NON BUS Traverse City MOVIE STARS Wine Tour in a Luxury SUV

Skip the party bus. This four-and-a-half-hour Traverse City outing uses a GMC Yukon or Cadillac Escalade to visit Old Mission Peninsula wineries in a smaller, calmer setting. I like the downtown pickup, the personal attention from guides such as Mike, and the chance to request a preferred winery when schedules allow.

I also like the focus on white wines, from Gewürztraminer and Sauvignon Blanc to Pinot Secco and Dry Riesling. The main consideration is that wine flights, bottles, food, and glasses cost extra, and the exact wineries can change with availability, weather, season, and your group’s wishes.

Key points at a glance

• Luxury SUV transport: Ride in a GMC Yukon or Cadillac Escalade instead of a large party bus.
• Four winery visits: Standard daytime tours visit four Old Mission Peninsula wineries during the 270-minute outing.
• Strong white-wine lineup: Expect possible pours of Gewürztraminer, Pinot Grigio, Pinot Secco, Dry Riesling, and Sauvignon Blanc.
• Flexible afternoon plan: Sunset tours visit three wineries and may add Old Mission Distilling.
• Downtown convenience: Pickup and drop-off are arranged in central Traverse City, near Park Place Hotel.
• Small-group feel: Couples are combined into a semi-private group, while groups of six or seven will most likely have their own vehicle.

A quieter way to taste Old Mission Peninsula

The main selling point is simple: you get winery access without spending half the day on a noisy bus. Movie Stars Wine Tours uses luxury SUVs and keeps the group size smaller, making it easier to hear your guide, ask questions, and enjoy the road between stops.

The tour lasts 270 minutes, or four and a half hours. That is enough time to see several wineries without turning the day into an exhausting marathon. You should still expect a fairly brisk schedule. Four stops in one afternoon means each visit has a limited window, and tasting fees or purchases are handled separately.

Pickup is in downtown Traverse City at the Hardy Street Parking Structure, on the east side near the State Street entrance and MiddleCoast Brewery. Park Place Hotel is across the street. This matters because you do not need to drive to a remote meeting point after drinking wine, and you can return to downtown at the end.

The company also offers pickup at some downtown locations for groups. You should contact them ahead of time with your location rather than assume every hotel is included.

What the $89 price really covers

At $89 per person, the tour is priced as a guided transportation and winery-hopping experience, not as an all-inclusive tasting package. Your fee covers the air-conditioned luxury SUV, a local English-speaking guide, downtown pickup and drop-off, and the planning needed to connect several Old Mission Peninsula stops.

Wine samples or splashes are available, but full flights, bottles, glasses, and food cost extra. That can make the final bill noticeably higher, especially if you want a tasting at each winery, add snacks, and take bottles home.

Still, the price has real value for couples and small groups who would otherwise need a sober driver, rental car, or separate transportation. It also saves you from planning the route and checking each winery’s schedule yourself. For a group of six or more, a complimentary bottle of wine may be included, depending on availability. The listed options are Gamay or Secco.

I would budget beyond the $89 for tasting fees and purchases. Ask your guide early about what is included at each stop, since the day’s wineries can change and pricing may differ from one place to another.

Hawthorne Vineyards and the opening pours

Hawthorne Vineyards is one possible first stop, and it is a good introduction to the style of the outing. The focus here includes wine tasting, cheese tasting, champagne tasting, food tasting, and views along the drive.

The winery is especially associated with Gewürztraminer, a fragrant white wine with a distinctive character. If you enjoy wines that are more aromatic than sharp, this is a pour worth paying attention to. It also gives you a chance to compare a still wine with sparkling selections if champagne is available during your visit.

The food and cheese options can help make the first tasting feel less rushed. Even so, the tour does not include food as part of the $89 price, so plan to pay separately for anything you order.

The drive itself is part of the pleasure. Old Mission Peninsula gives the route its scenic appeal, and the SUV lets you watch the views without worrying about traffic or navigation.

Bowers Harbor for Pinot Secco and Pinot Grigio

Bowers Harbor Vineyards is another likely stop, particularly useful for anyone who prefers lighter, easy-drinking whites. The recommended pours include Pinot Secco and Pinot Grigio, with Pinot Grigio described as the top-selling wine in Michigan.

Pinot Secco gives the tasting a sparkling option without making the whole visit about traditional champagne. Pinot Grigio offers a familiar comparison point, which is helpful if your group includes people with different levels of wine experience.

Bowers Harbor also offers local snacks and champagne tasting among its possible activities. You should not assume every listed tasting appears automatically, since the exact format depends on what is available on the day.

This is the sort of stop where a guide can make a difference. Movie Stars Wine Tours emphasizes personal recommendations, so tell your guide what you normally drink. If you dislike sweet wine, prefer crisp whites, or want to try something outside your usual order, say so before the tasting begins.

Chateau Chantal adds Dry Riesling and spirits

Chateau Chantal Winery and Inn gives the route a different tone, with wine, champagne, food tasting, and spirits among the possible offerings. Dry Riesling is one of the suggested wines, along with Tonight Bubbly.

Dry Riesling is a useful choice for visitors who want the floral and citrus notes often linked with Riesling but do not want a noticeably sweet glass. Tonight Bubbly gives you another chance to try sparkling wine during the afternoon.

The spirits option also gives this stop some variety. It is a good fit for groups where not everyone wants to drink only wine, though the tour remains primarily a wine outing.

The drawback is time. A winery with wine, food, sparkling selections, and spirits could easily tempt you into staying longer than the schedule permits. Keep an eye on the clock, and let your guide manage the timing so you do not miss the next stop.

Brys Estate and Bonobo Winery for broader choices

Brys Estate Vineyard and Winery is listed among the standard Old Mission Peninsula possibilities. Its visit can include wine tasting, champagne tasting, food tasting, scenic drives, and views along the way.

Bonobo Winery offers an even wider mix. Possible activities include wine and spirits tasting, whiskey tasting, food tasting, and a photo stop. If your group has varied tastes, Bonobo may be especially appealing because there is more than one kind of drink to consider.

The trip does not promise that both Brys Estate and Bonobo will be included on every departure. Day tours visit four wineries, selected from the company’s partner locations. Sunset and afternoon tours visit three wineries and may add a distillery.

That distinction matters. If you have your heart set on a specific winery, tell your guide when the tour begins, and ask what can be arranged. Preferences are considered, but availability, season, weather, and the day’s operating schedule control the final route.

Chateau Grand Traverse and the wine wish list

Chateau Grand Traverse is another possible stop. The visit may include wine, champagne, cheese, and food tastings, along with the scenic drive between locations.

This stop can work well for people who want a classic winery visit with several ways to sample local products. Cheese and food can also make the tasting feel more substantial, especially if you have not eaten recently.

The company’s route includes Hawthorne Vineyards, Bowers Harbor Vineyards, Brys Estate, Chateau Chantal, Chateau Grand Traverse, Bonobo Winery, and Old Mission Distilling. You should not expect to visit all seven in one outing. Four are used for the standard daytime experience, while the later sunset format generally includes three wineries plus an optional distillery.

That flexibility is useful, but it also means the tour is not ideal if you need a fixed, guaranteed list of stops. It is better suited to someone who values a smooth day and good recommendations over checking off every name.

The sunset option and Old Mission Distilling

The afternoon or sunset departure offers a different rhythm. Instead of four wineries, you visit three and may stop at Old Mission Distilling at about 3:30 PM, depending on the schedule.

Old Mission Distilling can include cocktails, spirits, wine, whiskey tasting, food tasting, a photo stop, and even a concert when one is taking place. It gives the later tour more variety and can be a smart choice for a group with both wine drinkers and spirit drinkers.

You should confirm the optional stop when booking or at pickup. It is not part of every tour, and the final plan depends on availability.

The sunset format is also a good match for celebrations. Birthdays, anniversaries, and bachelorette groups can enjoy the scenic ride without committing to a full party bus atmosphere. The company recommends wine-drinking hats, which tells you something about the tone: this is polished transportation with a playful party edge.

Why the guide matters on this tour

The company is owned and operated by former law enforcement, and it describes itself as friendly to law enforcement, first responders, and military members. The guides are local Traverse City residents, with the owner identified as a University of Michigan graduate and some guides as Michigan State graduates.

Mike is the guide name most clearly associated with the experience. A recent booking described Mike as excellent and worth booking again. Another guest praised the smooth organization, the personal care, and the ability to switch from a winery to a distillery without trouble.

That kind of flexibility is valuable. Wine tours can become stressful when a group wants to change plans, but a smaller vehicle and direct communication make adjustments more realistic. Staff also use guests’ names, which adds a personal touch that large bus operations often lack.

The company says it has its own private-label wine, the Movie Stars Wine Tours NON BUS White Escalade Blend. Availability is not specified, so ask your guide if you are interested in trying or buying it.

Group size, comfort, and what to bring

The vehicles are air-conditioned GMC Yukons or Cadillac Escalades. The experience is semi-private, meaning couples may be combined with other small parties. Groups of six or seven will most likely have their own vehicle.

That setup works best for people who want social contact without a packed bus. You may share the ride, but you should have more room and a quieter setting than a large party vehicle.

Drinks are not allowed inside the vehicle. That rule is easy to follow, since each winery provides a place to taste and purchase drinks. Smoking and vaping are also not part of the experience.

Wear something comfortable for getting in and out of the SUV and walking around winery properties. A hat can be fun, and the company strongly recommends wine-drinking hats, but you should also remember that the tour includes four stops on the daytime schedule. Keep your purchases manageable, and ask about bottle storage if you plan to buy several.

The tour is not suitable for pregnant women because alcohol tasting is central to the outing.

Who will enjoy it most

I would recommend this tour to you if you want:

• A small-group wine day without a crowded bus
• Downtown pickup and return
• A guide who can suggest wines based on your taste
• Several white-wine options, including Gewürztraminer, Pinot Grigio, Pinot Secco, Dry Riesling, and Sauvignon Blanc
• A flexible route rather than a guaranteed visit to every named winery
• A celebration with comfortable transportation and a lighthearted mood

It may be less suitable if you want every tasting, meal, and bottle included in one upfront price. It is also not the best match if you prefer a slow visit at one or two wineries. Four stops in 270 minutes keeps the day moving.

Practical booking advice

Choose a daytime departure if you want four winery visits. Choose the sunset or afternoon format if three wineries plus a possible distillery sound better.

Tell the company your favorite wineries before the day begins. The route can respond to guest wishes, but no single set of stops is guaranteed. Ask about tasting fees, food, glasses, and bottle costs so you know what the $89 covers.

For groups of six or more, check whether the free bottle is available and which wine is being offered. If downtown pickup is important, confirm the exact meeting point at the Hardy Street Parking Structure or arrange a local downtown pickup in advance.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the experience, and you can reserve now and pay later. That is useful when your Traverse City schedule is still changing.

Should you book the Movie Stars Wine Tour?

Book it if you value comfort, downtown convenience, and personal service more than an all-inclusive price. The strongest parts are the luxury SUV, the local guide attention, the flexible winery choices, and the ability to include a distillery on selected sunset tours.

I would especially choose it for a couple, a small birthday group, or a party of six to seven that wants its own vehicle. The $89 starting price is fair for transportation and planning, but bring extra money for tastings, food, and bottles.

If you want a relaxed Old Mission Peninsula day without driving after wine, this is a practical choice. Just go in knowing that the route can change and that the advertised winery lineup is a menu of possible stops, not a promise to visit every one.

FAQ

How long does the wine tour last?

The experience lasts 270 minutes, or four and a half hours.

What is the price?

The listed price is $89 per person.

Where is pickup in Traverse City?

Pickup is at the Hardy Street Parking Structure, on the east side near the State Street entrance and MiddleCoast Brewery. Park Place Hotel is across the street.

What vehicle is used?

The tour uses an air-conditioned GMC Yukon or Cadillac Escalade.

How many wineries does the tour visit?

The standard daytime tour visits four wineries. Afternoon and sunset tours visit three wineries and may include an optional distillery stop.

Which wineries may be included?

Possible locations include Hawthorne Vineyards, Bowers Harbor Vineyards, Chateau Chantal, Brys Estate, Chateau Grand Traverse, Bonobo Winery, and Old Mission Distilling.

Are wine tastings included in the price?

Wine samples or splashes are available, but flights, bottles, glasses, and food cost extra.

Can I request a particular winery?

You can tell your guide which wineries you prefer. The final selection depends on availability, guest choice, weather, and season.

Is the tour private?

Private groups are available. The standard experience is semi-private, and couples may be combined with other groups. Groups of six or seven will most likely have their own vehicle.