Traverse City: Sunset Wine Tour Old Mission Peninsula 3 Wineries

Summary

Traverse City’s rolling vineyards, sunset light & crisp pours

You’ll ride a comfy shuttle along Old Mission Peninsula with a local guide, tasting flights at three top wineries as sunset colors Grand Traverse Bay. Expect laughter over shared cheese plates, time outdoors (bring layers), and moments where the view just stops you for a second. It’s less about perfection—more about good company and honest flavors.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the way the light hit the vines — sort of golden but not showy, just soft and warm. We piled onto the Magic Shuttle Bus (it’s actually pretty comfy) with a small group, everyone kind of buzzing about what they’d heard about Old Mission Peninsula wines. Our guide, Jamie, had this easy laugh and kept tossing out little facts about the 45th parallel — apparently it’s a big deal for wine. I didn’t expect Michigan to remind me of Europe, but honestly, with those gentle hills and that blue sweep of Grand Traverse Bay in the distance, it felt like somewhere else entirely.

Bowers Harbor was our first stop. The place used to be a horse farm — you can still see old fence posts if you look. The air smelled like cut grass and something sweet from the fermenting grapes. I tried a Gewürztraminer that tasted almost spicy-cool, which surprised me (I always thought Michigan did mostly cherries). Jamie pointed out a cheese plate with some local spread; we all shared bites between sips and compared notes — someone said “apple skin” and we all laughed because… who really knows what that means? But it fit.

Chateau Chantal was next. It sits up high so you get this wide-open view over both East and West Bays — boats looked like tiny white dots way out there. The wind picked up just enough to make my jacket feel thin, but we found a spot outside anyway because the sunset was starting to color everything pinkish-orange. There was this quiet moment where nobody said much, just glasses clinking and someone’s phone camera clicking quietly behind us. I still think about that view when things get busy at home.

The last winery sort of blurred into laughter and stories — maybe it was the Pinot Noir or maybe just how everyone loosened up by then. Jamie told us locals sometimes pack their own snacks since most places only have small plates (good tip). On the ride back through winding roads, windows cracked open to let in cool lake air, someone started singing softly and nobody minded how off-key it was. So yeah, if you’re looking for a Traverse City sunset wine tour that feels relaxed but also kind of special in its own messy way… this is it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Traverse City Sunset Wine Tour

• Depart Traverse City by shuttle
• Visit Bowers Harbor Vineyard
• Taste wines and snacks
• Travel to Chateau Chantal estate
• Enjoy vineyard and bay views
• Taste Michigan wines
• Visit third winery on peninsula
• Sample additional wines
• Return to Traverse City

Top questions

How long is the Traverse City sunset wine tour?

The tour lasts approximately 4 hours, starting around 5:30pm on weekdays or 4:30pm on Saturdays.

How many wineries are included on this Traverse City wine tour?

You’ll visit three wineries on Old Mission Peninsula during the tour.

Does the tour include transportation?

Yes, transportation is provided by a premium limo-style bus with air conditioning.

Are snacks or meals included?

No full meals are included; most wineries offer small appetizers or cheese plates for purchase.

Is there outdoor seating at the wineries?

Most wineries have outdoor seating only—dress warmly if it’s cold.

Are gratuities for the driver included?

No, gratuity (15-20%) for your driver is strongly recommended but not included in the price.

Can I bring my own food or drinks?

You’re welcome to pack your own lunch or snacks; there’s also a Yeti-style cooler available for use on board.

Is this Traverse City wine tour private?

No, it’s a public group tour rather than private booking.

What’s included

Your evening includes pickup from downtown Traverse City by premium shuttle bus with air conditioning and an easygoing local guide at the wheel. You’ll have access to a Yeti-style cooler for any snacks you bring along yourself. Tastings at three different Old Mission Peninsula wineries are part of your route before heading back after sunset—just remember to bring some cash for tips if you can.