Traverse City Wine Tour Companies

Guide to Stress-Free Leelanau Peninsula and Old Mission Peninsula Wine Tastings and Drivers

Traverse City | Northern Michigan


The Traverse Wine Coast in northern Michigan is not only one of the Midwest’s top wine destinations—it’s also one of the most scenic and diverse. Framed by the sparkling waters of Grand Traverse Bay and shaped by the rolling hills of the Leelanau and Old Mission Peninsulas, this cool-climate wine region is home to award-winning wineries, inviting tasting rooms, and experiences that celebrate both the land and the lake. From sipping Riesling with panoramic vineyard views to pairing Chardonnay with a sunset sail, Traverse City’s wine country offers a fresh and unforgettable take on Michigan wine tourism.

Just minutes from downtown Traverse City, the Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail and Old Mission Peninsula Wine Trail offer more than 40 wineries to explore—each with its own character, story, and style. The region is known for producing high-quality cool-climate varietals like Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Gewürztraminer, and Cabernet Franc, all thriving in the lake-moderated climate and mineral-rich soils.

In this guide, we’ll explore the best Traverse City wine tour companies—including those that offer guided tastings, scenic drives, and curated experiences across both peninsulas. Whether you’re looking to sip and stroll, relax on a chauffeured tour, or craft your own self-guided adventure, these tours are the perfect way to experience the beauty, flavors, and charm of the Traverse Wine Coast.

Use these Tools to Plan you Michigan Wine Tasting Trip:

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Michigan Wine Travel Tips


Benefits of Using Traverse City Wine Tour Companies and Drivers

Safe Transportation

The primary benefit of hiring a Traverse City wine tour company or driver is ensuring everyone can fully enjoy the wine-tasting experience without worrying about driving. Professional drivers serve as designated chauffeurs, allowing you to indulge in tastings at multiple wineries without compromising safety. These services eliminate the risks associated with navigating unfamiliar roads and consuming alcohol.

Knowledge of the Area

Traverse City wine tour companies often employ local drivers who are intimately familiar with the area. They can provide valuable insights into the best wineries, scenic routes, and must-visit attractions. Many drivers also have close relationships with the wineries, making it easier to secure appointments and avoid crowds.

Stress-Free Planning

Planning a wine tour can be daunting, especially if you’re visiting multiple wineries. Traverse City transportation services often handle the scheduling and logistics for you. They can coordinate winery appointments, ensure your group stays on schedule, and even arrange meals, so you can focus entirely on enjoying the experience.

Customizable Experiences

Many Traverse City wine tour companies offer private tours that cater to your group’s preferences. Whether you want to focus on a specific wine trail, visit a mix of wineries and breweries, or include other activities like hiking or sightseeing, these services provide flexibility to tailor your day.

Added Comfort and Convenience

Tour companies often provide comfortable vehicles, from luxury SUVs to spacious vans, ensuring a relaxing ride between stops. Many even include perks like bottled water, snacks, and insider tips about the region.


The Best Traverse City Wine Tour Companies + Sailing Adventures

Old Mission Peninsula Wine Tour – Group Bus Tour

Chateau Chantal Winery

Chateau Chantal Winery

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  • Tour Details: This 5-hour group bus tour visits four wineries such as Chateau Chantal Winery, Bowers Harbor Vineyards, Brys Estate Vineyard, Bonobo Winery

  • Group Size: Up to 14 People

  • Wine Trail: Old Mission Peninsula Wine Trail

  • Pick-Up Location: Civic Center - 1125 W Civic Center Dr, Traverse City, MI 49686

  • Additional Perks: Great for large groups and bachelorette parties

  • Ratings: Viator (5/5)


Old Mission Peninsula Sunset Wine Tour – Group Bus Tour

Bowers Harbor Vineyards

Bowers Harbor Vineyards

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  • Tour Details: This 4-hour group bus tour visits three wineries such as Chateau Chantal Winery, Bowers Harbor Vineyards, Bonobo Winery.  While at the final winery, take in the breathtaking sunset views over the Grand Traverse Bay.

  • Group Size: Up to 14 People

  • Wine Trail: Old Mission Peninsula Wine Trail

  • Pick-Up Location: Civic Center - 1125 W Civic Center Dr, Traverse City, MI 49686

  • Additional Perks: Great for large groups and bachelorette parties

  • Ratings: Viator (5/5)


Leelanau Peninsula Wine Tour – Group Bus Tour

Shady Lane Cellars

Shady Lane Cellars

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  • Tour Details: This 5-hour group bus tour visits three wineries such as Black Star Farms, Shady Lane Cellars, Rove Winery

  • Group Size: Up to 14 People

  • Wine Trail: Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail

  • Pick-Up Location: Civic Center - 1125 W Civic Center Dr, Traverse City, MI 49686

  • Additional Perks: Great for large groups and bachelorette parties

  • Ratings: Viator (5/5)


Custom Private Wine Tour Bus – Your Group, Your Way

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  • Tour Details: Private bus for your group only. Choose four wineries or breweries on the Old Mission Peninsula or the Leelanau Peninsula.

  • Group Size: Up to 14 People

  • Wine Trail: Old Mission Peninsula Wine Trail or the Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail

  • Pick-Up Location: At your Traverse City hotel or meet at the Civc Center 1125 W Civic Center Dr, Traverse City, MI 49686

  • Additional Perks: Great for large groups and bachelorette parties who want a private, customized experience.  More flexibility on start and stop times.

  • Ratings: Viator (5/5)


 Old Mission Peninsula Wine Tour – Small Group Luxury SUV

Brys Estate Vineyard

Brys Estate Vineyard

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  • Tour Details: A semi-private Old Mission Peninsula Wine Tour is enjoyed in the comfort of a luxury SUV like a Cadillac Escalade or GMC Yukon. Visit four wineries such as Hawthorne Vineyards, Bowers Harbor Vineyards, Chateau Chantal Winery, Brys Estate Vineyard, Bonobo Winery

  • Group Size: Up to 7 per vehicle.  Larger groups will be split into two vehicles

  • Wine Trail: Old Mission Peninsula Wine Trail

  • Pick-Up Location: May be possible to pick-up at Traverse city hotel, coordinate ahead of time.  Otherwise at 303 E State St, Traverse City, MI 49684

  • Additional Perks: Good from couple or small groups who want to avoid the more crowded bus tours. More flexibility to work with the driver on pick-up location and wineries visited.

  • Ratings: Viator (5/5)


 Leelanau Peninsula Sunset Wine Tour - Small Group Luxury SUV

Vineyard view from deck at Rove Winery

Vineyard view from deck at Rove Winery

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  • Tour Details: A semi-private Leelanau Peninsula Wine Tour is enjoyed in the comfort of a luxury SUV like a Cadillac Escalade or GMC Yukon. Visit four wineries such Rove Winery, Shady Lane, Blackstar Farms, Ciccone Farms, Suttons Bay Ciders, and Brengman Brothers. While at the final winery, take-in vineyard sunset views.

  • Group Size: Up to 7 per vehicle.  Larger groups will be split into two vehicles

  • Wine Trail: Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail

  • Pick-Up Location: Rove Winery at the Gallagher Estate, 7007 E Traverse Hwy, Traverse City, MI 49684

  • Additional Perks: Good from couple or small groups who want to avoid the more crowded bus tours. More flexibility to work with the driver on wineries visited.

  • Ratings: Viator (5/5)


 2-Day Wine Tour of both Peninsulas - Small Group Luxury SUV

Vineyard view of the Grand Traverse Bay from the Leelanau Peninsula

Vineyard view of the Grand Traverse Bay from the Leelanau Peninsula

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  • Tour Details: This semi-private wine tour is enjoyed in the comfort of a luxury SUV like a Cadillac Escalade or GMC Yukon.  Each day visit four wineries on the Leelanau Peninsula and the Old Mission Peninsula.

  • Group Size: Up to 7 per vehicle.  Larger groups will be split into two vehicles

  • Wine Trail: Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail and Old Mission Peninsula Wine Trail

  • Pick-Up Location: May be possible to pick-up at Traverse city hotel, coordinate ahead of time.  Otherwise at 303 E State St, Traverse City, MI 49684

  • Additional Perks: Perfect for wine lovers who have the time to visit the best wineries of both Peninsulas. Good from couple or small groups who want to avoid the more crowded bus tours. More flexibility to work with the driver on wineries visited.

  • Ratings: Viator (5/5)


Private Driver – Complete Flexibility in the comfort of your own vehicle

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  • Tour Details: A private driver will meet you at any location within 10 miles of downtown Traverse City and will drive you to any location you choose, during their designated time.

  • Group Size: Based on the size of your vehicle

  • Wine Trail: Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail and/or Old Mission Peninsula Wine Trail

  • Pick-Up Location: Any location within 10 miles of downtown Traverse City.  They may be able to accommodate beyond this limit with prior coordination.

  • Additional Perks: Door-to-door service with total flexibility of start time and places visited with a local who knows the area.

  • Ratings: Viator (5/5)

  • Wine Trail Map: Use our interactive Traverse Wine Coast Winery Map to plan your wine stops


Traverse City Wine and Sailing Tours

Day Sail from Traverse City with Food, Wine, & Cocktails

Traverse City and Grand Traverse Bay

Traverse City and Grand Traverse Bay

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  • Tour Detail: Enjoy a 3-hour friendly family daytime sailing experience on the Grand Traverse Bay.  Lunch, snacks, local beer, spirits, wine and other beverages are provided. 

  • Group Size:15 people

  • Pick-Up Location: 615 E Front St, Traverse City, MI 49686

  • Additional Perks: Family friendly experience and you can assist with the sailing, if you choose.

  • Ratings: Viator (5/5)


Sunset Sail from Traverse City with Food, Wine & Cocktails

Grand Traverse Bay Sunset

Grand Traverse Bay Sunset

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  • Tour Detail: Enjoy a 2.5-hour friendly family sunset sailing experience on the Grand Traverse Bay.  Food, wine, beer, and cocktails and other beverages are provided. 

  • Group Size: 15 people

  • Pick-Up Location: 615 E Front St, Traverse City, MI 49686

  • Ratings: Viator (5/5)


Choosing the Right Traverse City Wine Tour Company

When selecting a Traverse City wine tour company consider the following:

  • Group Size: Larger groups might prefer shared tours, while smaller groups can opt for private services.

  • Itinerary Flexibility: If you have specific wineries in mind, a customizable tour is the way to go.

  • Budget: Prices vary depending on group size, duration, and level of customization.

  • Pick-Up or Meeting Location: Choose a service that operates near your accommodation for maximum convenience.

  • Customizing a Tour: If you choose to customize your own tour, use our Michigan Wine Travel Guide


Final Thoughts

Hiring a Traverse City wine tour company is the ultimate way to experience the region’s wineries and sites. From safe transportation to insider knowledge and stress-free planning, these services allow you to fully enjoy the best that the Traverse City has to offer. Whether you’re exploring Traverse City’s famous wineries or discovering the charm of the Leelanau Peninsula, professional tours ensures a seamless and unforgettable trip.

Ready to plan your adventure? Explore the Best Traverse City Wine Tour Companies to create a custom wine-tasting experience tailored to your group. Safe travels and cheers!


Michigan Wine Trail Maps


Have you been to The Traverse City? Leave a comments about your favorite things to do.

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