Traverse City: Leelanau Wine Tour with Exclusive Tastings

Summary

Traverse City wine tasting day trip with exclusive winery access

You’ll ride out from downtown Traverse City for a laid-back day trip through Leelanau Peninsula’s best wineries—with exclusive access and plenty of time to linger at each stop. Taste local wines straight from the source, chat with winemakers, and soak up those Michigan views while your guide handles all the details. Expect laughter, unexpected flavors, and maybe a new favorite bottle—or two—to bring home.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the way the air smelled at Black Star Farms—like apples and cold stone after rain. We’d barely stepped off the shuttle when our guide, Mike, nudged us toward the terrace. “Try the Pinot Gris first,” he said, so I did. It tasted like pears and something green I couldn’t quite name. There were horses in the distance (someone said you could book a riding lesson here) and people laughing over cheese plates. I wandered off for a bit just to look at the vines—so tidy, but wild at the edges. You don’t really expect 160 acres to feel that quiet.

At Shady Lane Cellars, it was all about sunlight and these low stone walls covered in moss. The winemaker—her name was Emily—talked about how they keep things sustainable here. She let us touch some of the soil (it’s sandy, almost gritty), and told us about how every bottle is kind of a snapshot of this place. I tried to say “Gewürztraminer” right and totally failed; Emily just grinned and poured me another taste. The wine had this weirdly perfect tartness that made me want to buy a bottle for later.

By the time we got to Rove Estates, everyone was a little looser—maybe it was the altitude or maybe just three rounds of tastings. The view from up there is…well, you can see all across Leelanau County, especially when the leaves are turning. Someone started talking about family history (the owners have been here five generations), and it felt like we were crashing someone’s reunion in a good way. I sat outside with my glass for ages; even now, I think about that stretch of golden light before sunset—how it made everything seem softer.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit three Leelanau Peninsula wineries

• Depart from downtown Traverse City
• Tour Black Star Farms winery
• Explore vineyards and tasting room
• Travel to Shady Lane Cellars
• Discover sustainable winemaking
• Enjoy wine tasting at Shady Lane
• Proceed to Rove Estates winery
• Admire panoramic Leelanau views
• Taste award-winning Rove Estates wines
• Return to Traverse City

Top questions

How long is the Traverse City wine tour?

The tour lasts approximately 5 hours including stops at three wineries on Leelanau Peninsula.

Does this wine tour include transportation?

Yes, round-trip transportation from downtown Traverse City is included.

Are food or meals provided during the wine tour?

No full meals are included; most wineries offer small snacks or appetizers only. You’re welcome to pack your own lunch.

Do I need reservations for each winery?

No personal reservations needed; appointments are made by Magic Shuttle Bus for all guests.

Is this Traverse City wine tour private or public?

This is a public group tour, not a private experience.

Can I buy bottles of wine during the tour?

Yes, you can purchase bottles at each winery; your driver will hold them until the end of the tour.

Are there outdoor seating options at the wineries?

Most wineries offer outdoor seating only; dress accordingly for weather conditions.

What should I bring on this day trip?

Dress for outdoor weather, bring your ID for tastings, consider packing lunch or snacks.

What’s included

Your Traverse City day includes round-trip transportation from downtown on an air-conditioned bus (drinks and snacks allowed onboard), exclusive access appointments at three Leelanau Peninsula wineries with plenty of time to taste local wines or explore outdoors, plus safe storage for any bottles you decide to buy along the way before heading back in town together.