If you’re eyeing a wine adventure around Michigan’s stunning Torch Lake area, the Movie Star Wine Tour promises a more personalized, upscale way to enjoy local wineries—minus the rowdy party bus crowds. While we haven’t been on this exact tour ourselves, we’ve gathered enough details to give you a clear picture of what to expect. From the luxury transportation to the knowledgeable guides, this experience aims to elevate your wine-tasting day in a way that feels both relaxed and special.

What we genuinely like about this tour is the focus on a VIP experience—no cramped buses or loud groups here. Plus, the fact that it’s led by real wine experts adds a layer of credibility and personalization that’s often missing from larger tours. On the flip side, a possible consideration is that this is not an all-inclusive experience—wines, tastings, and food are extra, so you’ll want to budget accordingly.

This tour is best suited for those who want a more comfortable, guided exploration of Torch Lake’s wineries, especially if you’re traveling with a small group or couple who appreciate a touch of luxury. If you’re after a laid-back, wine-focused day with expert recommendations and stunning views, this one might just be right up your alley.

Key Points

Personalized VIP experience in luxury SUVs with small groups or couples.
Led by real wine experts, not just drivers, ensuring knowledgeable guidance.
Stunning views of Torch Lake and the surrounding area add to the enjoyment.
Flexible itinerary that can adapt depending on weather and guest preferences.
Wines sampled at four top wineries, with options to purchase additional bottles or flights.
Cost includes transportation and expert guidance, but tastings and food are extra.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Why Choose the Movie Star Wine Tour?

The first thing that sets this tour apart is its luxury approach. Instead of hopping onto a bus with strangers and battling noise, you get picked up in a high-end SUV—GMC Yukons, Cadillac Escalades, or similar—and enjoy the ride with a small, intimate group. It’s a much more relaxed way to sample wines and truly enjoy the scenic beauty of the Torch Lake area.

This tour emphasizes high-quality guidance. Led by local wine connoisseurs and guides with impressive backgrounds (U of M, EMU, CMU, Wayne State, MSU grads), you’re in capable hands. They’re not just chauffeurs—they’re passionate about wine and eager to share their knowledge, which enhances the experience.

And let’s talk about the stunning views. Torch Lake is often called one of Michigan’s most beautiful spots, and a leisurely drive through the area offers plenty of opportunities to soak in the landscape. Your guides are keen to point out the best sights, making the tour as much about scenery as it is about wine.

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What’s Included and What’s Not?

For $199 per person, the package covers luxury transportation, expert guidance, wine samples (flights, bottles, or glasses), and a free group bottle of wine (like Gamay or Secco, subject to availability). This makes it easy to see where your money goes—you’re paying for comfort, knowledge, and convenience.

However, wine tastings, flights, bottles, and food are not included in the price. That means you’ll want to budget extra for the wines you want to purchase or enjoy some local food alongside your tastings. Keep in mind, this is quite typical for wine tours, but it’s good to be aware so you’re not caught off guard.

Plus, the tour’s flexibility means the wineries visited can change depending on availability, weather, or guest preferences. If you have favorites, just let your guide know beforehand, and they’ll do their best to accommodate.

What to Expect During the Tour

The typical day involves a pickup in downtown Elk Rapids or your Torch Lake area lodging, with an estimated 4.5-hour window to enjoy four wineries. Your guides are attentive and friendly, eager to share their insights about the wines and the local area.

Once on board, expect a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle—no noisy buses or cramped spaces. The luxury SUVs create a more exclusive feel, and the small group size makes for a more intimate experience. The guides often recommend “fancy wine drinking hats”—a playful touch that adds to the fun atmosphere.

At each winery, you’ll sample some of the best reds and whites the area has to offer. While tastings cost extra, the guides are excellent at recommending wines based on your preferences. Many guests have appreciated their genuine enthusiasm and local knowledge—a stark contrast to generic tours or self-guided tastings.

The stops are designed to give you a balanced experience: enough time to savor the wines, enjoy the scenery, and ask questions without feeling rushed. Afterward, you’re dropped back at your starting point, ready to explore downtown Elk Rapids or head to nearby spots like Boyne.

What Do Travelers Say?

From reviews and feedback, the most praised aspect is the stunning views. Guests love how the tour combines the natural beauty of Torch Lake with top-tier wineries, creating a memorable backdrop for their tasting day. One reviewer mentioned, “The scenery alone makes this tour worth it,” highlighting how the experience blends wine and nature seamlessly.

Another appreciated feature is the personalized guidance. Guests describe the guides as knowledgeable and friendly, often offering great recommendations and insights into the wines they taste. Several reviews note that “Magic Mike”—a fun nickname for one of the guides—really knew his wines and made everyone feel comfortable.

A common critique, however, is that since tastings and food are extra, costs can add up depending on how many wines you want to buy or try. It’s worth being prepared for that, especially if you’re planning to pick up bottles as souvenirs.

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Who Is This Tour Perfect For?

This experience appeals most to wine lovers who want a relaxed, upscale day. It’s ideal if you’re traveling with a small group or a partner and appreciate personalized attention. If you prefer luxury transportation and expert guidance over noisy crowds and party buses, this tour checks all those boxes.

It’s also suitable for those who care about the scenic surroundings. Torch Lake’s views are often called breathtaking, and this tour allows you to enjoy them in comfort. If you’re not in a rush and want to savor both the wine and the landscape, this is a great pick.

While not designed specifically for families or children, the tour’s relaxed, adult-oriented vibe makes it more suitable for mature travelers or groups of friends.

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Final Thoughts

The Elk Rapids: Torch Lake Area Movie Star Wine Tour (No Bus) offers a well-rounded, upscale way to enjoy Michigan’s wine scene. Its focus on luxury SUVs, expert guides, and stunning views makes it stand out from standard bus tours. For about $200, you’re paying for a personalized, comfortable experience that focuses on quality over quantity.

It’s especially perfect if you’re looking for a relaxed, intimate day of wine tasting with a knowledgeable guide who can point out the best local wines. If you’re someone who appreciates good scenery, great wine, and the company of a small, friendly group, this tour is worth considering.

However, keep in mind that tastings and food are not included, so budget accordingly if you plan to sample extensively or buy wine. The flexible itinerary and focus on a VIP experience make this a compelling choice for travelers who want to treat themselves during their Torch Lake trip.

Ready to Book?

Elk Rapids: Torch Lake Area Movie Star Wine Tour (No Bus)

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for large groups?
This tour is designed for small groups or couples, typically combining guests into vehicles of 6-7 people. It’s not a large bus experience.

Do I need to worry about transportation?
Nope. The luxury SUVs handle the driving, so you can relax and focus on tasting and enjoying the scenery.

Are wine tastings included in the price?
No, tastings, wines, and food are extra. The tour includes samples and guidance, but additional purchases are on you.

Can I customize the wineries visited?
Yes, if you let your guide know your favorites or requests, they will try to accommodate depending on availability and weather.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing is fine, but since the tour is adult-oriented and in a luxury vehicle, dressing casually but nicely is appropriate.

How long is the tour?
It lasts about 4.5 hours, usually in the morning or afternoon, with plenty of time at each stop to relax and enjoy.

If you’re after a wine adventure that’s more about quality, comfort, and scenic beauty, this tour deserves a spot on your list. It promises a memorable day exploring Torch Lake’s finest wineries with knowledgeable guides and a touch of Hollywood flair.