Skip the bus. This tour is about Old Mission views.

On the Old Mission Peninsula, you get downtown Traverse City pickup and a flexible route by luxury SUV, with stops picked around weather and availability. It’s a semi-private day plan built for comfort, pacing, and scenery, with you hopping between tasting rooms instead of sitting on a tired bus.

What I like most: you’re not trapped on a fixed, cattle-call schedule. The guides keep things relaxed, and you get to enjoy each tasting room at a human pace with support from real wine people like Brian, Cody, Clover, Tracy, Jason, and Andie.

Second, the value comes from what you actually get for $89: wine samples/splashes are included, plus a complimentary bottle can be part of the experience depending on availability. One possible drawback to plan for: flights and bottles cost extra at the wineries, and your final four-stop lineup can change with season and timing.

Key highlights I’d plan around

• Luxury SUV comfort (not a bus): GMC Yukon, Suburban, or Cadillac Escalade, with air-conditioning
• Pick-up and drop-off in downtown Traverse City: Hardy Street Parking Structure is the main meeting point
• Scenery is the main course: East and West Grand Traverse Bay views from the drive
• 4 winery stops as the standard: Hawthorne, Chateau Chantal, Bonobo, Brys, Bowers are common options
• Included wine samples and possible complimentary bottle: you pay at the wineries for flights/bottles/food

Why this Old Mission Peninsula tour works better than a bus day

Traverse City wine country can be fun and still feel exhausting. Long rides, loud groups, and rigid timelines make it harder to enjoy tastings at your own speed. This is built to avoid that problem.

Instead of a party bus, you ride in a luxury SUV style vehicle (GMC Yukon, Chevrolet Suburban, or Cadillac Escalade). That matters because you can hear your guide, get in and out without wrestling a cramped bus step, and settle into the day like you planned it well.

It’s also semi-private. The tour company combines smaller groups for a “not too big” vibe, and if you’re in a group of 6 or more you’re typically in your own vehicle. With a maximum of 24 travelers, it’s still a group experience, just less chaotic.

The real star: Grand Traverse Bay views from the drive

A big part of why this tour feels special is the drive itself. Grand Traverse Bay is split into East and West arms by the Old Mission Peninsula, and you’ll see both while you’re moving between tasting rooms.

On the ride toward Hawthorne, you’ll catch stunning East Bay views, sometimes right along the shoreline. Then as you head from Hawthorne toward Bowers Harbor, the focus shifts to West Bay views. Even when the day is busy, it’s a nice reminder that you’re tasting wine in a real place, not just hopping door to door.

Practical tip: if you want the best photos, tell your guide you’re aiming for sunrise-style light or late-afternoon shots. The tour’s pace and stop timing can affect where you get the cleanest angles.

Pickup in downtown Traverse City, then back again

You start at 303 E State St, Traverse City, MI 49684, specifically at Hardy Street Parking Structure on the east side near the State Street entrance, next to Middlecoast Brewery. It’s across the street from Park Place Hotel, so it’s easy to orient yourself.

The tour is designed so you don’t have to walk miles to reach an out-of-the-way bus parking spot. For many people, pickup and drop-off are right in downtown Traverse City, and the guides can sometimes drop you at local hotels/motels after the tour.

If you’re coming from outside downtown, plan for timing. In the afternoon, traffic builds, so day tours may drop you downtown rather than at your lodging. The guide can point you to dinner options, and you’ll have the rest of the evening to explore on your own.

What’s included at $89, and what you’ll pay for at the wineries

This matters for budgeting, because “wine tour price” can mean different things in different places.

Included:

• Air-conditioned luxury SUV transportation
• Wine samples/splashes (flights/bottles/food are extra)
• A complimentary bottle of wine can be included for groups (type depends on availability)
• Expert wine guides, and admission for the tasting stops is listed as free in the tour details

Not included:

• Food
• Flights and bottles
• Any glassware purchases, if you choose to buy them
• Any optional add-ons like distillery time (typically associated with sunset/afternoon formats)

One reviewer-style lesson you should take seriously: don’t assume the full tasting menu is automatically included. You’ll almost certainly want flights, and you’ll almost certainly buy at least one bottle if you find something you like. The best strategy is to treat the tour as paid transportation plus guided tasting samples, then let purchases be your choice.

Stop 1 option: Hawthorne Vineyards for secluded bluff views

Hawthorne Vineyards is the kind of place you remember after you’ve left Traverse City. It’s positioned high on a bluff on Old Mission Peninsula, with views toward both East and West Grand Traverse Bays.

Why I’d pick it as a priority stop:

• The tasting room feels secluded, not surrounded by traffic and neighbors
• The outdoor patio and fireplace setup makes it easy to slow down and actually enjoy the view
• The wine lineup gives both red and white drinkers solid options, like Merlot/Cab Franc blends and bottles worth discussing such as Auxerrois or Dry Riesling

You can also find extras if you want them, like popcorn flights and charcuterie boards. The tour timing is about 50 minutes here, which is enough to try a couple of samples, enjoy the bay air, and still keep the day moving.

Possible consideration: if you’re in a group that wants lots of bottle-level pours, 50 minutes can feel short. If that’s you, aim for a couple of focused tastes rather than a full flight binge.

Stop 2 option: Chateau Chantal and its ice wine story

Chateau Chantal sits atop one of the highest points on the peninsula. The views are the headline, with both arms of Grand Traverse Bay visible from the tasting room.

Here’s what makes this stop stand out:

• The rare, famous angle is Ice Wine
• You can sometimes buy a sample of Ice Wine that was featured at a White House dinner during former President Obama’s tenure (as part of what’s described for tour guests)
• This winery also offers a couple of unique tasting flexibilities, including the ability for tour guests to purchase a glass of Brandy
• The tour info specifically notes options like Dry Riesling, Pinot Blanc, Naughty Red, and a Malbec glass option that’s presented as unusual for the peninsula

The tasting time is about 50 minutes.

Practical approach: If Ice Wine is your target, ask your guide how the tasting room is pacing that day. That one question can help you avoid spending your best moments waiting instead of tasting.

Stop 3 option: Bonobo Winery for the memory-making vibe

Bonobo Winery is described as a place where you feel like movie stars, and in practice that’s mostly about the combination of warm service, memorable wines, and big views.

The key tasting angles at Bonobo:

• Reds like the BDX and Pinot Noir
• Whites like Blanc de Blancs, Chardonnay styles, and Fume Blanc
• One distinctive note: it’s the only winery on the peninsula listed as offering a glass of whiskey to tour guests
• Food options can include charcuterie and hummus, though the exact menu depends on availability

This stop is listed at about 55 minutes, which is helpful because Bonobo can feel like a “linger” spot. Use that time to slow down, compare reds vs. whites if you want variety, and take advantage of whatever food pairing is available that day.

Possible drawback: if your group is more “quick sips, next stop” than “talk to the staff and taste slowly,” you may feel tempted to rush. Tell your guide you want to keep momentum and they can help you pace your tasting choices.

Stop 4 option: Brys Estates for the Froze drink and photo deck moments

Brys Estates tends to get recommended for a simple reason: it offers a signature summer-friendly crowd favorite, the Froze—a frozen wine drink that’s described as especially great on hot days. You can choose different toppers, and the best-seller is Froze with a Red Topper.

The tasting menu also supports variety:

• The only Sauvignon Blanc listed for Old Mission Peninsula here
• A blend called porch pounder (Pinot Noir Riesling blend)
• A customizable tasting option, plus deck time for photos
• In summer months, the lawn bar is open, making this an easy stop to turn into a casual winetasting moment rather than a formal one

You’ll also find another reason people buy souvenirs: Brys family lavender products (soaps and lotions). The stop also includes snack packs as an optional purchase.

Time on the schedule is about 50 minutes, with a deck and lawn bar feel that can stretch your attention in a good way.

Stop 5 option: Bowers Harbor Vineyards for classic estate charm

Bowers Harbor Vineyards is an older-name player on the peninsula, established in 1991. The property has 20 acres of vinifera vines and a tasting room that started as a former horse stable.

What to know before you go:

• There’s a reputation as the dog winery, so you might see dogs around the property
• The tasting focuses on a range of grapes, including Riesling, Chardonnay, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Grigio, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon
• The tour highlights the Pinot Secco as the show-stopper, plus a Pinot Secco Rose

You can order flights and then head to patios, fire pits, pavilions, and tables close to the vines. That’s a big part of the charm: you get to taste and then stay in the moment for a bit.

Time on the schedule is about 50 minutes.

How many wineries you’ll actually hit (and what that means)

Even though the tour details list several standout stops, the standard day tour is built around visiting 4 wineries. Your exact lineup depends on availability, weather, season, and time of day.

That flexibility is good news if you hate rigid schedules. It also means your must-see winery might not be guaranteed, so it’s smart to share your preferences with your guide before you set your expectations.

If you’re booking an afternoon or sunset version, the plan typically shifts to 3 wineries plus an optional distillery stop. Old Mission Distillery is named as part of those formats.

The guide makes a difference: what their style is doing for you

Good wine tours don’t just drive you around. They help you make choices fast: what to taste now, what to skip, how to avoid tasting fatigue, and how to keep the day enjoyable.

Across the guide names and experiences, the patterns are consistent:

• Guides like Brian, Cody, Clover, Joe, Tracy, Jason, Felicia, Addie, and Andie keep the day flexible without falling behind
• They help the group with timing and routes, including nudging less-crowded arrival windows when possible
• Many guides actively help with small group experience moments like photos, keeping people comfortable, and maintaining a calm vibe

One practical takeaway: pace yourself. If you do full flights at multiple wineries, you’ll hit diminishing returns halfway through. Your guide can help you pick a smart order based on what you like.

Price reality check: $89 is for transportation and samples, not a full tasting tab

At $89 per person for about 4 to 5 hours, this tour is priced to be accessible in Traverse City terms, especially because you’re getting:

• luxury SUV transportation
• expert guidance
• included wine samples at the stops
• a possible complimentary bottle

Where the price can feel surprising is when people expect that flights and bottles are also included. They aren’t. But that’s not a “gotcha” so much as how most wine experiences work: wineries want you to choose what to drink and buy.

So the value question becomes simple:

• If you just want a guided taste with a couple of purchases, you’ll likely feel good about the cost.
• If you want to drink heavily at every stop with full flights, the tour price is only a piece of the total day cost.

Who this tour is best for

This experience is a strong match for:

• couples who want a calmer, more comfortable format than a bus day
• friends who want flexibility and a guide handling the timing
• anyone who hates long cramped rides between wineries
• wine lovers who want a guided tasting order and help making choices

It can be less ideal if:

• you want one guaranteed winery no matter what (the lineup can change)
• you’re planning to treat it like a free-for-all drink buffet (samples are included; pours you buy are not)

Should you book Movie Stars Wine Tours on Old Mission Peninsula?

I’d book it if your top goals are comfort, views, and a wine day that doesn’t feel like a production line. The luxury SUV setup, downtown pickup, and the included samples make the day feel like it’s built for enjoyment, not just transportation.

I’d think twice if you’re the type who wants to lock in a specific winery lineup and drink the same way every stop. This is flexible by design, and that flexibility is the point—great for many people, but not a promise.

If you want to maximize your day, do this: choose two or three wineries you most want, then let your guide handle the rest. You’ll spend less time stressed about timing, and more time tasting what’s in front of you.

FAQ

How long is the Old Mission Peninsula wine tour?

The tour runs about 4 to 5 hours, depending on the pace of the group.

What’s the tour price per person?

It’s $89.00 per person.

How many wineries will I visit?

The standard day tour goes to 4 wineries. Sunset/afternoon tours usually go to 3 wineries plus an optional distillery stop.

Where do I meet for pickup?

Pickup is at Hardy Street Parking Structure in downtown Traverse City, on the east side near the State Street entrance next to Middlecoast Brewery. The start address is 303 E State St.

Is wine included in the tour price?

Wine samples/splashes are available and are included. Flights, bottles, and food are extra.

Can I get help with wine selections during tastings?

Yes. The tour uses expert wine guides who help guests with tasting choices and pacing during the stops.

What is the cancellation window for a full refund?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount paid is not refunded.

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