NON-BUS "Red Eye" Old Mission Traverse City EARLY Wine Tour

Our Amazing Old Mission Peninsula Wine Tours include Peninsula Cellars - the Old School House, Chateau Grand Traverse which was the catalyst of Traverse City's wine making region, The Curse of Oak Island story at Mari Vineyards, Hawthorne Vineyards with dual bay views from the tasting room, Bry's Estates who is one of the Top 10 most popular wineries in Michigan, The stunning Chateau Chantal overlooking both bays, experience Bowers Harbor Vineyards known as the doggy winery, experience the Hollywood feel at Bonobo Winery and don't forget the new place on the block - Old Mission Distillers known for their strong pours and unique mixed drinks- but they still have wine too. Each tour stop showcases why Traverse City's vineyard region has become one of America's premier wine destinations. Our tours go to 4 locations and we are the flexible tour, tell your guide where you want to go! Don't know? It's okay we'll find the perfect wine for you!

Tour guests can buy flights, wine by the glass, bottles or join the wine club during the wine tour. One of the best vineyards in Traverse City, guest can sip, savor and taste some of the best reds and whites on the peninsula. Red wine drinkers can sample Merlot / Cab Franc blend and for the white drinkers try the Auxerrois or Dry Riesling. Guests can get a popcorn flight and even a charcuterie board. One of the newest up and coming wineries on Old Mission Peninsula. The Hawthorne Vineyards site is arguably the most secluded Old Mission Peninsula tasting room site. The tasting room is located on a high bluff with views of both East and West Grand Traverse Bays. Our visitors will be seeing nature– no view of traffic, no close neighbors -- just vineyard, woods and water. Guests can see both bays from the tasting room. An outdoor patio area will provide a relaxing environment with stunning bay views and a cozy outdoor fireplace.

Tour guests can buy flights, wine by the glass, bottles or join the wine club during the wine tour. Chateau Chantel sits atop one of the highest points on Old Mission Peninsula and has incredible views of both East and West arms of Grand Traverse Bay. The big story here is the Ice Wine which is very rare. Our guests can purchase a sample of the Ice Wine that was featured at a White House dinner during former President Obama's tenure. Guests on our tours can customize wine flights and Chateau Chantel is the only winery on Old Mission Peninsula where our tour guests can purchase a glass of Brandy. Wine lovers can select wines such Dry Riesling, amazing Pinot Blanc, the popular Naughty Red and Chateau Chantel is the only winery on Old Mission Peninsula where our tour guests can purchase a glass of Malbec. Chateau Chantel is one of the originals in Traverse City Michigan, stellar wine, excellent customer service and the views are unforgettably AMAZING!

Tour guests can buy flights, wine by the glass, bottles or join the wine club during the wine tour. A place where guests feel like Movie Stars, with wines you cannot wait to brag about and share... Bonobo Winery was founded by brothers and longtime Traverse City natives, Todd and Carter Oosterhouse. Stunning views, excellent wines and top notch customer service! Guests on our tours can sample expert level red wines like the BDX and a top shelf Pinot Noir. White drinkers can sample a bubbly Blanc de Blancs, top notch chardonnays and a Fume Blanc. This is the only winery on Old Mission Peninsula where our tour guests can sample a glass of whiskey! Guests can also get some amazing food options... an expert level charcuterie board, hummus (the amazing food depends on availability and there are other options-menu changes). This winery is one of the most memorable locations on our wine tour- it's quite an experience.

Our tour guests always LOVE Brys Estates, which is one of Michigan's Top Ten most popular wineries. Our guests will quickly find out that quite possibly the reason for Brys' success is one drink- called the Froze'. The Froze' is a frozen wine drink that is heaven on a hot summer day. Guests can choose various toppers and this drink is the winery best seller. Remember... Froze' with a Red Topper! Our tour guests will be able to purchase the only Sauvignon Blanc on Old Mission Peninsula or try the "porch pounder" which is a rare Pinot Noir Riesling blend. Tour guests can also purchase a customizable tasting of various wines and then head to the deck for an amazing photo opportunity. The lawn bar is open during the summer months which is one of the best locations in Traverse City to sample wines. Snack packs are also available for purchase. Another popular attraction for our tour guests is the lavender soaps and lotions that are grown by the Brys family and are available for purchase.

Tour guests can buy flights, wine by the glass, bottles or join the wine club during the wine tour. Bowers Harbor Vineyards stablished in 1991 is one of the original wineries in the area. Initially a horse farm, the estate now boasts 20 acres of vinifera vines. An inviting tasting room is a former horse stable, and a friendly staff will welcome and introduce our tour guests to an extensive selections of top wines by the glass, bottle or by the flight. Bowers Harbor Vineyards is nicknamed the "dog winery" and guests might see various dogs at the winery. Bowers Harbor grows Riesling, Chardonnay, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Grigio, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. The real show stopper is the Pinot Secco (bubbly Pinot Grigio) and a Pinot Secco Rose (Magic Mike's pick). Guests can order wine flights and head to the patio, fire pit, pavilion, and tables tucked alongside the vines on the property.

Grand Traverse Bay is an arm of Lake Michigan. The bay is separated from the rest of Lake Michigan by the Leelanau Peninsula. The bay is some 32 miles long, ranges from 7 to 10 miles wide, and up to 620 feet deep in spots. It is the second-largest bay of Lake Michigan, behind Green Bay. Grand Traverse Bay earned its name from 18th-century French voyageurs who made "la grande traverse" or a long trek or crossing, across the mouth of bay. The most famous feature of the Grand Traverse Bay is the division into East and West arms by the Old Mission Peninsula. During this tour, on the way from Traverse City to Hawthorne Vineyards, our tour guests will see stunning views of the East Bay. Tour guests will be driven right along the shoreline at times. On the drive from Hawthorne to Bowers guests will see views of the West Bay. Tour guests will see views of both East and West Bays during the rest of the tour as well. A very large part of this award winning tour are the views!

We work with various wineries on Old Mission Peninsula, we go to 4 locations on our standard tour. Have a favorite? Let your guide know what wineries are on your wish list. Day tour guests go to 4 wineries, and sunset/afternoon tour guests go to 3 wineries and an optional distillery. Winery selection is determined by availability, guest choice, weather conditions, and season. Our Old Mission Peninsula Tours feature Hawthorne Vineyards, Bowers Harbor Vineyards, Brys Estates, Chateau Chantal, Chateau Grand Traverse, Bonobo Winery and Old Mission Distillers.