines and can share stories about each winery and the region. The tour emphasizes quality over quantity, with visits to four carefully selected wineries, each famed for their reds like Cabernet Franc, Malbec, and La Familia blends.

A Closer Look at the Itinerary and Wineries

The tour kicks off at Chateau Grand Traverse, the first winery on Old Mission Peninsula, which has the distinction of being the original winery in the area. Here, you’ll get to sample award-winning wines like Plum Reserve and enjoy the diverse wine menu. The setting is beautiful, and the tasting experience is curated to highlight some of the region’s best reds.

Next, the group heads to Hawthorne Vineyards, where the focus is on rich Cab Franc—a variety that the region does exceptionally well. Guests frequently rave about the taste and depth of the wines, which makes a visit here particularly enjoyable. The guides are praised for their knowledge and ability to recommend wines that suit your palate, making each tasting feel personal and engaging.

The third stop is Bowers Harbor Vineyards, known for its La Familia and 2896 blends. These wines tend to have a balanced, approachable profile, and the setting often impresses visitors with its scenic views. The final stop is Chateau Chantal, famous for its “Naughty or Nice” reds and Malbecs, perfect for those who want to indulge in some of the best regional reds.

Alternatively, during sunset or afternoon tours, there’s an optional visit to a distillery, adding a bit of variety to your tasting experience. This flexibility allows you to tailor the day depending on your interests or schedule.

Why Travelers Love This Experience

Many reviews highlight the knowledgeable guides as a major plus, often saying that guides made the tour informative and fun. One reviewer mentioned how the guides’ personal recommendations made the tasting more meaningful, especially since they could try wines suited to their preferences.

The luxury vehicles are consistently praised for comfort, especially compared to traditional party buses. Guests enjoy not having to worry about driving or parking, which is a huge perk. The semi-private nature of the tours, usually with groups of 6-7, enhances the feeling of intimacy and allows for a more relaxed pace.

Plus, the flexibility of scheduling—including a sunset option—offers a more scenic, memorable experience. After the tour, guests can easily explore downtown Traverse City, with many noting how convenient it is to be dropped off at their hotels or local spots.

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The Value Proposition

At $89 per person for 4.5 hours, this tour offers a decent value, especially considering the luxury transportation, expert guides, and curated winery visits. When you factor in the avoidance of crowded buses and the focus on quality wines and personalized service, it’s a compelling option for those who appreciate comfort and expertise.

Keep in mind that additional costs such as food, wine flights, glasses, and bottles are extra, so budget accordingly if you want to indulge more. The tour also offers free wine bottles for groups of 6 or more, which can be a nice bonus for sharing later.

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Is This Tour Right for You?

If you enjoy learning about wines from passionate guides, prefer traveling in comfort rather than on a noisy bus, and want to visit some of the area’s best wineries without feeling rushed, this tour is likely a great fit. It seems especially suited for celebrating special occasions or planning a relaxing day out with friends.

However, if you’re looking for a party atmosphere or want to visit more wineries in a shorter period, this might not satisfy that craving. Also, it’s not ideal for children under 12, pregnant women, or those with back problems, given the vehicle types and the nature of the experience.

Final Thoughts

This “NON BUS GIRLS TRIP Traverse City Old Mission Wine Tour” offers a refined alternative to typical wine tours, focusing on luxury, personalized attention, and quality wines. Guests consistently praise the guides’ knowledge and the comfortable vehicles that make the journey pleasant. It’s a solid choice for wine lovers who want to enjoy the region’s reds without the chaos of traditional party buses or overcrowded tours.

It’s perfect if you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want a more intimate, relaxed way to explore the wineries. While it’s not the cheapest option, the combination of style, service, and quality makes it a solid investment for a memorable day in Traverse City.

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NON BUS GIRLS TRIP Traverse City Old Mission Wine Tour

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
No, the tour is not suitable for children under 12, as it involves wine tasting and adult-oriented venues.

Can I choose my wineries?
Wineries are selected based on availability, guest preferences, weather, and season, but guests can let guides know if they have specific wineries in mind.

What’s included in the price?
The tour price covers luxury transportation, expert guides, and wine samples. Food, wine flights, glasses, and bottles cost extra.

Are group sizes small?
Yes, groups are typically 6-7 people, making the experience more intimate than standard party buses.

Is there a sunset tour option?
Yes, there’s a sunset experience available, sometimes including an optional distillery stop.

How long is the tour?
The standard tour lasts about 4.5 hours, with multiple departure times to choose from.

Where do I get picked up?
Pickup is at Hardy Street Parking Structure in Traverse City, with some options for downtown hotels or locations—just check with the tour provider.

Is there a cancellation policy?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Are the vehicles air-conditioned?
Absolutely, the vehicles are air-conditioned for comfort.

Can I book and pay later?
Yes, you can reserve now and pay later, keeping your plans flexible.

If you’re after a more upscale, personalized way to enjoy Traverse City’s wines, this tour seems to deliver just that. It mixes comfort, knowledgeable guides, and top-tier wineries for an experience that’s both leisurely and memorable.