Michigan's Premier Bachelorette Destination  ·  Wine Country on Two Scenic Peninsulas  ·  Start Planning Your Bach Weekend
Michigan's #1 Bachelorette Destination

The Ultimate Traverse City
Bachelorette Wine Tour

Vineyard views, private buses, 40+ wineries, and zero stress. Everything the maid of honor needs to plan a weekend the bride will never forget.

40+
Wineries to Visit
2
Scenic Peninsulas
4–8
Ideal Group Size
0
Ubers You'll Need

Why Every Bride is Choosing Traverse City

Forget Nashville. Forget Scottsdale. Traverse City has quietly become the Midwest's most coveted bachelorette destination — and wine country is the reason. Two scenic peninsulas, 40+ world-class wineries, lakeside views, and a downtown full of great restaurants and nightlife. It's the full package.

The 45th parallel runs right through Northern Michigan — the same latitude as Bordeaux and Burgundy — which is why the wines here are genuinely exceptional. Your group won't just be drinking; they'll be tasting some of the best Riesling, Pinot Noir, and sparkling wine in the country.

"Transportation is the biggest pain point for a bachelorette party in Traverse City. The wineries are 15–45 minutes from downtown on the peninsulas. You absolutely need a driver — do not rely on Lyft."

We've planned this out so you don't have to stress. A private bus, the right winery lineup, and a two-day itinerary — and the maid of honor gets to enjoy the weekend instead of managing logistics.

World-Class Wines

Same latitude as Bordeaux. Michigan Riesling and Pinot Noir that rival the best in the world.

Perfect Group Size

Wineries comfortably host groups of 6–14. Private tours available for larger parties.

Peak Season: May–Oct

Summer for beaches. Fall harvest for the most romantic vineyard experience of the year.

Instagrammable AF

Rolling vineyards, lakeside views, Chateau-style architecture. The photos will be stunning.

Book Your Bus First. Everything Else Follows.

Lyft and Uber are unreliable in TC wine country. A private bus or shuttle is not optional — it's what makes the weekend work. Here are our preferred partner tour operators who specialize in bachelorette groups.

Heads up, MOH: Bus tours book out weeks in advance during summer and fall harvest season (September–October). Don't wait. As soon as you have a date and headcount, lock in your transportation first — wineries can be added later, but the bus is the bottleneck.

E-Bike Wine Tours

Riding Electric TC

Something completely different. Cruise vineyard-to-vineyard on pedal-assist e-bikes along the Leelanau Trail. No biking experience needed — the motor does the work. A total show-stopper for bachelorette parties that want a unique memory.

Pedal-Assist E-Bikes Leelanau Peninsula Scenic Trail Route Groups Welcome
Learn More
Luxury Limo Service

Grand Traverse Limo

White-glove limousine and luxury SUV service for bachelorette parties, bridal groups, and special occasions. Fully customizable routes, onboard champagne, and service that makes every arrival an entrance.

Stretch Limo Luxury SUV Onboard Champagne All Occasions
Learn More

Not sure which operator is right for your group? Fill out the planning form below and we'll match you with the best fit.

Best Wineries for Bachelorette Groups

Not every winery is set up for groups. These are the ones with the space, the vibe, and the staff that make a bachelorette visit feel like a celebration — not an imposition.

Old Mission

Chateau Chantal

The full Traverse City winery experience. Stunning architecture, lakeside views, and 12 guest rooms for groups who want to stay the night. Sparkling wine is a specialty — perfect for toasting.

Group Tastings Overnight Stay Sparkling Wine Bay Views
Old Mission

Bonobo Winery

Owned by Carter Oosterhouse and Amy Smart, Bonobo is the trendy, social winery with a massive outdoor deck and bay views. The vibe is relaxed and celebratory — a natural bachelorette stop.

Outdoor Deck Small Plates Bay Views Social Scene
Leelanau

Black Star Farms

A full estate experience — winery, inn, stables, and one of TC's most celebrated tasting rooms. 50+ wines, ciders, and brandies. Expert staff who know how to make a group feel welcome.

Estate Inn 50+ Wines Expert Staff Full Estate
Old Mission

Brys Estate

Intimate, elegant, and consistently one of the highest-rated wineries on the peninsula. Known for spectacular Pinot Noir and a knowledgeable tasting room team that makes every visit feel personalized.

Pinot Noir Private Tastings Scenic Views Intimate
Old Mission

Chateau Grand Traverse

Italian-style chateau famous for underground wine caves and stunning architecture. Incredibly Instagrammable — you'll want to shoot the caves. Michigan's oldest and most iconic winery.

Wine Caves Iconic Architecture Photo-Worthy Reserve Tastings
Old Mission

Mari Vineyards

Known for experimental Italian varieties grown in Michigan. Underground tasting rooms, distinctive architecture, and wines you won't find anywhere else. A memorable stop for wine-curious groups.

Underground Tasting Italian Varieties Unique Experience Reservations Required
Old Mission Wineries Leelanau Wineries

Your Bach Weekend Itinerary

1
Friday — Arrive, Settle In & First Sip
2:00 PM

Check In & Get Ready

Most TC accommodations check in at 2–3pm. Lakeside Airbnb rentals, boutique hotels like Hotel Indigo or Delamar, or a vineyard stay at Black Star Farms or Chateau Chantal.

MOH Tip: TC Decorating Co. can set up balloons, sashes, and a full bachelorette-themed welcome before you arrive. Book them ahead.

5:00 PM

First Stop: Bonobo Winery

Head to Old Mission Peninsula for golden hour at Bonobo. The outdoor deck with bay views is perfect for the first group toast. Order the natural wines and small plates.

7:30 PM

Dinner Downtown

Trattoria Stella for upscale Italian, or Firefly for something more casual and group-friendly (tapas and sushi in a relaxed setting). Reserve well in advance for large groups.

MOH Tip: Most TC restaurants take groups of 6–10. For larger parties, call ahead — not everyone does OpenTable for large groups.

9:30 PM

Downtown Nightlife

Walk to Low Bar for rare bourbon and craft cocktails, or hit The Parlor for live music in a historic train weigh station. If you want dancing, Shimmers is the move.

2
Saturday — The Full Wine Trail
10:00 AM

Bus Pickup & First Winery

Your party bus or private tour picks up at your accommodation. First stop: Chateau Grand Traverse for the underground wine caves and a proper kickoff tasting. Arrive looking like you mean it.

MOH Tip: Wear comfortable shoes — wedges work at wineries but heels on gravel paths are brutal. Tell the group.

11:30 AM

Second Stop: Brys Estate

Intimate, stunning Pinot Noir, and some of the most knowledgeable staff on the peninsula. Ask for the reserve tasting — worth the upgrade for a bachelorette group.

1:00 PM

Lunch & Champagne Toast at Bonobo

Hit the outdoor deck for small plates and a mid-day toast to the bride-to-be. The bay views at this time of day are stunning. Great photo moment here.

2:30 PM

Third Stop: Chateau Chantal

Signature sparkling wine, beautiful architecture, and a tasting room that can handle your group. If anyone in the party is staying overnight, this is their home base.

4:30 PM

Beach Time

Drop the bus, hit Clinch Park Beach or West End Beach for the afternoon. Bring snacks and whatever wine survived the tour. Golden hour on the bay with your crew is peak Traverse City.

7:00 PM

Sunset Dinner & Final Night Out

Red Ginger for the sushi, or Sugar 2 Salt for something sweet to celebrate the bride. Then back out to downtown for the finale — the group decides where.

1
Friday — Arrive in Wine Country Gold
2:00 PM

Check In — Harvest Season Vibes

Fall is THE season for TC wine country. The vineyards are turning gold and red, the air is crisp, and harvest celebrations are happening at wineries across both peninsulas. Pack a layer.

MOH Tip: Fall is the most popular time of year. Book everything — bus, restaurants, wineries — 6–8 weeks ahead. This season sells out.

4:00 PM

First Harvest Tasting: Black Star Farms

Leelanau Peninsula in the fall is magical. Start at Black Star Farms for their harvest-season releases — look for the late-harvest Riesling and their acclaimed estate Pinot Noir.

7:00 PM

Harvest Dinner

Fall menus in Traverse City are exceptional. Trattoria Stella does seasonal Italian that pairs perfectly with a day of wine. Reserve ahead and let them know it's a bachelorette dinner.

9:30 PM

Low Bar for the Night Cap

The pre-prohibition atmosphere and extensive bourbon list make Low Bar the perfect fall night spot. Cozy, dimly lit, and a great place for the group to relax after the day.

2
Saturday — The Harvest Wine Trail
10:00 AM

Old Mission Peninsula in Fall

The drive up Old Mission Peninsula with autumn foliage is one of the most beautiful things in Michigan. Your bus guide will know exactly when to stop for the best views.

10:30 AM

Mari Vineyards: Underground Harvest Tasting

Fall harvest wines at Mari are exceptional — their Italian varietals harvested at peak ripeness. The underground tasting rooms feel especially magical in this season.

MOH Tip: Mari requires reservations. Don't skip this step — they're strict about it, especially during peak season.

12:30 PM

Chateau Grand Traverse: Harvest Lunch

Their outdoor terrace surrounded by fall vines is a must-see. Ask about their harvest-season releases and the ice wine — some of the best you'll find anywhere.

2:30 PM

Chateau Chantal: Sparkling & Sunset Views

End the wine trail at Chateau Chantal. Fall sunset over West Bay from their terrace is peak Northern Michigan. Pop the sparkling wine. Take every photo. This is the moment.

5:30 PM

Spa Hour (Optional)

Grand Traverse Spa has bachelorette packages specifically designed for groups — massages, facials, and full pampering. Book 4–6 weeks in advance for the fall season.

7:30 PM

Final Harvest Dinner & Celebration

The last night is for the bride. Let her pick the restaurant. Spoil her. Toast everything. Traverse City wine country gave you the perfect backdrop — you handled the rest.

Get the Free
Bach Weekend Planning Kit

We'll send you everything you need to plan the perfect Traverse City bachelorette weekend — no stress, no spreadsheets, no "did I forget something" panic at 11pm.

  • Complete weekend timeline template (Friday–Sunday)
  • Winery cheat sheet — group-friendly picks by peninsula
  • Transportation guide with bus operator contacts
  • Restaurant reservation scripts for large groups
  • Accommodation guide for groups of 6–16
  • Budget tracker and Venmo collection tips
  • Packing list & what to wear at wineries

Free Bach Weekend Planning Kit

Tell us a little about your group and we'll customize your kit with the best recommendations for your dates and party size.

Free, no spam ever. Just the info you need to plan an incredible weekend.

More Ways to Make It Unforgettable

Grand Traverse Spa

A full-service spa just 15 minutes from downtown with bachelorette packages tailored for groups. Massages, facials, and a full day of pampering. Book 4–6 weeks ahead for fall season.

Learn More

Beach Days on the Bay

Traverse City's beaches are stunning. Clinch Park is walkable from downtown. West End Beach is a party scene in summer. Bring leftover wine from the tour and a speaker.

Plan Your Beach Day

Sleeping Bear Dunes

40 minutes from TC, the Sleeping Bear Dunes are a half-day adventure with some of the most breathtaking Lake Michigan views in existence. The photo op is absolutely unbeatable.

Visitor Guide

TC Decorating Co.

Local bachelorette setup service that handles balloons, signage, party bags, and full room decoration before you arrive. Surprise the bride with a perfectly decorated space at check-in.

Book Setup

Downtown Shopping & Nightlife

Cherry Republic for TC treats, boutique shops along Front Street, then the nightlife circuit: Low Bar, The Parlor, Kilkenny's for live music, and Cycle Pub for a pedal-powered bar crawl.

Explore Downtown

Group Accommodations

Hotels for the classic experience (Hotel Indigo, Delamar), large Airbnbs for the whole group in one house, or vineyard stays at Chateau Chantal or Black Star Farms Inn for ultimate immersion.

Where to Stay

Bachelorette Planning Updates

New winery openings, seasonal events, and exclusive bachelorette packages delivered to your inbox. Be the MOH who always knows what's happening in TC wine country.