Traverse City: Old Mission Peninsula Bike and Wine Tour

Traverse City: Old Mission Peninsula Bike and Wine Tour — A Practical Look

If you’re dreaming of exploring Michigan’s beautiful wine region without the usual loud party buses or cramped vehicles, this Bike and Wine Tour might just be your ideal way to experience Old Mission Peninsula. We haven’t personally taken it (yet), but based on what’s on offer, it sounds like a relaxing, personalized way to savor four wineries at your own pace, with the added bonus of expert guidance and insider recommendations.

What really catches our eye is how this tour cuts out the typical crowds and noise. Instead, you get to be your own boss, biking between wineries with all the info you need to make the most of each stop. Plus, the emphasis on small groups or couples means you’re likely to enjoy a more intimate experience. On the flip side, it’s worth noting that this isn’t a tour for casual or infrequent bikers — the route involves some hills, so a moderate fitness level is helpful. If you’re a wine lover who appreciates independence and a bit of adventure on two wheels, this tour could be just right.

Who’s this tour best for? It suits those who value a personalized, laid-back experience over large groups or party atmospheres. If you’re comfortable cycling around scenic routes, enjoy tasting wine, and prefer expert advice without the rush of a bigger tour, this one might fit your style nicely.

Key Points

• Self-guided flexibility: You bike at your own pace, choosing when to stop and explore.
• Expert wine recommendations: Guides provide VIP insights and route suggestions, offering a personalized touch.
• All route info included: You’ll receive detailed itineraries and recommendations at the start.
• Scenic route: The 16-20 mile route covers four well-known wineries on Old Mission Peninsula.
• No bikes included: You must rent or bring your own, which gives you control over the timing and biking experience.
• Great for small groups or couples: Provides a more private, tailored vibe compared to bus tours.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Closer Look at the Tour

This self-guided biking experience offers a refreshing alternative to the usual wine tour crowd. You meet at Hawthorne Vineyards at your chosen time — either in the morning at 11:00 AM or later at 4:00 PM for sunset views. From there, the adventure begins.

What makes this tour stand out is the combination of independence and expert guidance. You’re not just dropped off and left to figure out where to go. Instead, you get detailed itineraries, route suggestions, and VIP wine recommendations from Magic Mike and his crew — former law enforcement professionals turned wine connoisseurs. That’s a neat touch, as it adds credibility and a bit of personality to the experience.

As you pedal between stops, you’ll visit Hawthorne, Bowers Harbor Vineyards, Brys Estates, and Bonobo. Each of these wineries has its own character and offerings, from tasting rooms to outdoor spaces with views. The route is designed to be manageable for most cyclists, but you should be comfortable with some hills — the total ride covers quite a bit of territory (approximately 16-20 miles).

What about the tastings? You’ll get wine samples included at each stop, which is a nice bonus. Keep in mind, though, that flights, bottles, and food are extra. You can buy as much wine as you want along the way and even pick it up later from their office, which adds a practical touch for wine enthusiasts.

Pricing and value: At $59 for a group of up to four, this tour feels like a good deal, especially considering the personalized guidance and the freedom to set your own pace. Since there are no vehicle rides involved, you’re investing in an experience that’s both active and tailored — great for those who want to enjoy wine without the bus crowd.

What to Expect Step-by-Step

Meeting Point & Initial Introduction: You start at the Hawthorne Vineyards tasting room, where you’ll check in and receive your itinerary, route, and VIP recommendations. The staff are knowledgeable, and the owner and guides are local university grads, adding a layer of authenticity.

Beginning the Route: Once equipped with your route, you’ll begin biking along scenic roads that border the vineyards. The route allows you to binge on beautiful views, learn about the wineries, and enjoy the freedom to stop whenever. This is a big perk — there’s no rush, no large groups blocking your view, and no time pressure pushing you along.

At Each Winery: You can explore each stop at your own pace. The tour provides interesting tidbits about the wineries’ backstories and wine styles, making it more than just a tasting. You might find the guides’ insights particularly valuable if you’re keen on understanding what you’re sipping.

Biking Between Stops: The route itself is about 16-20 miles. Some reviews note the hills involved, so a moderate level of fitness is recommended. The benefit is the active component that balances out the wine tasting and keeps the experience grounded.

Additional Options: For those who’d like a later start, the sunset tour at 4 PM is available. This offers a different ambiance, with golden hour lighting and possibly fewer crowds.

Wine & Beyond: While wine samples are included, there’s the opportunity to purchase full bottles, flights, or merchandise directly from the wineries. You can even have wine packed and saved for pickup later, making it easy to continue enjoying your favorites back home.

Authentic Reviews & Insights

The only detailed review so far gives this tour a perfect 5/5 score, with the reviewer mentioning that Mike was “great” and highlighting the fun, informative nature of the experience. They appreciated the opportunity to learn about wine, winery stories, and the safe biking routes around Old Mission. The reviewer also noted that the tour is not for those who haven’t biked before, mentioning the hills as a potential challenge.

This feedback underscores how important it is to be comfortable on a bike, especially if you’re planning to cover 16-20 miles. The scenic, laid-back pace seems to be a major win, especially for those who enjoy a bit of exercise paired with wine tasting.

Practical Details & Considerations

• Price: $59 per group up to four people, which includes wine samples and recommendations. It’s a reasonable rate for a personalized, guided experience without the crowds and with the flexibility to bike at your own pace.
• Duration: The tour lasts about 4.5 hours, giving ample time for biking, tasting, and relaxing.
• Bikes: Not included, so plan to rent your own or bring your bike. This gives you control over your equipment and comfort.
• Meeting Point: Check in at the Hawthorne tasting room to collect your itinerary and VIP recommendations.
• Weather & Clothing: Dress comfortably for biking, bring a helmet, and be prepared for weather changes.
• Group Size: Small groups or couples are best suited, ensuring a more intimate experience.
• Accessibility: Not suitable for low-fitness individuals, given the route’s length and hills.

More Great Tours Nearby

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re someone who loves exploring at your own pace, values expert advice, and enjoys a scenic bike ride with wine tasting, this tour stands out. It’s especially good for couples or small groups looking for a private, relaxed experience that combines activity with wine discovery. It’s not ideal if you’re not comfortable biking or if you’re seeking a more social, party vibe.

Travelers who prefer to customize their experience and skip the large tours will likely find this a refreshing change. Plus, if you’re into learning about wines from knowledgeable guides, Magic Mike and his team bring a genuine enthusiasm that elevates the experience.

Final Thoughts

This Old Mission Peninsula Bike and Wine Tour offers a unique blend of self-guided freedom, expert insights, and scenic beauty. It’s an excellent choice for those who want to enjoy Michigan’s wine country without the noise and rush of bigger tours. The opportunity to control your pace, coupled with the quality guidance, makes it stand out. The route’s length and hills require a bit of fitness, but for most moderate bikers, it’s manageable and rewarding.

While you’ll need to arrange your own bike, that’s a small hassle compared to the level of personalization and quiet enjoyment you’ll get. You’ll love the views, the wine, and the chance to make this a true, tailored experience — perfect for a romantic getaway or a small, wine-loving group.

If you’re after a relaxed, engaging way to sample Michigan wines and enjoy the outdoors, this tour has much to offer.

FAQ

Do I need to bring my own bike?
Yes, bikes are not included in the tour, so you’ll need to rent or bring your own.

Can I join the tour later in the day?
Yes, there’s an option to meet at Hawthorne Vineyards at 11:00 AM or later at 4:00 PM for the sunset tour.

Is this suitable for beginners?
It’s best suited for those comfortable with biking, as the route involves some hills and covers 16-20 miles.

What’s included in the price?
You get wine samples, VIP recommendations, route info, and expert guides. Food, full tastings, and bottles are extra.

How long does the tour last?
Approximately 4.5 hours, giving plenty of time for biking, tasting, and relaxing.

Where do I meet for the tour?
At the Hawthorne Vineyards tasting room, where you’ll check in and receive your materials.

Are the guides knowledgeable?
Absolutely. The guides are wine enthusiasts and wine experts, providing real insights and personalized recommendations.

Is this family-friendly?
It’s not specifically geared toward children or families, especially given the physical activity involved. It’s best suited for adults who enjoy cycling and wine.

If you’re looking for a laid-back, customizable way to explore Michigan’s wine country on two wheels, this tour checks many boxes. Just remember to bring your bike, be ready for some hills, and enjoy the ride.

You can check availability for your dates here: