NON BUS Traverse City Leelanau Peninsula Sunset Wine Tour

If you’re considering a wine adventure around Traverse City, you’ve probably come across a variety of tours. But one that really caught our eye is the NON BUS Traverse City Leelanau Peninsula Sunset Wine Tour by Movie Stars Wine Tours. It promises a more relaxed, personalized experience—away from the loud party buses and crowds—and focuses on quality, views, and expert guidance.

What we love about this tour is how it blends stunning scenery and luxury transportation with the expertise of wine connoisseurs. Plus, the promise of semi-private groups means you’re not just another face in a bus full of strangers. However, it’s worth noting that this isn’t a tasting-focused tour with included wines and food; instead, it’s about the experience, the scenery, and discovering some top wineries with a guide who genuinely cares.

This tour seems especially suited to those who want a more refined, intimate wine journey—whether you’re celebrating something special or just looking to enjoy the region without the chaos of larger groups. If you prefer a relaxed atmosphere, good conversation, and beautiful views, this one might be just what you’re after.

Key Points

• Luxury SUVs replace the typical party bus, offering comfort and style.
• Expert guides who are wine enthusiasts, providing personalized recommendations.
• A semi-private grouping means a more intimate, less rushed experience.
• Stunning views of the Leelanau Peninsula make for memorable scenery.
• The tour includes wine samples but not tastings or food; those are extra.
• The pick-up point at Rove Winery makes for an easy, central meeting spot.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Honest Look at the Experience

If you’re tired of the loud, often chaotic vibe of traditional wine tours, this one stands out by offering a quieter, more upscale approach. Instead of clambering onto a rickety bus with dozens of strangers, you’ll be whisked away in a sleek GMC Yukon or Cadillac Escalade, driven by guides who are passionate about wine and local knowledge.

The 4.5-hour duration makes it a nicely paced afternoon or sunset experience. The timing is flexible, with options to start at 2:30 or 3:30 PM, aligning well with sunset views as you drift through the picturesque Leelanau Peninsula. The route is subject to change based on weather, sunset times, or special events, but that flexibility ensures the best possible viewing experience on any given day.

The Stops

The tour visits 4 wineries, including popular spots like Rove Winery, Shady Lane Cellars, Brengman Brothers, Black Star Farms, and others. Each has its own charm and signature wines, giving you a well-rounded taste of the region. While the wine samples are included in the tour price, additional tastings, bottles, or food are extra, so plan accordingly if you want a full meal or wine flights.

Guests have raved about the views and wine recommendations. Becky noted, “Brian was very attentive to be sure we were enjoying our experience. He was knowledgeable about the area and was able to give wine recommendations to our liking at each place!” This indicates guides are not just drivers—they’re actively engaging and customizing the experience.

The Guides and Group Size

What really elevates this tour is the knowledge and friendliness of the guides. The staff includes wine enthusiasts and locals, many with backgrounds in education from Michigan universities. This means you’ll get more than just a ride—you’ll get insights about each winery, the region, and wine styles, making your tasting more meaningful.

Most groups of 6-7 guests will have their own private SUV, which adds a level of exclusivity and comfort. Larger groups are combined, but even then, the experience is kept semi-private, avoiding the chaos of large bus tours.

The Value of the Tour

At $99 per person, this tour offers a lot of bang for your buck. You’re paying for luxury, guidance, and scenery—not just transportation. Since wine samples are included, you won’t need to worry about extra costs for tastings, and the chance to get personalized recommendations makes this more valuable than some standard tasting rooms.

Plus, groups of 6 or more receive a free bottle of wine—a nice bonus if you’re celebrating or looking to bring something home.

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The Pickup and Drop-off Experience

The pickup at Rove Winery is straightforward. You’ll go to the top of the hill and look for luxurious SUVs ready to whisk you off. After the tour, guests are dropped in downtown Traverse City, making it easy to continue exploring without worrying about drives or parking. The tour company encourages booking Uber or Lyft, especially if construction or traffic is an issue in the area.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal for travelers who want a more refined, intimate, and relaxed wine adventure. It’s perfect if you value guidance, scenery, and comfort over the party bus scene. It also works well for small groups, couples, or those celebrating something special—like anniversaries or birthdays.

If you’re someone who appreciates local insights and personalized service, you’ll likely enjoy the guides’ approach. Family-friendly? It’s not explicitly geared toward children, but if you have older kids or teens interested in wine and scenery, it could work — just remember the focus is on the experience, not kid-friendly activities.

Final Thoughts

This Leelanau Peninsula Sunset Wine Tour offers a refreshing take on wine touring in Michigan. The combination of luxury SUVs, knowledgeable guides, and breathtaking views creates a memorable outing that’s more about quality than quantity. It’s a great choice for those who want to enjoy Michigan’s wine country without the noise and chaos often associated with larger tours.

While it’s not a tasting-heavy experience, the personal touch and scenic stops mean you’ll walk away with a better understanding of the region—and some great photos. The price is reasonable considering the comfort and expertise involved, making it a worthwhile splurge for a relaxed, upscale wine adventure.

If you’re seeking a calm, scenic, guided tour with a touch of style, this one could be your new favorite way to explore Michigan’s wine country.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for large groups?
Most groups of 6-7 people will have their own SUV, offering a semi-private experience. Larger groups of more than 7 are combined but still maintain a semi-private feel.

Can I customize the stops on the tour?
The itinerary may change based on sunset times, weather, or events. While the stops are generally consistent, the order and specific wineries might vary to optimize scenery and experience.

What is included in the tour price?
Wine samples are included, but tastings, additional wines, and food are extra. The tour provides expert guidance, luxury transportation, and a scenic route.

Where do I meet the tour?
The pickup is at Rove Winery; guests park at the top of the hill and look for the luxury SUVs. It’s a central, easy-to-access location.

How long is the tour?
It lasts about 4.5 hours, making it perfect for an afternoon or sunset experience.

Are drinks included?
Wine samples are included, but additional tastings or bottles are extra. Food is not included but can be purchased separately.

Is this a family-friendly tour?
It’s primarily designed for adults interested in wine and scenery. It’s not explicitly geared toward children, but older teens interested in wine might enjoy it.

What should I wear?
Casual, comfortable clothing works well. Bring layers if you’re doing a sunset tour since temperatures can drop in the evening.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering some flexibility if your plans shift.

If you’re looking for a relaxed, personalized way to enjoy Traverse City’s scenic wineries, this Leelanau Peninsula Sunset Wine Tour checks many boxes. It combines luxury, local expertise, and beautiful views—making it a smart pick for wine lovers who want to avoid the bus scene and focus on the experience.

You can check availability for your dates here: