Traverse City Wine Tour
About this activity
Highlights
- Scenic views of Old Mission Peninsula
- Tasting award-winning local wines
- Visiting top-rated Traverse City wineries
- Learning about wine production
- Enjoying a comfortable ride
Full description
Included / Excluded
- Transportation to four wineries
- Wine tastings at each winery
- Knowledgeable tour guide
- Meals and snacks
Itinerary
Chateau Chantal is a winery located on the Old Mission Peninsula, only a few miles north of Traverse City, in Grand Traverse County, Michigan. The chateau sits atop one of the highest points on the Old Mission Peninsula and has views of both East and West arms of Grand Traverse Bay. The winery is a European style chateau on a 64-acre (26 ha) estate. The Chateau has a tasting room, an eleven-room bed and breakfast, and a hospitality room where cooking classes and Jazz at Sunset are hosted.
The Beautiful Bowers Harbor was initially a horse farm and in 1991, began its transition to the stunning vineyard it is today. They have over 27 years of wine-making experience and boasts 20 acres of vines. Wine selections are numerous and include Riesling, Chardonnay, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Grigio, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, hard ciders and more! *Tasting flights are about $5 for 5 wines. Small snacks, dips and locally crafted cheeses & spreads are also available for purchase.
In 2004 with only 10,000 grape vines, Brys Estate yielded its first successful harvest. Now, the 91-acre estate is home to over 40,000 vines their varietals include: Merlot, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Pinot Blanc, and Gewürztraminer. Soak in beautiful East Bay views while enjoying world-class wines. *Tasting flights are about $8 for 5 wines and a souvenir glass. A 5-Item Cheese & Charcuterie Board is also available for purchase at the winery.
Bonobo offers world-class wines, breathtaking views, and a business model that keeps with traditions of the region. Their 19 acres give rise to the following varietals: Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Noir, Pinot Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Franc. Even with a limited selection, Bonobo wines (and ciders) are sure to shine in overall quality. *Tasting flights are about $10 for 6 wines. They also offer the largest selection of snacks for purchase.
Meeting point
Start Location
Unknown location
Important information
Know before you book
- Tour operates rain or shine; dress appropriately for the weather
- Gratuity for the guide is appreciated but not included
- Tour is not wheelchair accessible
Know before you go
- Wear comfortable clothing and footwear suitable for walking
- Bring a valid ID for age verification
- Consider bringing a bottle of water to stay hydrated
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Accessibility
- Service Animals Allowed
- Easy Public Transport
- Infants Required On Laps
Good to know
- **PLEASE REFERENCE THE PARKING MAP IN THE IMAGES ON THIS LISTING FOR THE PICK UP & DROP OFF LOCATION**
- *DISCLAIMER: Wineries are subject to change based on availability.
- Mari Vineyards will be on a first come first serve basis, if booked, we will switch out with Chateau Chantal Winery, and vise versa
- There is a total of 10-15 parking spots that are allotted for Magic Shuttle Bus customers. These are offered on a first come, first serve basis.
- Bry's Estate Winery is a first come, first serve basis at their lawn bar outside
- *GRATUITY of 15%-20% for the driver is strongly recommended
- Customers are welcome to pack a lunch for the day, most wineries only offer small appetizers and snacks, no full meals
- *DISCLAIMER: Magic Shuttle Bus will contact wineries if appointments do need to be made, keep in mind, these are not reservations and only allow us to come in at the desired time, but does not eradicate wait times.
- Since Covid, most wineries are not offering tastings, but rather flights and wine by the glass, and samples
- Most wineries have outdoor seating only, please dress accordingly to stay warm on colder days
- Some wineries do not accept cash, they require payment to be on a card
- We strongly recommend that you use an Uber/Lyft/Taxi to get to the pick up location, and for your return trip home.
- This is a public tour, not a private tour
Traveler reviews
Good tour, Great Guide
I went on a bachelorette trip and our group went on the bus wine tour. I had gone to the wineries the year before and I would say going on the bus is definitely worth it. With a driver you can see multiple wineries without worrying about driving. But what really made the experience was our guide Darren. Darren’s number 1 mission was to make to sure we had the best time (and we had the best time!). Darren pulls up to the front, finds you seats, will pull seats and tables together for you, point you to the best servers/bartenders, take all your group and individual pics in the best locations, and so much more. I especially loved having Darren, as a self asserted girl dad, he made us feel extra safe. He had sunscreen, hair ties, tampons (two different sizes), and recommendations for safer places to go out in the evening. I recommend the wine tour bus, but I especially recommend Darren as your guide!
BOOK WITH DARREN
Darren was amazing!!! Omg 10/10 recommened! Such a fun time! He was so friendly and kind!! It just made the experience so much better!! Told us everything we needed to know about our stops & gave us recommendations!! Loved it so much
BOOK WITH DARREN
This tour was absolutely amazing! Highly recommend that you book this trip and request to have Darren. He is funny, respectful, and genuinely gives a wonderful experience. Also, he knew how to take wonderful group pictures!!!!! Very attentive to details. Loved this and would do it again.
Only the BEST
Darren was the BEST! BEST Tour I have ever been on! 20/10 experience
Amazing
Darien was great !! Soo friendly great person! Would absolutely come back to book with Darien because he made this trip so much better !!