NON BUS Traverse City Leelanau Peninsula Sunset Wine Tour

If you’re considering a wine adventure in Michigan’s famed Traverse City region, the NON-BUS Leelanau Peninsula Sunset Wine Tour from Movie Stars Wine Tours offers a fresh, luxurious alternative to the typical bus experience. This tour takes you in style — in a sleek GMC Yukon or Cadillac Escalade — away from the crowd and into some of the area’s most scenic vineyards, with a knowledgeable guide leading the way.

What makes this experience stand out? First, the comfort and exclusivity of traveling in a luxury SUV rather than a noisy, crowded party bus. Second, the focus on authentic, personalized wine tasting paired with stunning views and expert guidance. One potential drawback? Because it’s small and semi-private, you won’t be part of a large group, which might limit the social aspect if that’s what you’re after. But if privacy and quality are your priorities, this tour hits the mark. This experience suits anyone eager for a relaxed, intimate tasting with a touch of style — perfect for couples, small groups, or wine aficionados who appreciate top-tier service.

Key Points

• Luxury Transportation: Travel in a premium SUV for comfort and style, avoiding bus crowds.
• Stunning Views: Enjoy scenic vistas of the Leelanau Peninsula while visiting four wineries.
• Expert Guides: Guides are knowledgeable wine enthusiasts focused on personalized recommendations.
• Flexible Experience: Tours are semi-private, often combining small groups for a more intimate feel.
• Included Samples: Wine samples are included, though tastings, food, and extra drinks cost extra.
• VIP Service: Owner-guided with attentive, celebrity-level customer service, plus a free bottle of wine for groups of 6+.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Setting the Scene: The Itinerary and Experience

The tour begins with a straightforward pickup at Rove Winery — a convenient spot on top of a hill where you’ll find your sleek, luxury SUV waiting, ready to whisk you away into wine country. The pickup time varies between 2:30 PM and 3:30 PM, depending on the schedule for the day, aligning with sunset times to maximize your views. The fact that the tour departs from a winery rather than a city center means you’re immediately immersed in the local atmosphere — no noisy bus rides or long walks from distant parking lots involved.

The Wineries

Expect to visit four distinct wineries, each with its own character and wines. While the specific stops may change depending on the day’s weather, sunset timing, or special events, options include popular spots like Shady Lane Cellars, Rove Winery, Brengman Brothers, Black Star Farms, Ciccone Farms, and Sutton’s Bay Ciders.

Each winery visit offers wines and samples included in the tour price. As one reviewer enthusiastically noted, “Brian was very attentive to be sure we enjoyed our experience. He was knowledgeable about the area and was able to give wine recommendations to our liking at each place!” This personal touch is a hallmark of the tour, elevating it beyond just transportation.

What to Expect at Each Stop

You’ll enjoy a range of wines — from crisp whites to bold reds — and get tailored suggestions based on your preferences. Since tastings, bottles, and food are extra, you might want to budget accordingly if you’re after a full meal or additional drinks. Many guests appreciate the thoughtfulness of the guides, who not only share wine insights but also suggest food pairing ideas and local spots for further exploration.

Views and Atmosphere

One of the tour’s highlights is the stunning scenery of the Leelanau Peninsula. From your vehicle, you’ll be treated to panoramic vistas of rolling vineyards, lush orchards, and the shimmering waters of Lake Michigan. The sunset aspect adds a magical glow to the landscape, making it perfect for photos or just soaking in the landscape with a glass of wine in hand.

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The Transportation Experience

Traveling in a luxury GMC Yukon, Chevrolet Suburban, or Cadillac Escalade means you’ll be comfortable and relaxed. The vehicles are air-conditioned, ensuring a cool environment as you cruise through scenic routes. The private or semi-private nature of the tour means you won’t be sharing your tour with strangers — most groups of 6-7 people will have their own vehicle, making for a very personalized experience.

The Guides and Service

The staff of Movie Stars Wine Tours are passionate wine lovers and local guides, many with ties to Michigan universities, such as U of M, GVSU, EMU, and MSU. This educational background enriches the tour, as guides are eager to share not only wine tips but also local stories and insights. Becky, a recent guest, praised the guides’ knowledge: “He was knowledgeable about the area and was able to give wine recommendations to our liking at each place!”

Value and Pricing

At $99 per person for a 4.5-hour experience, this tour offers strong value. The price includes the luxury transport, expert guides, and four wine samples. While additional tastings, food, and bottles are extra, many guests find the overall experience worth the cost, especially considering the comfort and personalized service.

A bonus feature is that groups of six or more receive a free bottle of wine — a nice touch for small groups or couples celebrating a special occasion. The tour also emphasizes safety and responsibility, with the hosts being law enforcement, first responders, or military-friendly, and encouraging guests to enjoy the wine responsibly.

The Experience from a Guest Perspective

One of the most praised aspects is the knowledgeable guides. Becky mentioned how attentive Brian was, ensuring everyone enjoyed their experience and received personalized recommendations. The stunning views combined with expert commentary make the journey more than just a wine tasting — it’s a scenic adventure.

Guests also love the no-hassle pickup and drop-off system. You’re picked up at the top of a hill at Rove Winery and dropped in downtown Traverse City afterward, making it easy to continue your evening exploring local restaurants and bars. Plus, if you’ve bought a box of wine, you’re free to enjoy it afterwards without worries.

Flexibility & Customization

As this isn’t a large bus tour, you’ll find a more relaxed pace. The tour can be tailored depending on weather, sunset times, and winery availability, which helps ensure a more personalized experience. Since the stops might shift, it’s good to be flexible and trust your guides’ local knowledge.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re looking for a luxurious, intimate wine tasting experience with stunning scenery, this tour is a great pick. It’s ideal for couples, small groups, or wine enthusiasts who value comfort, personal attention, and authentic local flavors. It’s less suited if your main goal is to meet many new people or participate in a lively party atmosphere — this is more about savoring wine in style and enjoying the views.

Travelers who enjoy guided experiences that combine scenic beauty with wine tasting will find this tour particularly appealing. The knowledgeable guides, combined with the luxurious transportation, make it a memorable way to explore Michigan’s wine country without the chaos of a traditional bus tour.

Final Thoughts

This non-bus wine tour offers an elegant, relaxed way to experience the best of Leelanau Peninsula’s vineyards. Its focus on quality, comfort, and personalized service makes it stand out from many other wine tours in the region. While the price might be slightly higher than standard bus tours, the value is clear in the upscale transportation, expert guides, and stunning scenery.

It’s perfect for travelers who want a more refined, intimate experience and appreciate the finer things — like luxury SUVs, gorgeous sunset views, and tailored wine suggestions. For those seeking a more carefree, scenic day with professional guidance, this tour delivers on all fronts.

FAQs

What is the pickup location for the tour?
Pickup is at Rove Winery, where guests go to the top of the hill and park in the winery lot. Guides will be in luxury SUVs waiting there.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 4.5 hours, typically starting between 2:30 PM and 3:30 PM, depending on the schedule.

Are wine tastings included in the price?
Yes, wine samples and splashes are included. However, additional tastings, wines, or food are extra.

Can I bring my own wine or alcohol?
Guests are welcome to enjoy their purchased wine after the tour, as the drop-off is in downtown Traverse City. Just remember to drink responsibly.

Is the tour private or semi-private?
Most groups of 6-7 will have their own vehicle, making it semi-private, with the ability to combine couples or small groups for a more personalized experience.

What are the main stops on the tour?
Stops may include Shady Lane Cellars, Rove Winery, Brengman Brothers, Black Star Farms, Ciccone Farms, or Sutton’s Bay Ciders, depending on the day.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing and shoes are recommended — you’ll be in a vehicle and visiting outdoor wineries, so dress appropriately for the weather.

Is transportation comfortable and safe?
Absolutely. The SUVs are air-conditioned, well-maintained, and driven by knowledgeable guides, many with law enforcement or emergency responder backgrounds.

In summary, this tour offers a stylish, personalized way to enjoy Michigan’s wine country. If scenic views, expert guidance, and luxurious comfort appeal to you, it’s a memorable choice worth considering.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby