MyNorth News Service
(Press Release provided by Grand Traverse Bike Tours)
SUTTONS BAY: Grand Traverse Bike Tours introduces their Cycle the Vineyards Tour. This tour offers the unique experience of mountain biking through the vineyard, soaking in postcard views, familiarizing yourself with the winemaking process and terroir, tasting fine wines and enjoying a picnic lunch in the vineyard.
On this tour the guides at Grand Traverse Bike Tours will lead you through the vineyards and trails at Forty-Five North Winery. Rolling through the picturesque vines you will see the grapes ripening first hand. Experience views of vineyards and surrounding orchards from the hilltop vineyard block. Then you will peddle through single track trails to Forty-Five North Winery and taste their award-winning wines. Pick your favorite wines and head back to the vineyard to enjoy a catered picnic lunch. The fun isn’t over after lunch. The group makes a detour on the back roads to Aurora Cellars. The tour travels at a casual pace with frequent stops. The tour covers about 8-10 miles for the day, on rolling dirt vineyard roads, single track trails and a little pavement.
“This is possibly the most unique way to visit the wineries,” says Nick Wierzba – owner. “I have dreamed of being able to offer this experience in northern Michigan, it is like cycling through the vineyards of Tuscany or the Napa Valley. This tour truly shows the beauty and romance of the vineyard combined with a little adventure.”
The tour is available every Saturday from June 20 though Oct 3 or any day with groups of five or more. The cost is $79 per person and lasts from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm. The tour includes bike and helmet rental, picnic lunch (special dietary needs can be met), van support, wine purchase pickup and roadside assistance. Reservations are required and can be made online or by calling 231-421-6815. Details on the tour can be found at www.grandtraversebiketours.com/cycle-the-vineyards-tour.html
Grand Traverse Bike Tours specializes in winery and brewery tours and has been touring since 2012, owner Nick Wierzba has been in the wine tour business for over 10 years, getting his start as the general manager of Napa Valley Bike Tours. Grand Traverse Bike Tours is based out of Suttons Bay because of their signature Leelanau Wine Trail Tour which starts and stops from their shop and follows the paved Leelanau Trail to 8 wineries just off the trail. More on Grand Traverse Bike Tours at www.grandtraversebiketours.com