Traverse City: 2Day Old Mission Leelanau Peninsula Wine Tour

Planning a wine adventure in Michigan’s famed Traverse City region? This 2-day Old Mission and Leelanau Peninsula Wine Tour offers a refined, personal experience that skips the crowds and party buses for something much more special. Instead of cramped, loud transportation, you’ll cruise around in luxury SUVs, guided by knowledgeable wine pros who genuinely love sharing their expertise.

What makes this tour stand out? Well, for starters, it’s designed for true wine lovers who want a relaxed yet premium experience. We particularly appreciate the VIP treatment—from the comfortable, air-conditioned vehicles to the flexible itinerary tailored to what you’re most excited to see and taste. Plus, the small group size ensures personal attention and a more intimate outing. That said, this experience isn’t cheap, but the focus on quality, personalized service, and authentic wine recommendations means most guests find it worth every penny.

One potential consideration is that the tour is aimed at adults, so it’s not suited for kids or pregnant women. Also, if you’re hoping for a boisterous, party-style vibe, this might not be your scene. But if your aim is a sophisticated, relaxed, and informative wine journey, this tour hits the mark. It’s ideal for couples, small groups, or anyone craving a memorable, tailored wine experience in Michigan’s scenic wine country.

Key Points

• Luxury Transportation: Travel in style in high-end SUVs, not cramped party buses.
• Expert Guides: Learn directly from knowledgeable wine enthusiasts who give genuine recommendations.
• Flexible Itinerary: Customize your stops and enjoy a personalized experience.
• Small Group: Usually 6-7 people, fostering intimacy and attentive service.
• Two Full Days: Ample time to explore top wineries on both Old Mission and Leelanau Peninsulas.
• VIP Treatment: Complimentary wine bottle for groups over six, and the option to buy flights, glasses, or bottles.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Closer Look at the 2-Day Itinerary

This tour offers a well-structured yet flexible plan that balances well-known wineries with the opportunity for personal discovery. We love that it’s not rushed, with days starting around 10:30 AM and wrapping up around 3:30 PM, giving you plenty of time at each stop to savor wines and soak in the scenery.

Day 1: Old Mission Peninsula

Your adventure begins on the Old Mission Peninsula, a land of rolling vineyards and postcard-perfect views. The tour visits four standout wineries, each with its own personality:

• Hawthorne Vineyards: Known for its friendly staff and welcoming tasting room, perfect for getting a sense of the local wine scene.
• Bowers Harbor Vineyards: Offers stunning lake views alongside their diverse wine selection, including some highly recommended reds and whites.
• Chateau Chantal: An icon of the region, with a historic chateau and a terrace overlooking the water—great for photos and tasting their award-winning wines.
• Brys Estates: Appreciated for its warm atmosphere and excellent wine and tapas options, ideal for a relaxed stop.

From the reviews, many guests mention how stunning the views are and how the wines are “delicious and well-curated.” One guest even said, “The wines were so good, and the staff was super helpful in explaining each one without feeling rushed.”

Day 2: Leelanau Peninsula

Next, you’ll venture into the Leelanau Peninsula, a landscape dotted with wineries, farms, and scenic lakes. The itinerary includes visits to:

• Blackstar Farms: Offers a lovely mix of wine and farmstead cheeses, perfect for pairing and tasting.
• Ciccone Farms: Known for its charming setting and innovative wines, often praised for their quality.
• Rove Winery: A newer addition that’s already making a name with its creative approach and friendly guides.

The emphasis on personalized recommendations means that you’ll get honest advice on which wines to buy—whether for gifting or your own collection. Many reviews highlight the delicious wine selections and beautiful tasting rooms that make the experience memorable.

What Makes This Tour a Great Choice?

This tour’s standout feature is its personalized, VIP approach. Unlike traditional bus tours that cram in as many stops as possible, this experience allows you to spend quality time at each winery, chatting with guides who are passionate about Michigan wines. The luxury SUVs are a big plus, providing a comfortable, quiet environment, so you can relax and focus on the wines and views.

The expert guides are U of M and other Michigan college grads, bringing a local, knowledgeable perspective that enhances your understanding of the region’s wines. Often, reviews mention how helpful and friendly the staff are, making the entire experience feel more like a wine-aficionado friend showing you around than a scripted tour.

The two-day format gives you enough time to visit a good mix of wineries without feeling hurried. You’ll get enough tastings (samples, flights, or bottles) to make informed choices, and the option to purchase bottles directly at each stop.

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Value for Money

At $299 per person, this may seem steep for some, but considering the personalized service, private transportation, and expert guides, many find it a good value. The price includes the luxury SUV, guidance, and a complimentary bottle of wine for groups of 6 or more—adding to the appeal. Plus, the quality of the experience, scenic vistas, and the chance to learn about Michigan wines often make this a memorable splurge.

Transportation and Group Size

The luxury SUVs (GMC Yukon, Chevrolet Suburban, coming soon Cadillac Escalade) are a highlight, providing ample space and comfort. This is especially noticeable if you’re traveling with friends or a partner and want a more private, relaxed atmosphere. Most groups are around 6-7 people, which enhances the personalized feel.

The small group size means you’re not lost in a crowd, and guides can tailor the experience to your interests. It also minimizes the typical bus tour chaos, making the whole day more enjoyable and less noisy.

Practical Details

• Meeting point is on the east side of the Hardy Street Parking Structure near Middlecoast Brewery — easy to find with clear directions.
• Start times at 10:30 AM give you a leisurely morning, and ending around 3:30 PM leaves your evenings free.
• Booking flexibility is a plus: free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, and the option to reserve now and pay later.
• Not suitable for children or pregnant women, due to alcohol consumption and the nature of the activity.
• No smoking allowed in the vehicles or indoors for safety and comfort.

Authenticity and Unique Experiences

Guests consistently mention that this tour offers more than just tastings—it’s an opportunity to learn about Michigan wines directly from passionate guides. Many reviews talk about delicious food and tapas at some wineries, adding a delightful culinary component to the tasting experience. The hosts’ focus on quality and service clearly resonates.

The Sum Up: Is This Tour Right for You?

If you’re a wine enthusiast seeking a premium, personalized experience in Michigan’s scenic wine country, this tour is a strong contender. Its luxury transportation, expert guides, and focus on quality over quantity make it a standout choice for couples, small groups, or anyone who wants to combine comfort with authentic wine tasting.

It’s especially suited for those who value stunning views, knowledgeable recommendations, and a relaxed pace. If you’re looking for a lively party atmosphere, you might prefer other options, but for genuine wine appreciation and a touch of luxury, this tour hits the sweet spot.

The two-day format gives enough time to soak in the landscape, taste a variety of wines, and leave with memorable stories—and perhaps some bottles to enjoy later.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for groups of 6 or more?
Yes. Groups of 6 or more receive a complimentary bottle of wine and generally have their own private vehicle, making it ideal for small, intimate groups.

What is included in the price?
The $299 fee covers luxury SUV transportation, expert guides, and wine samples (splashes). Food, flights, and bottles are available at extra cost.

Can I customize the itinerary?
While the tour has a set structure, the guides are known for providing personalized recommendations and making the experience relaxed and flexible within the framework.

What is the meeting point?
Meet on the east side of the Hardy Street Parking Structure near Middlecoast Brewery, close to the State Street entrance.

Are children or pregnant women allowed?
No, this tour is designed for adults who can safely enjoy wine tastings. It’s not suitable for children or pregnant women.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund, offering some flexibility if your plans change.

In all, this 2-day Old Mission and Leelanau Peninsula Wine Tour offers an upscale, authentic taste of Michigan’s wine scene, with a relaxed pace, expert guidance, and the comfort of private luxury SUVs. It’s a fine choice for discerning travelers who want to indulge in the best of Traverse City’s wine country without the chaos of traditional bus tours.

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