Bonobo Winery is a fantastic spot for wine lovers looking to explore Michigan’s Old Mission Peninsula. The area is renowned for its rolling vineyards, stunning lake views, and some of the best wines in the Midwest.
What makes Bonobo Winery especially appealing is the variety of tours available, catering to different preferences—whether you’re after a luxurious VIP experience or a personalized private outing.
Among the options, we’re particularly fond of the NON BUS Hawthorne Vineyards Traverse Old Mission Wine Tour, which offers a relaxed, intimate way to taste top wineries without the noise and hassle of party buses. It’s perfect if you want a more refined experience with expert wine recommendations.
If you’re looking for a more tailored experience, the Traverse City: Wine Country Private Tour with Transportation stands out for its flexibility and private setting. It allows you to customize your day, enjoy a spacious vehicle, and soak in the breathtaking scenery at your own pace.
Both tours provide a seamless way to enjoy Michigan’s wine country, but each offers a different vibe shaped by your preferences—luxury, intimacy, or customization.
1. NON BUS Hawthorne Vineyards Traverse Old Mission Wine Tour
At number one on our list is the NON BUS Hawthorne Vineyards Traverse Old Mission Wine Tour, which offers a more refined way to experience Old Mission Peninsula’s wineries. For $79 per person, you get four hours of touring in a luxury SUV, leaving behind the noisy party buses and generic groups. This tour is all about comfort and quality.
Magic Mike, a real wine connoisseur, guides you through the day, sharing expert recommendations and insider tips that you wouldn’t get on larger, more commercial tours.
The tour includes tastings at four top wineries, each famous for their unique terroir and handcrafted wines. You’ll enjoy stunning views of the peninsula, which are perfect for photos and a relaxing backdrop as you sip.
The VIP treatment means you won’t have to worry about driving, so you can focus entirely on tasting and conversation. Reviews note how smoothly everything runs and how Magic Mike’s wine expertise enhances the experience.
The tour’s value lies in its combination of luxury, expertise, and small-group intimacy—ideal for couples or wine aficionados wanting a more exclusive day out.
Bottom line: This is a well-reviewed, cost-effective way to indulge in Michigan wine without sacrificing comfort or expertise. It’s best suited for travelers who want a shorter, high-quality experience with personalized guidance.
2. Traverse City: Wine Country Private Tour with Transportation
At number two, the Traverse City: Wine Country Private Tour with Transportation offers a highly flexible, customizable experience for about $99 per person. This private tour caters to groups who want control over their itinerary and a more tailored day. Your professional driver will handle the logistics so you can simply relax and enjoy the scenery.
With around four and a half hours of touring, you’ll have plenty of time to visit wineries that interest you most, whether that’s a renowned vineyard or a lesser-known gem.
This tour’s standout feature is its ability to be personalized. Your guide will help craft a route based on your preferences—whether you want to focus on certain wineries or explore specific landscapes. The spacious SUV provides comfort for groups, and the private setting encourages a more relaxed, intimate experience.
Reviewers often comment on how easy it is to customize the day and how much they appreciated having a dedicated driver. With views of Lake Michigan and rolling vineyards, this tour combines scenic beauty with wine tasting at its finest.
Bottom line: This is an excellent choice if you’re traveling with a group, want to tailor your experience, or prefer a more private, relaxed day. It’s perfect for those who value flexibility and personalized service.
How to Choose
Choosing between these two top options depends on your priorities. If you’re after a luxurious, guided experience with expert wine advice and prefer to stay small and exclusive, the NON BUS Hawthorne Vineyards Traverse Old Mission Wine Tour is your best bet. It’s also ideal for those who want to avoid the chaos of larger tour buses.
On the other hand, if you want full control over your day and a private, customizable experience, the Traverse City: Wine Country Private Tour with Transportation will suit your needs. This option is perfect for groups, special celebrations, or travelers who want to focus on specific wineries or landscapes.
Keep in mind your budget, group size, and how much control you want over your itinerary. For busy times, booking early is wise, especially for private tours, which tend to fill quickly.
To sum it up, both tours offer memorable ways to enjoy Michigan’s wine country. The luxury SUV tour provides an intimate, expert-led experience, while the private tour offers flexibility and customization.
For wine lovers seeking exclusivity, the VIP SUV tour is a standout; for those who want to tailor their day and enjoy scenic views at their own pace, the private option is excellent. Whichever you choose, booking early ensures a smooth and enjoyable visit.