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

Traverse City , United States

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

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(371 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Discover the best of Leelanau County's wineries with the convenience of inclusive transportation leaving from downtown Traverse City. This wine tour takes you to three carefully selected wineries, allowing you to savor the finest wines and revel in the stunning views without the worry of transportation. Our wine tours have won TripAdvisor's prestigious "Best of the Best" award three years in a row, and named among America's top 10 wine tours—a testament to our commitment to excellence.

You'll gain exclusive access to wineries that are typically not open to the public for join-in tours. At each winery, there will be plenty of time for you to enjoy and learn. You'll gain exclusive access to each winery's tasting room, where you can sample a variety of wines crafted using local techniques. Find something you like? You can always purchase bottles, and your tour drivers will safely hold your purchases until the tour is over.

20% Gratuity for drivers is strongly recommended-cash only

Available options

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

What's included

Drinking and Snacking is allowed on the bus

Appointments (Not reservations) are made by Magic Shuttle Bus for all customers on the tour

Air-conditioned vehicle

Detailed itinerary

Our first stop on this captivating wine tour is the renowned Black Star Farms. Immerse yourself in the world of Leelanau wines as you spend a leisurely 80 minutes at this picturesque, award-winning winery. Explore the intricacies of their hand-crafted wines and spirits, which capture the essence of the region's unique climate and agricultural bounty.

Wander through their expansive vineyards and charming facilities before we continue on our wine adventure. Guests can wander through a 160-acre winery estate, complete with an expansive outdoor terrace, a distinctive Inn, a seasonal café, an equestrian facility, and scenic recreational trails. With an impressive selection of over 50 wines and European-style brandies, there's a libation to satisfy every palate.

Shady Lane Cellars is a stop that not only tantalizes your taste buds but also provides a deep connection to the land and the artistry behind every bottle. Here, you'll have 80 minutes to discover the true essence of their wines and the meticulous care that goes into crafting them. With 70 acres of sustainably farmed grapes, Shady Lane Cellars embodies a harmonious balance between nature and winemaking. Explore the serene surroundings and savor their creations as you soak up the Leelanau County wine experience.

As you wander through the vineyards, you'll gain insight into the winery's commitment to sustainability, which extends beyond just their grapes. Shady Lane Cellars is dedicated to preserving the natural ecosystem they are a part of, ensuring that their wines are not only a testament to craftsmanship but also to the preservation of the region's natural beauty. Take a moment to breathe in the crisp, fresh air and appreciate the delicate dance between the vines and the landscape.

Our wine journey culminates at Rove Estates, where you'll find yourself perched at an astonishing 1165-foot elevation. Enjoy expansive views across the entirety of Leelanau County, showcasing its year-round beauty that is especially captivating during the fall colors. This final 80-minute stop promises an experience that's nothing short of extraordinary. While savoring their award-winning wines, allow the stunning panoramic views and unforgettable sunsets to captivate your senses.

This winery stands as a testament to the deep roots of this craft, preserved through generations of family stewardship on this fifth-generation farmland. The combination of exceptional wines and unparalleled views will be the climax of your Leelanau County wine experience. Join us in raising a glass to the harmonious fusion of tradition, nature, and craftsmanship that defines Rove Estates and the heart of Michigan winemaking.

What's not included

Gratuity (20% for the driver is strongly recommended)

Wine tastings are not included and are purchased individually at each vineyard. The price for each tasting ranges from $5 to $15 per tasting.

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.6

40 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.9

331 reviews

5★

320

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

**PLEASE REFERENCE THE PARKING MAP IN THE IMAGES ON THIS LISTING FOR THE PICK UP & DROP OFF LOCATION**

There is a total of 10-15 parking spots that are alloted for Magic Shuttle Bus customers. These are offered on a first come, first serve basis.

*DISCLAIMER: Wineries are subject to change based on availability.

If Wineries on the Itinerary are booked, alternate wineries are used as substitutes

-WE STRONGLY RECCOMMEND 15-20% GRATUITY TO THE DRIVER-

Customers are welcome to pack a lunch for the day, most winieries only offer small appetizers and snacks, no full meals

*DISCLAIMER: Magic Shuttle Bus does contact wineries if appointments do need to be made, keep in mind, these are not reservations and only allow us to come in at the desired time, but does not eradicate wait times.

Most wineries have outdoor seating only, please dress accordingly to stay warm on colder days

Since Covid, most wineries are not offering tastings, but rather flights and wine by the glass, and samples

Some wineries do not accept cash, they require payment to be on a card

We strongly recommend that you use an Uber/Lyft/Taxi to get to the pick up location, and for your return trip home.

This is a public tour, not a private tour

Meeting point

Please navigate to the Grand Traverse County Civic Center in Traverse City, MI and follow the signs to "Tour Bus Parking". This will lead you to the desired parking lot where you'll see signs that state "Magic Shuttle Bus Tour Patron Parking". The bus will depart at 12pm Sun-Fri & 11am on Saturdays

Important notes

Please have your ticket ready to present to your driver for entry to board the bus

About Traverse City

Traverse City is a charming lakeside destination in Northern Michigan known for its stunning natural beauty, vibrant cherry orchards, and thriving arts and culinary scene. Nestled along the shores of Grand Traverse Bay, it offers a unique blend of outdoor adventure, cultural attractions, and small-town charm.

Top Attractions

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

A stunning national park featuring massive sand dunes, forests, and over 100 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline. Perfect for hiking, picnicking, and scenic drives.

Nature Half day to full day Free

Downtown Traverse City

The heart of the city with a vibrant mix of shops, restaurants, galleries, and historic buildings. A great place to stroll, dine, and explore local culture.

Cultural Half day Free to explore, costs vary for dining and shopping

Old Mission Peninsula

A picturesque peninsula offering stunning views of Grand Traverse Bay, wineries, and the historic Old Mission Lighthouse. Ideal for scenic drives and wine tasting.

Scenic Half day Free to drive, wine tastings vary

Traverse City Beach

A beautiful sandy beach along Grand Traverse Bay, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports. The beach is family-friendly and offers stunning sunsets.

Beach Half day Free

Must-Try Local Dishes

Cherry Pie

A classic dessert made with fresh cherries from the region, often served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Dessert Contains gluten and dairy

Pasties

A traditional savory pastry filled with meat and vegetables, originally brought to the area by Finnish immigrants.

Snack Contains gluten and dairy

Cherry Wine

Wine made from locally grown cherries, a specialty of the region's wineries.

Drink Alcoholic

Popular Activities

Hiking at Sleeping Bear Dunes Kayaking on Grand Traverse Bay Mountain biking in Traverse City trails Wine tasting at local wineries Sunbathing at Traverse City Beach Spa treatments at local resorts Visiting the Dennos Museum Center Attending performances at the Interlochen Center for the Arts

Best Time to Visit

June to August

Summer is the peak season with warm weather, outdoor activities, and festivals. The National Cherry Festival in July is a major highlight.

15-30°C 59-86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: English
English: Widely spoken

Currency

US Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

EST (GMT-5) or EDT (GMT-4) during daylight saving time

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Traverse City is generally safe for tourists, with low crime rates. However, it's always important to take basic precautions, especially in crowded areas and at night.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Be cautious when using ATMs, especially at night
• Only use licensed taxis or ride-sharing services

Getting there

By air

Cherry Capital Airport • 3 miles from city center
Gerald R. Ford International Airport • 100 miles from city center

By bus

Traverse City Transit Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

Affordable and convenient for getting around town. Buses run on a regular schedule.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Downtown Old Mission Peninsula East Bay

Day trips

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

30 miles • Half day to full day

A stunning national park featuring massive sand dunes, forests, and over 100 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline. Perfect for hiking, picnicking, and scenic drives.

Leelanau Peninsula

20 miles • Full day

A picturesque peninsula known for its wineries, cherry orchards, and stunning coastal views. Ideal for wine tasting, scenic drives, and outdoor activities.

Interlochen

20 miles • Half day

A charming arts community known for the Interlochen Center for the Arts, a renowned arts education institution. Offers cultural events, performances, and scenic beauty.

Festivals

National Cherry Festival • July Traverse City Film Festival • Late July to early August Winterfest • February

Pro tips

Visit the Traverse City Visitor Center for maps, brochures, and local recommendations
Check the weather forecast and dress in layers, as temperatures can change quickly
Explore the local wineries and breweries, as the region is known for its craft beverages
Try the local cherry-based products, such as cherry pie, cherry wine, and cherry-infused treats
Take a scenic drive along the Old Mission Peninsula for stunning views of Grand Traverse Bay