REVIEW · TRAVERSE CITY
NON BUS VIP GMC Yukon Traverse Old Mission Peninsula Wine Tour
Book on Viator →Operated by Movie Stars Wine Tours · Bookable on Viator
Old Mission Peninsula wine days can feel either smooth or stuck in traffic. This one stays non–party-bus and flexible, with pick-up in downtown Traverse City and a guide who adjusts to weather and timing.
What I like most is the small-group setup (max 12) and the feel that you’re touring with a local who knows where to go and how to keep things moving. The other big win is the included tasting time at each stop, with wine samples available without you paying for every single pour.
One thing to consider: winery selection isn’t 100% fixed. It depends on availability, weather, and the season, so you’re choosing from a set menu of top spots rather than banking on one exact vineyard every time.
In This Review
- Highlights at a Glance
- Non Party Bus VIP Comfort: GMC Yukon Style, Not an Old Bus
- Price and Value: Why $99 Feels Fair for 4 to 5 Hours
- The Big Win: Flexible Winery Selection on Old Mission Peninsula
- Pickup and the Drive: Where the East and West Bay Views Happen
- Stop 1: Hawthorne Vineyards for Secluded Bluff Views and Easy Tastings
- Stop 2: Chateau Chantal for Ice Wine and Unusually Wide Pour Options
- Stop 3: Brys Estates for the Froze and a Summer Lawn Bar
- Stop 4: Bonobo Winery for Whiskey Samples and Big Personality
- Stop 5: Bowers Harbor Vineyards for the Pinot Secco Show
- How the Guides Make the Day Feel Easy
- Who This Tour Fits Best (and Who Might Want a Different Plan)
- Should You Book Movie Stars Wine Tours on Old Mission Peninsula?
- FAQ
- How long is the tour?
- Where does the tour start?
- What kind of vehicle do you use?
- Is this a party-bus style tour?
- How many wineries do we visit?
- What’s included in the price?
- Can I buy wine during the tour?
- Is Old Mission Distillery part of the experience?
- How big is the group?
- What’s the cancellation policy?
Highlights at a Glance
- Non party-bus VIP SUV rides (GMC Yukon or similar) that make getting around feel easier
- Views built into the drive, with shoreline moments and East/West Grand Traverse Bay panoramas
- Guides who pivot fast in bad weather, including indoor-friendly winery choices
- Four-stop day tours are typical (sunset versions often add distillery time)
- Included samples at each stop, while flights, bottles, and food stay optional
Non Party Bus VIP Comfort: GMC Yukon Style, Not an Old Bus
If you’ve ever been stuck on a school-bus-style tour, you’ll notice the difference right away here. The ride is an air-conditioned luxury SUV (commonly a GMC Yukon or Chevrolet Suburban style vehicle, with a Cadillac Escalade coming). It’s built for comfort on winding peninsula roads and for quick stops when you’re grabbing photos or heading into tastings.
This “semi-private” format also matters. The tour combines couples and small groups, and if you’re traveling with 6–7 people you may have your own vehicle. That usually means less shuffling, fewer scheduling problems, and more actual conversation with your guide while you travel.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Traverse City.
Price and Value: Why $99 Feels Fair for 4 to 5 Hours
At $99 per person for a 4–5 hour day, the value comes from how much is included before you even order wine. You’re paying for guided time, the scenic driving, and wine samples/splashes at the stops. Flights and bottles are extra, but you’re not starting from zero.
Another value point: each stop lists admission ticket free, which helps keep your total cost under control if you want to sample widely without buying a bottle at every winery. For larger groups (over 6), there’s also a complimentary bottle depending on availability. That’s not huge on a couple’s trip, but it’s a smart perk if you’re splitting costs with friends.
You should also know what’s not included: food, flights, and bottles are available for purchase. So if you’re the type who wants to graze heavily and order multiple bottles, budget for add-ons.
The Big Win: Flexible Winery Selection on Old Mission Peninsula
The tour is built around a simple promise: you won’t get trapped in one rigid schedule. Movie Stars Wine Tours uses a flexible plan where winery selection can shift based on availability, weather conditions, and the time of year. Semi-private day tours typically hit 4 wineries, while sunset tours often go to 3 wineries plus Old Mission Distillery.
That flexibility is also why your experience can feel more tailored. Your guide can sometimes adjust the route if conditions change. In one rainy-day situation, guide Jason pivoted the itinerary toward wineries with more indoor space and even added time to check out a lavender garden at one stop. That’s the kind of practical problem-solving that keeps the day fun instead of stressful.
Pickup and the Drive: Where the East and West Bay Views Happen
Your day starts at 303 E State St, Traverse City. You’ll be picked up in downtown Traverse City, and there’s often an option to drop you at local hotels/motels after the tour. There’s a nice travel rhythm here: when you’re done, you can head straight into Traverse City, grab dinner, and plan to pick up any wine later.
The drive is more than just transportation. Grand Traverse Bay is one long dramatic arm of Lake Michigan, and the peninsula splits it into East and West bays. During the ride, you’ll see East Bay views on the way from Traverse City to Hawthorne, then more West Bay views as you travel from Hawthorne to Bowers Harbor, and you’ll catch both arms again later depending on timing. If views are a big part of why you came, this itinerary is designed to keep the scenery coming.
Stop 1: Hawthorne Vineyards for Secluded Bluff Views and Easy Tastings
Hawthorne Vineyards is the kind of tasting room setting that feels like a break from the road. The tasting room sits on a high bluff with views of both East and West Grand Traverse Bays. What you don’t get is traffic noise or close neighbors—more vineyard, woods, and water.
Taste-wise, this is a strong stop for people who like variety. You can sample reds and whites, including options like a Merlot/Cab Franc blend for red drinkers and Auxerrois or Dry Riesling for white drinkers. If you want an easy entry, they also offer a popcorn flight and the chance to add charcuterie (extra cost).
Time here is about 50 minutes, which is a comfortable length: enough for a couple of tastes and photos, but not so long that you feel stuck.
Stop 2: Chateau Chantal for Ice Wine and Unusually Wide Pour Options
Chateau Chantal sits high on the peninsula, and the views are a big part of the pitch. You get that high-point feeling looking out over both arms of Grand Traverse Bay, which makes the tasting feel like an event rather than a quick table.
This stop is also special for what you can try. The ice wine is a rare highlight here, and the tour notes it was featured at a White House dinner during President Obama’s tenure. Beyond that, the wine list gives you some clear reasons to look forward to this stop: you can purchase a glass of brandy here, and it’s listed as the only Old Mission Peninsula winery on the tour where tour guests can buy brandy during the tasting.
They also call out specific wine options you can choose from, including Dry Riesling, Pinot Blanc, Naughty Red, and Malbec (again, noted as a unique option for this tour stop). Time is about 50 minutes, so you can do a flight-style tasting and still have time to settle into the view.
Stop 3: Brys Estates for the Froze and a Summer Lawn Bar
Brys Estates is often the stop people remember later, and the reason starts with one drink: the Froze’, a frozen wine-style drink that’s described as perfect for hot summer days. You can choose toppers, and it’s billed as the winery best seller.
If you like white wines, this is a good place to look for the Sauvignon Blanc on Old Mission Peninsula. There’s also a rare blend called the porch pounder, listed as a Pinot Noir/Riesling combination. You can do a customizable tasting of multiple wines, then head to the deck for photo time.
During summer, there’s a lawn bar that’s mentioned as one of the best spots in Traverse City for sampling. And if you like small gifts, Brys is also connected to lavender products—lavender soaps and lotions made from the family-grown lavender are available to purchase. The tasting window is about 55 minutes.
Stop 4: Bonobo Winery for Whiskey Samples and Big Personality
Bonobo Winery is where the tone shifts toward playful, memorable, and a little extra—in the best way. The tour description frames it as a place where people feel like movie stars, and the setting is paired with wines you’ll want to talk about later.
From a tasting perspective, the stop is built for both red and white fans. Red drinkers can look toward options like BDX and a top-shelf Pinot Noir. White drinkers can sample Blanc de Blancs, chardonnays, and a Fume Blanc. There’s also a unique item listed here: Bonobo is the only Old Mission Peninsula stop on this experience where tour guests can sample a glass of whiskey.
Frozen drink lovers also get their moment with a frozen lemonade made with lavender vodka (based on availability). Food options can include pretzel bites, a charcuterie board, or fried goat cheese depending on what’s available that day. Time at Bonobo is about 55 minutes—enough for a solid tasting round and a slow wander if the vibe hits.
Stop 5: Bowers Harbor Vineyards for the Pinot Secco Show
Bowers Harbor Vineyards has a classic feel and a long presence in the area. It was established in 1991, and the estate began as a horse farm. Today it features vinifera vines and a tasting room in a former horse stable—so the setting has history without feeling overly formal.
The tour description calls it the dog winery, so if you’re a dog person, you might enjoy that small surprise if dogs happen to be around. Tastings here cover a wide mix: Riesling, Chardonnay, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Grigio, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon.
But the main draw is bubbly. The real show stopper is Pinot Secco, described as a bubbly Pinot Grigio, and there’s also a Pinot Secco Rosé that’s listed as a favorite pick. You’ll typically get 50 minutes here, with the option to order flights and then hang at the patio, near the fire pit, or tables along the vines.
How the Guides Make the Day Feel Easy
The guides are a real part of the value, not just “extra.” You’ll see repeated praise for hosts who handle timing well, answer questions clearly, and keep the vibe relaxed.
For example, Tracy is praised for answering questions and making the day feel special. Brian gets credit for being professional, knowledgeable, and fun. Clover is specifically noted for warmth and going above and beyond for a birthday. Mike is mentioned as fun and knowledgeable while still being low-key. Jason is singled out for on-time service, quick pivots when rain hit, and even adding a lavender moment.
If you care about learning what to buy (and not just drinking), these are the kinds of guides who tend to help you choose without pushing a hard sell. And because the day is semi-private, you’re more likely to get real answers instead of being lost in a large group.
Who This Tour Fits Best (and Who Might Want a Different Plan)
This tour fits best if you want:
- Views as part of the itinerary, not just a quick drive between tastings
- A small-group feel without the stress of a big bus
- A guide-led day that stays flexible when weather changes
- A mix of well-known peninsula wineries plus some distinctive stops
It may not be ideal if you’re the type who needs total certainty about exactly which winery you’ll visit every time. The selection can shift based on availability and time of year, and the tour is designed to adapt rather than lock in.
Also, if your group wants a slow, sit-down lunch day with lots of food and big bottle buying, you’ll probably spend extra on top of the included samples. That’s not a negative—it just changes the budget expectations.
Should You Book Movie Stars Wine Tours on Old Mission Peninsula?
Yes, if you want a $99, guided, non-bus way to explore Old Mission Peninsula with real scenery and included tasting time. The best reasons to book are the flexible route (weather-aware), the quality of stops (Hawthorne, Chateau Chantal, Brys, Bonobo, Bowers Harbor are all strong names), and the comfort of the SUV format.
If you’re aiming for a classic “eat, drink, and don’t think” day, you’ll likely enjoy it. If you’re picky about exact winery order, you’ll want to go in knowing you’ll be choosing from a set of top options that the guide may reshuffle.
FAQ
How long is the tour?
The tour typically runs about 4 to 5 hours, depending on the pace of the group.
Where does the tour start?
The meeting point is 303 E State St, Traverse City, MI 49684, USA.
What kind of vehicle do you use?
The tour uses a luxury SUV such as a GMC Yukon or Chevrolet Suburban, and a Cadillac Escalade is listed as coming soon. The vehicle is air-conditioned.
Is this a party-bus style tour?
No. It’s described as a non party bus and semi-private.
How many wineries do we visit?
Semi-private day tours usually go to 4 wineries. Sunset tours usually go to 3 wineries plus Old Mission Distillery. Private groups can customize their 4-stop itinerary.
What’s included in the price?
The price includes the guided tour, an admission ticket free listing for stops, and wine samples/splashes are available. Flights, bottles, and food are extra.
Can I buy wine during the tour?
Yes. You can buy wine by the glass, bottles, and you can also join wine clubs during stops where it’s offered.
Is Old Mission Distillery part of the experience?
It’s included as an option within the Movie Stars Wine Tours experience, and sunset tours are described as usually visiting it along with wineries.
How big is the group?
The maximum group size is listed as 12 travelers.
What’s the cancellation policy?
Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel within 24 hours of the start time, the amount paid is not refunded.
