An Intimate Wine Adventure in Traverse City’s Leelanau Peninsula

This $199 per person tour offers a 4 to 5-hour journey through some of the finest vineyards on the Leelanau Peninsula without the hassle of a bus. Led by local wine experts, the experience features luxury SUVs instead of traditional party buses, providing a more personal and relaxed atmosphere. The tour includes visits to 3 boutique wineries, where tasting opportunities and personalized wine recommendations make this a standout choice for wine lovers. The day concludes at the popular That’s a Pizza N Long Lake location, where authentic local food complements the wine experience.

Designed for those who appreciate stellar wines, scenic views, and high-quality service, this tour emphasizes quality over quantity. It’s perfect for small groups wanting an exclusive, VIP-style day of tasting, paired with a laid-back vibe… and the chance to feel like a movie star! Keep in mind that wine flights, bottles, and food are extra, so budget accordingly. This tour appeals most to wine enthusiasts seeking expert guidance in an intimate setting.

Key Points

Personalized VIP experience with expert guides rather than bus drivers
Visits to 3 boutique wineries showcasing Leelanau’s best reds and whites
Luxury SUV transportation for a more comfortable, private feel
Scenic stops at Shady Lane Cellars and Rove Winery with distinctive wines
End the tour at That’sa Pizza North Long Lake, known for its award-winning pizza
Drop-off options include downtown Traverse City or the original meeting point

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Leelanau Peninsula: A Prime Location for Boutique Wineries

The tour is centered on exploring Leelanau Peninsula, a region renowned for its small, boutique wineries. This area is notable for producing red wines like Blaufränkisch and white wines such as Muscat and Coup de Blanc. The landscape offers beautiful vineyard views and orchards, enriching the tasting experience with natural scenery that enhances each sip.

The focus on boutique wineries ensures a more intimate experience, with smaller production scales—Shady Lane produces only 7,000 cases annually—which means tastings are often personalized and less commercial. Visiting these smaller wineries provides a chance to sample unique varietals that are less common elsewhere, such as Muscat, a grape first brought to Europe by the Romans.

Shady Lane Cellars: A Boutique Vineyard with Exceptional Whites and Reds

The first stop, Shady Lane Cellars, is one of the most acclaimed vineyards on the peninsula. It offers wine flights, bottles, or the chance to join their wine club during the visit. Visitors are drawn to their stellar Blaufränkisch, a bold red, as well as their Muscat and Coup de Blanc, which showcase the winery’s commitment to quality and variety.

Housed in an old Chicken Coup, Shady Lane provides an authentic, rustic setting amid vineyards and orchards. The winery’s small-scale production means each tasting feels personalized, and the opportunity to purchase wines on-site adds to the experience. The focus here is on nature and craftsmanship, making it a favorite for those looking for a distinctive local wine.

Rove Winery at Gallagher Estate: Elevated Views and Unique Blends

Next, the tour moves to Rove Winery, situated atop the highest point on the Leelanau Peninsula at the Gallagher Estate. Its family farm setting emphasizes estate-grown grapes, honoring northern Michigan’s landscape and Irish heritage. The winery features famous blends, including the Fiona Runda, a mix of Gewürztraminer, Riesling, Pinot Gris, and Pinot Blanc, and a rare Michigan-grown Sauvignon Blanc.

Red wine enthusiasts can enjoy their Cab Franc / Merlot blend, which strikes a balance between fruitiness and structure. Rove Winery’s location offers sweeping views of the surrounding landscape, making each tasting feel special. The small-scale, family-focused approach ensures visitors receive personalized guidance and insight into their wine-making process.

The Final Stop: That’s a Pizza North Long Lake — A Local Favorite

The tour concludes at That’sa Pizza North Long Lake, a highly rated spot for authentic, locally made pizza. Known for premiere ingredients and a casual atmosphere, this restaurant offers to-go options or the chance to dine in. The food pairing complements the wine tastings, adding a satisfying end to the day.

From here, visitors can uber or walk to downtown Traverse City, where a variety of bars and restaurants await to extend the celebration. The two-hour stop allows ample time to enjoy the local flavor and perhaps share stories about the wines tasted earlier.

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Additional Stops and Weather Considerations

Depending on weather conditions, seasonality, and availability, the tour may include a visit to Ciccone Farms, Sutton’s Bay Ciders, or Brengman Brothers. This flexible element allows the guide to adapt the experience to ensure optimal visits and weather safety.

Each additional stop offers a chance to explore more local products, from ciders to other wineries, broadening the tasting opportunities and supporting a diverse regional food and drink scene.

Luxury SUV Transportation and Small Group Setting

Instead of a party bus, this tour features luxury SUVs like GMC Yukon or Chevrolet Suburban. The semi-private vehicle setup means most groups are limited to 6-7 people, fostering a more relaxed and personal atmosphere. The guides are local experts with strong backgrounds in wine and the Traverse City area, ensuring a knowledgeable narration throughout.

The air-conditioned vehicles make for a comfortable ride, and the owner and guides are former law enforcement, emphasizing safety and professionalism. This setup guarantees a more intimate experience compared to larger, bus-based tours.

What’s Not Included and How to Plan

While the wine tastings and tours are included in the experience, flights, bottles, and food are additional costs. The food at That’sa Pizza is part of the stop, but wines and beverages are paid for separately. Guests should plan to bring extra funds for purchases or additional food and drink.

The tour begins at 3860 N Long Lake Rd, Traverse City, and ends back at the same location or at downtown Traverse City. The maximum group size of 12 ensures personalized attention, and the free cancellation policy offers flexibility in case plans change.

Why This Tour Stands Out Among Traverse City Wineries

What truly differentiates this experience is the focus on personalized, expert-guided tastings. Guides with over five years’ experience lead guests through each winery, explaining wine nuances and pairing suggestions—not just driving from place to place. The luxury SUV setup and small group size foster a personal, relaxed environment, ideal for those who prefer a more exclusive experience.

The inclusion of scenic vineyard views, combined with wine recommendations from local specialists, ensures a more meaningful visit than typical group tours. Ending with That’sa Pizza, a local favorite, adds a satisfying culinary touch that completes the day.

Final Thoughts on the Leelanau Winery Pairing Tour

This non-bus tour offers a luxury, intimate look at Leelanau Peninsula’s wine scene. It’s especially suited for small groups, couples, or wine enthusiasts eager for knowledgeable guidance and personalized service. The scenic stops, boutique wineries, and quality wines make it a memorable way to explore Northern Michigan’s wine country.

While additional purchases are extra, the experience of expert guidance, scenic beauty, and gourmet pizza delivers excellent value for those seeking a relaxed, VIP-style day. If you prefer small-group comfort over large bus crowds and enjoy learning about regional wines, this tour is highly recommended.

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NON BUS Leelanau Winery Pairing with That’s a Pizza Food Tour

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, but since wine tastings are included and beverages are extra, it’s best for guests of legal drinking age.

How long does the tour last?
The tour typically lasts 4 to 5 hours, including visits to 3 wineries and a final food stop.

Are food and wine included in the price?
No, tastings, wines, and food are additional costs; the tour price covers the transport, guides, and winery visits.

Can I join this tour if I don’t want to taste wine?
While tastings are a core part of the experience, non-tasters can still enjoy the scenery and guided insights, but the focus is on wine sampling.

What type of vehicle is used for transportation?
Guests ride in luxury SUVs like GMC Yukon or Chevrolet Suburban, with Cadillac Escalade coming soon.

How many people are on each tour?
The maximum group size is 12 travelers, ensuring a semi-private, relaxed environment.

Is there any additional cost at the wineries?
Yes, flights, bottles, and club memberships can be purchased on-site but are not included in the tour price.

What is the meeting point?
The tour starts and ends at 3860 N Long Lake Rd, Traverse City.

Is this tour family-friendly?
Most travelers can participate, but since wine tastings are involved, it is best suited for adults.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour.