NON BUS VIP Traverse City Brewery And Distillery Tour

If you’re considering a taste of Traverse City’s vibrant brewing and distilling scene but want to skip the rowdy party buses, this Non-Bus VIP Tour might just be your perfect match. While we haven’t personally done this tour, the glowing reviews, detailed itinerary, and thoughtful approach make it clear that it offers something a little different—more personalized, more relaxed, and loaded with genuine expertise.

What we really like about this experience is how it combines luxury transportation with knowledgeable guides who are genuinely passionate about drinks and local spots. Plus, it’s designed to be semi-private, so you avoid the chaos of large groups and noisy buses. One thing to consider is that the tour runs about 4 to 5 hours, which is plenty of time to savor the stops without feeling rushed. It’s best suited for those who want a deeper, more curated experience rather than just hitting a bunch of spots for quick tastings.

If you’re the kind of traveler who appreciates stellar drinks, local charm, and expert recommendations, this VIP tour could be a highlight of your Traverse City visit. Whether you’re a craft beer enthusiast, a wine lover, or just looking for a memorable way to explore downtown, it promises a relaxed, upscale vibe with the personal touch.

Key Points

• Luxury mini-van experience: Skip the party bus and enjoy a more intimate setting in a spacious SUV.
• Expert guides: Guides are knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and passionate about the local craft scene.
• Variety of stops: Four distinct breweries and distilleries, showcasing different styles and atmospheres.
• Stunning downtown Traverse City: The tour starts with a scenic drive around the city’s charming core.
• Flexible timing: Two start times (11:45 AM and 4:30 PM) suit different schedules.
• Clear pricing with options: Group tiered pricing offers flexibility, most groups of 6-7 might get a semi-private experience.

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

This tour is designed for those who want more than just transportation—they want curated visits with genuine insights and recommendations. You’ll start in the heart of Traverse City, with the guides showing off the city’s vibe before heading into each stop.

The Itinerary Breakdown

First Stop: Silver Spruce Brewing Company

The tour kicks off at Silver Spruce, a modern brewery that opened in 2018. Here, you’ll find award-winning lagers, pilsners, dunkels, IPAs, and stouts, which are all available for sampling or purchase. The setting feels lively but relaxed, with a welcoming vibe that makes you feel like a local or a movie star—hence the tour’s branding. This stop is memorable for its quality drinks and the chance to chat with your guide about brewing techniques, local ingredients, or even just the best snacks to pair with your beers.

Guests love the experience here, with one reviewer saying, “drinks you cannot wait to brag about and share.” That sums up the quality of the drinks, and the fact that you can buy glasses, growlers, or sample platters adds a nice touch of flexibility.

Second Stop: Earthen Ales

Next, the tour heads to Earthen Ales, a small-batch brewery that emphasizes experimentation and local flair. Since 2016, they’ve been crafting beers with a sense of place, and they keep things interesting by tapping new small batches every Sunday. You might try anything from beer and ciders to slushies—an unexpected treat. The relaxed atmosphere here makes it easy to try a few different drinks, ask questions, and enjoy the creative energy of a small, independent brewery.

Guests appreciate the experimental side, with some trying the unique offerings that might not be available anywhere else. One reviewer highlights the experience: “Earthen Ales is experimental, and they let our guests try them as well.” That level of openness makes the stop feel personal and fun.

Third Stop: The Workshop Brewing Company

The final stop is a bigger venue that combines a genuine sense of community with a focus on quality. The Workshop Brewing Company is committed to sustaining nature, building community, and honoring craft. They feature a broad selection of beers, plus wines, ciders, and even spirits like whiskey, vodka, and gin.

Guests on the tour love the variety—many mention the full line of drinks and the delicious food options. The live entertainment six nights a week adds to the inviting atmosphere, making it a spot where you’ll want to linger longer. It’s not just about drinking but about experiencing local hospitality, which the guides are happy to share.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour package offers a luxury SUV with a professional guide who is both knowledgeable and personable. The guides are often industry enthusiasts and locals who bring genuine insight to each stop. Given the vehicle’s air conditioning and semi-private setup, you’ll enjoy comfort and intimacy—most groups of 6-7 people will have their own space, avoiding the chaos of larger buses.

The price of $68 per person covers the guided experience, samples, and transportation. However, anything beyond the tastings—like food, bottles, or glasses—is extra. This gives you flexibility to decide if you want to indulge further or stick to the tasting experience.

How the Experience Feels

From the reviews, it’s clear that guests find this tour both educational and fun. One reviewer raves, “Tracey was amazing! We had so much fun on our brewery and distillery tour. We will be back to see Magic Mike and his team!” The guides clearly make a difference—they’re friendly, knowledgeable, and genuinely enthusiastic about the local scene.

The tour’s relaxed pace means you won’t feel rushed. Most stops last around 50 minutes, giving time to savor drinks, ask questions, and soak in the atmosphere. Plus, the flexible start times make it easy to tie into your day’s plans.

Transport and Group Dynamics

Instead of a loud, crowded bus, you’ll be traveling in a luxury SUV—probably a GMC Yukon or Chevrolet Suburban—so your group gets a semi-private experience. Most groups will be in a small gathering, which fosters more personal interactions and a relaxed vibe. Combining groups of couples or small groups of friends, the tour feels intimate but social.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is ideal if you’re someone who appreciates quality over quantity when it comes to drinks and sightseeing. It suits those who want a more refined, personalized experience without sacrificing the fun of exploring local breweries and distilleries. People who enjoy learning about craft beverages from passionate guides will really appreciate the extra layer of expertise.

It’s also a good fit for travelers who value comfort and convenience—the luxury SUV, flexible timing, and semi-private setup mean you can enjoy your day without feeling like just another passenger on a noisy bus. If you’re traveling with a small group of friends or a partner and want a memorable day out, this tour offers a nice balance of relaxed exploration and expert insight.

Final Thoughts

For anyone heading to Traverse City with a taste for craft beer, quality spirits, and local charm, this VIP brewery and distillery tour offers a highly personalized, comfortable, and engaging experience. The guides’ passion and knowledge, along with the carefully curated stops, turn what could be a simple tasting into a genuine journey into the city’s beverage scene.

While it might not be the cheapest option, the value lies in the quality of the guides, the intimate vehicle experience, and the variety of stops. It’s a tour that truly feels like a curated day out rather than just a hop-on, hop-off. Whether you’re a craft beer connoisseur, a wine lover, or just someone eager to explore without the hassle, this tour is likely to leave you with fun memories and new favorites.

FAQs about the Non-Bus VIP Traverse City Brewery and Distillery Tour

Is this tour suitable for groups of all sizes?
Most groups of 6-7 will have their own vehicle, making it semi-private and personalized. Larger groups are accommodated by combining smaller groups, so it’s flexible for different party sizes.

Can I book this tour on short notice?
Booking generally requires planning about 10 days in advance, and the tour operates with two start times—11:45 AM and 4:30 PM—perfect for fitting into most itineraries.

What is the price per person?
The tour costs $68 per person, which includes guided visits and transportation. Additional items like food, growlers, or bottles are extra.

Are drinks included in the tour?
Samples and tastings are included, but glasses, bottles, and food are at additional cost.

Is the tour family-friendly or suitable for children?
While the description doesn’t specify, since the tour is focused on alcohol tasting and crafted beverages, it’s best suited for adults. If you’re traveling with children, consider this before booking.

What makes this tour different from bus tours?
Instead of a loud, crowded bus, you’ll travel in a luxury SUV with expert guides. This creates a more intimate, relaxed, and informative experience.

How long does the tour last?
The typical duration is 4 to 5 hours, giving enough time at each stop without feeling rushed.

Is there any food included?
No, food is not included but can be purchased separately at the stops.

What about cancellation and refunds?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, making it flexible if your plans change.

If you’re after a thoughtfully curated, comfortable way to explore Traverse City’s brewing and distilling gems, this VIP tour offers a solid combination of quality, insight, and relaxed fun.