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

If you’re eyeing a wine adventure in Michigan, this 5-hour Traverse City wine tour promises a smooth, well-organized way to sample some of the best wines the Leelanau Peninsula has to offer. With three carefully selected wineries and transportation taken care of, it’s an easy way to enjoy a day without the hassle of planning rides or reservations.

From what we’ve seen, the experience shines in its comfortable transportation, knowledgeable guides, and breathtaking views. Plus, it’s great for anyone who wants to indulge in wine tasting without the typical fuss of booking each spot individually. But, a word of caution: if you’re a stickler for specific wineries or want a very detailed educational experience, this might feel a little more casual than some might expect.

This tour works especially well for travelers who want to relax, enjoy good wine, and take in scenic vistas without worrying about logistics. It also appeals to those seeking a group activity that balances fun with some insight into the local wine scene.

Key Points

• All logistics handled: No need to book tastings or worry about transportation.
• Flexible and relaxed: Bring your own snacks and enjoy the scenic ride.
• Quality and variety: Visit four diverse wineries, each with its own charm.
• Great for socializing: The bus setup encourages interaction among travelers.
• Good value for the price: For $79.99, you get a lot of experience in a manageable time frame.
• Some variability: Wineries may change based on availability, and tastings are purchased separately.

What to Expect From This Tour

This leisurely 5-hour journey is designed to combine wine tasting with sightseeing, all delivered with a friendly, no-hassle approach. You’ll be riding comfortably in an air-conditioned vehicle, with the freedom to have drinks and snacks onboard. This is particularly handy if you’re traveling with friends or a group who like to nibble and sip along the way without constant stops.

Tour Price & Value: At $79.99 per person, the value is quite reasonable considering you’re covering transportation, a guide, and visits to three notable wineries. Keep in mind that tastings are paid separately at each winery, typically ranging from $5 to $15.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Stop 1: Black Star Farms

Our first stop is the highly acclaimed Black Star Farms. It’s a great introduction to the region’s winemaking scene, offering about 80 minutes to explore their estate. This winery is known for its award-winning wines and spirits, with over 50 options to sample, including European-style brandies.

Guests can wander through sprawling vineyards and enjoy the scenic views from their outdoor terrace—something everyone seems to love based on reviews. One reviewer pointed out how impressive and spacious the estate is, with a charming inn and seasonal café adding to the experience.

What you’ll love: The chance to walk around a picturesque estate and learn about Michigan’s winemaking.
Downside: If you’re eager for a full tasting and tour, be prepared to pay extra for tastings, and remember, you only have about 80 minutes here.

Stop 2: Shady Lane Cellars

Next, you visit Shady Lane Cellars, with its focus on sustainable farming and 70 acres of grapes. You get around 80 minutes here to explore their wines and the beautiful surroundings.

Guests rave about the serene atmosphere and the care put into each bottle, with reviews emphasizing the winery’s commitment to sustainability. It’s a slice of peaceful Leelanau life, perfect for those who enjoy a quieter, more intimate setting.

What you’ll love: The chance to see vineyards in action and taste wines crafted with care.
Downside: It’s a more laid-back visit, so if you’re expecting a formal tour or educational tasting, you might find it casual.

Stop 3: Rove Winery at Gallagher Estate

The final stop is the Rove Winery at Gallagher Estate, perched at an impressive 1165-foot elevation. Expect breathtaking panoramic views of Leelanau County, especially during the fall.

Here, you’ll have about 80 minutes to take in the scenery, enjoy their wines, and perhaps catch a sunset if timing aligns. This family-run estate has deep roots, and the setting makes for a memorable conclusion to the day.

What you’ll love: The spectacular vistas and award-winning wines with the backdrop of a family farm.
Downside: As it’s the last stop, timing can be tight if you want to linger longer.

What’s Included and What’s Not

Included:
– Transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle
– The ability to snack and drink onboard (bring your own snacks)
– Reservations for winery tastings (they are not booked in advance; the shuttle makes appointments)
– The tour lasts around 5 hours, with roughly equal time at each winery

Not included:
– Wine tastings (costs from $5 to $15 at each winery, paid separately)
– Gratuity (a recommended 20% for the driver)
– Food (other than snacks you bring)

Pro tip: Many reviews mention the friendly, knowledgeable guides, often noted for their personality and local insights. One reviewer shared how their driver was “very personable and service-oriented,” making the experience even more enjoyable.

How It Runs

The tour starts at the Traverse City Civic Center and ends right back there, making it easy to plan your day around it. The group size is limited to 14 travelers, which helps foster a friendly, intimate vibe.

Timing:
You’ll be picked up and dropped off at the same location, with most travelers booking this 38 days in advance on average. The tour is perfect for an afternoon outing that wraps up just in time for dinner, which you’ll need to arrange yourself.

Wineries and Safety:
Since COVID, many wineries are moving away from tastings in favor of flights and samples, which helps speed things along. Remember, some may only accept card payments, so come prepared. Outdoor seating is common, so dress accordingly if the weather isn’t warm.

Authentic Traveler Feedback

Reviewers consistently praise the knowledgeability of the guides and the scenic drives. One noted, “Mike B., our driver and guide, was very knowledgeable about the wineries and the area,” highlighting the importance of a good guide to enrich the experience.

Many comment on the beautiful views—one review describes the last winery’s panoramic vistas as “breath-taking,” and that the wine at the last stop was the best of all. Several mention that the bus was comfortable, with some noting that the audio or microphone setup could be improved for better speaker clarity.

One recurring theme is the social aspect—the bus setup encourages chatting, making it a fun group outing. However, a few noted that window views can sometimes be obscured, especially on a hot day with poor A/C.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This wine tour is ideal for groups of friends or couples looking for a relaxed, guided experience that covers a few top wineries without the stress of planning each visit. It’s particularly suited for those wanting scenic views, good wine, and some background info—but not necessarily a deep-dive educational tour.

If you enjoy casual, social outings with a bit of sightseeing, you’ll likely find this tour hits the spot. However, if you’re after extensive tastings, in-depth wine education, or visits to very specific wineries, you might want to explore more specialized or private options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to make reservations for tastings?
No, the tour company makes appointments for all participants, but tastings are purchased individually at each winery.

How much do tastings cost?
They typically range from $5 to $15 per tasting, paid directly at each winery.

Can I bring snacks and drinks onboard?
Yes, you’re welcome to bring your own snacks and drinks for the ride, making it perfect for a relaxed, picnic-style experience.

What is the pickup location?
The tour starts at the Civic Center Hotline, 1125 W Civic Center Dr, Traverse City, MI, and you should refer to the parking map for your pickup spot.

Is this tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly marketed as a family activity, the emphasis is on wine tasting and adult beverages. Service animals are allowed, but children under 21 are not likely to find much to do here.

How many wineries do we visit?
Three wineries: Black Star Farms, Shady Lane Cellars, and Rove Winery at Gallagher Estate.

What is the group size?
A maximum of 14 travelers, which encourages a friendly, personal vibe.

How long does the tour last?
Approximately 5 hours, including travel time and winery visits.

Are the wineries outdoor or indoor?
Most wineries have outdoor seating, so dress accordingly for the weather.

What if I want to cancel?
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund.

Wrapping It Up

If you’re after a low-stress, well-organized way to explore Michigan’s Leelanau Peninsula, this 5-hour wine tour offers a fantastic balance of scenery, wine, and social fun. It’s especially suited for those who appreciate good guides, scenic vistas, and the convenience of a comfortable, all-inclusive transport.

While it doesn’t include tastings in the price, the separate costs are reasonable, and the experience more than makes up for it with memorable views and a relaxed vibe. It’s a good pick for casual wine lovers, friends celebrating, or anyone wanting to sample the region’s wines without the hassle.

For an easy, enjoyable way to taste some of Michigan’s best wines and see lovely countryside, this tour fits the bill. Just pack your snacks, bring some cash or cards for tastings, and prepare to enjoy a lovely half-day of wine, views, and good company.