The 15 Best Wine Tours in Traverse City

Discover the best wine tours in Traverse City, from guided bus trips to luxury private experiences, perfect for wine lovers and adventure seekers alike.

Top Tours, Top Wine Tours, Traverse City

Traverse City isn’t just about cherries and lakes—its thriving wine scene makes it a top destination for wine lovers craving a memorable experience. The region’s unique climate and diverse terroir produce everything from crisp whites to rich reds, and whether you prefer guided group tours or private VIP outings, there’s an option to match your style. In this guide, we’ll explore the 15 best wine tours in Traverse City, highlighting everything from scenic bus adventures to exclusive private tastings, including details on stops, guides, and what makes each one special. Expect insider info, honest reviews, and practical tips so you can pick the tour that fits your budget, schedule, and wine interests.

If you’re looking for an easy way to visit multiple wineries with expert guidance, or want a personalized experience with luxury transportation and VIP treatment, this list has you covered. We’ve included options that range from budget-friendly group outings on a bus to high-end private tours with champagne proposals, ensuring there’s something for every wine enthusiast.

1. 5-Hour Traverse City Wine Tour: 3 Wineries on Leelanau Peninsula

This Leelanau Peninsula Wine Tour takes the hassle out of wine tasting by handling transportation and reservations. For just $79.99 per person, you’ll visit four popular wineries, including the highly-rated Black Star Farms, famous for its award-winning wines and scenic estate. The tour spends about 80 minutes at Black Star Farms, where you can explore vineyards, sample a wide variety of wines, and enjoy European-style brandies. The itinerary continues with Shady Lane Cellars, known for its intimate boutique vibe and connection to the land. Expect a relaxed pace, with plenty of time to savor the wines and take in the beautiful views.

Rated 5.0/5 with over 330 reviews, this tour is perfect for those who want expert-guided visits without the logistics. The bus is comfortable, and many reviewers praise the knowledgeable guides and beautiful wineries. It’s ideal for afternoon drinkers who want to combine wine tasting with a scenic drive—just remember to bring your own snacks for the ride.

Bottom Line: A great value for a relaxed, all-inclusive tour that handles everything from reservations to transportation, especially suited for groups wanting a worry-free experience.

2. NON BUS 4 Winery Traverse City Wine Tour on Old Mission Peninsula

For $68.00 per person, this luxury guided tour skips the bus and instead offers a VIP experience in upscale GMC Yukons. Run by Magic Mike, a seasoned wine connoisseur, this tour covers four top wineries like Hawthorne Vineyards and Bowers Harbor Vineyards. Each stop allows for wine purchases, tasting flights, and optional food pairings like charcuterie or popcorn flights. The tour lasts about 4 to 5 hours and emphasizes personalized, relaxed exploration, with the guide sharing in-depth insights about each winery’s wines and land.

Reviewers love the attentive service, with many noting the friendly guides and the luxurious transport makes all the difference. People appreciate the flexibility to purchase bottles and enjoy scenic views without feeling rushed. The tour’s focus on quality and comfort makes it perfect for those wanting an intimate, high-end tasting day.

Bottom Line: If you value personalized service, high-end transportation, and tasting at boutique wineries, this is a top choice for an upscale, intimate experience.

3. Designated Driver TC – We Drive Your Car – Private TC Wine Tour

At $184.50 per person, this private tour is ideal for groups who prefer to control their schedule but avoid the hassle of driving. You provide your vehicle, and a professional driver from Designated Driver TC takes the wheel, allowing everyone to relax and focus on tasting. You’ll get personalized tips on wineries, restaurants, and must-see spots around Traverse City. The tour typically lasts about 5 hours, and it’s perfect for small groups, couples, or those with specific wineries in mind.

Reviewers highlight the convenience and personal attention, especially mentioning drivers like Dave and Royce, who go above and beyond to make the day memorable. Since you can choose your own itinerary, this option suits groups wanting more control over their experience.

Bottom Line: For those who prefer a customized tour without the big bus, this private driver service offers a flexible and comfortable way to explore at your pace.

4. 4-Hour Traverse City Sunset Wine Tour: 3 Wineries on Old Mission Peninsula

This Sunset Wine Tour costs $74.99 per person and features a premium limo-style bus that whisks you between three top wineries on Old Mission Peninsula. The tour is timed to culminate with a stunning sunset over the bay, making it a perfect romantic outing. You’ll visit Bowers Harbor Vineyards and Chateau Chantal, both offering beautiful views and award-winning wines like Riesling, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir.

The highlight is the experience of sipping wine as the sun sets, with the guide recommending perfect wines to match the scenery. You can purchase bottles to enjoy in the bus cooler or take home. The reviews praise the luxurious transport and the informative guides, with many mentioning how the sunset views are breathtaking.

Bottom Line: An excellent choice for couples or small groups seeking a scenic, elegant experience with the added bonus of a sunset backdrop.

5. NON BUS Traverse City Old Mission Sunset Wine & Distillery Tour

Priced at $68.00 per person, this tour combines wine and spirits in a 4 to 5-hour adventure led by Magic Mike. Along With visiting three wineries—Hawthorne Vineyards, Bonobo Winery, and others—you also get to sample whiskey at a local distillery. The tour takes place in a luxury vehicle, with hotel pickup and drop-off included.

Travelers love the seamless experience of tasting both wine and spirits without the hassle of driving. Reviewers appreciate the knowledgeable guides and the flexibility to add stops or enjoy the scenery at a relaxed pace. The combination of wine and whiskey makes it ideal for those with diverse taste preferences.

Bottom Line: Best suited for those who want to try both wine and spirits on a flexible, guided tour in a comfortable setting.

6. NON BUS Traverse Sunset Wine Tour 3 Winery Old Mission Peninsula

At $68.00 per person, this small-group, luxury SUV tour offers a more exclusive experience. Led by Andie or other local guides, the tour visits three top wineries such as Hawthorne and Bonobo. It’s designed to be relaxed, with pickup and drop-off options in Traverse City and the chance to enjoy the sunset over the water.

Reviewers mention the friendly, knowledgeable guides like Andie and Jason, as well as the beautiful scenery. The focus here is on creating a personalized experience that allows for more flexibility than larger bus tours. The wineries visited are well-chosen for their atmosphere and wine quality.

Bottom Line: For travelers seeking a boutique, intimate, and flexible experience, this SUV tour delivers quality and comfort.

7. Andie’s NON BUS 4-winery Traverse Leelanau Peninsula Wine Tour

This VIP tour at $199.00 per person in a luxury vehicle offers a personalized visit to four wineries on Leelanau Peninsula. Led by Andie, Tony, and Kyle, the tour focuses on boutique wineries like Shady Lane Cellars, with intimate tastings and beautiful vineyard views.

The tour’s strength is its exclusivity—limited to small groups—and the in-depth knowledge of guides who are real wine connoisseurs. Wineries like Shady Lane are known for their Muscat, Blaufränkisch, and other boutique varieties. Reviewers love the relaxed pace and the personal recommendations, making it an ideal choice for those wanting a premium, tailored experience.

Bottom Line: Perfect for wine aficionados who want VIP treatment, expert insights, and a premium atmosphere in a small-group setting.

8. NON BUS Traverse Sunset Wine Tour 3 Winery Old Mission Peninsula

At $68.00 per person, this small-group tour offers a flexible, relaxed option for sunset viewing and wine tasting on Old Mission. Visiting three wineries including Hawthorne and Bonobo, the tour emphasizes scenic views and quality wines, with a focus on a personalized experience.

Reviewers praise the guides like Mike and Neil for their knowledge and friendliness. The tour’s relaxed schedule, with time for photos and enjoying the scenery, makes it ideal for travelers who want to avoid rushing and enjoy the landscape along with the wines.

Bottom Line: A good pick for those wanting a shorter, scenic sunset tour with a friendly, knowledgeable guide.

9. 5-Hour Traverse City Wine Tour: 4 Wineries on Old Mission Peninsula

This tour offers 5 hours (approx.) for $79.99 per person. Known for its wineries and picturesque lake views, Old Mission Peninsula is a must-visit for wine lovers. By joining this winery tour, you can visit four of the Peninsula’s wineries and enjoy round-trip transportation from Traverse City. That way, everyone in your group can indulge in wine and enjoy the scenery without worrying about driving.

With a rating of 5.0/5 from 2,043 reviews, it provides good value for travelers interested in wine tours.