Traverse City: Old Mission Peninsula Wine Tour & Shuttle

Summary

Traverse City wine tasting with views, laughter and cool lake air

You’ll ride an air-conditioned shuttle through Old Mission Peninsula’s rolling hills on this Traverse City wine tour, tasting local wines at four distinct wineries with your group. Expect easy laughter with your guide, lake breezes at every stop, and time to savor flights or snacks as you go. It’s less about fancy pairings — more about honest flavors and unexpected company.

What’s the experience like?

“Don’t judge Michigan wine till you’ve tried it here,” our driver Mike said, grinning as we climbed onto the Magic Shuttle Bus in Traverse City. I liked him right away — he had that easy way of talking, like he’s been driving these winding roads forever. The bus was cooler than I expected (actual Yeti cooler included), and everyone seemed to relax once we pulled away from the parking lot. You could already smell that mix of lake air and something sweet, maybe wildflowers or just the vineyards waking up for the day.

The first stop was Chateau Chantal, perched so high up on Old Mission Peninsula that you can see both arms of Grand Traverse Bay at once. The light was sharp but soft around the edges — not sure how to explain it, but it made everything feel a little unreal. Our guide pointed out where the 45th parallel runs (apparently that’s a big deal for wine), and I tried a Riesling that tasted almost like green apples and summer rain. It wasn’t fancy or intimidating — just good, honest wine with people who wanted to talk about it.

Bowers Harbor felt different: more casual, with picnic tables under old trees and a dog snoozing by the porch. I fumbled my way through ordering a Gewürztraminer (Li laughed when I tried to say it in Mandarin — probably butchered it), and we shared some local cheese with mustard seeds that stuck in my teeth for hours after. Brys Estate had this view over East Bay that made everyone go quiet for a second — even the group of bachelorettes stopped taking selfies long enough to look out at the water. The last place, Bonobo, was loud and bright inside; there were snacks everywhere and someone playing Fleetwood Mac quietly in the corner. By then I’d lost track of which glass was which, but honestly? Didn’t matter much.

I didn’t expect to care about Michigan wine before this day trip from Traverse City — but now I keep thinking about those little moments: cold glass in my hand, sunlight flickering through leaves, strangers turning into friends over shared flights. If you’re looking for a Traverse City wine tour with pickup and an actual local guide who’ll tell you stories instead of reciting facts… well, this is one of those days that lingers longer than you think.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit four wineries on Old Mission Peninsula

• Arrive at Chateau Chantal winery
• Enjoy wine tasting and views
• Travel to Bowers Harbor vineyard
• Taste wines and try snacks
• Proceed to Brys Estate winery
• Sample wines and optional cheese board
• Visit Bonobo winery
• Enjoy wine tasting and snacks

Top questions

How long does the Traverse City wine tour last?

The tour lasts approximately 5 hours from pickup to drop-off.

How many wineries do we visit on Old Mission Peninsula?

You visit four wineries during the tour; specific stops may vary based on availability.

Is transportation included in the Traverse City wine tour?

Yes, transportation is provided by an air-conditioned Magic Shuttle Bus with pickup at a designated location.

Are tasting fees included in the price?

No, tasting flights are paid separately at each winery; prices range from $5 to $10 per flight.

Can I bring my own food or drinks?

You’re welcome to pack your own lunch; most wineries offer only small snacks or appetizers for purchase.

Is there a local guide on this Traverse City wine tour?

Yes, each group is accompanied by a local guide throughout the day.

What should I wear for this day trip from Traverse City?

Dress comfortably and bring layers; many wineries have outdoor seating only and weather can change quickly near the bay.

Are gratuities for the driver included?

No, gratuity is not included; a tip of 15-20% (cash only) is strongly recommended for your driver.

What’s included

Your day includes shuttle pickup from Traverse City in an air-conditioned bus with a friendly local guide onboard. There’s a Yeti-style cooler available if you want to bring drinks or snacks along. Tastings aren’t included but are available at each winery for an extra fee — plus plenty of chances to try local cheeses or spreads between stops before heading back into town together.