5-Hour Traverse City Wine Tour: 3 Wineries on Leelanau Peninsula
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 437 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is 5-Hour Traverse City Wine Tour: 3 Wineries on Leelanau Peninsula worth booking?
5-Hour Traverse City Wine Tour: 3 Wineries on Leelanau Peninsula is a 5-hour experience in Traverse City, United States, from $79 per person. It scores 86 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 437 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 86 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (437)
- Duration
- 5 hours
- From
- $79 per person
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
What you get
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
What's included
Included
- Drinking and Snacking is allowed on the bus
- Appointments (Not reservations) are made by Magic Shuttle Bus for all customers on the tour
- In-vehicle air conditioning
Not included
- Gratuity (20% for the driver is strongly recommended)
- Alcoholic beverages
What you'll see and do
Black Star Farms
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.
80 minutes here · Admission included
Shady Lane Cellars
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.
80 minutes here · Admission included
Rove Winery at the Gallagher Estate
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.
80 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Traverse City
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
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
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
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 14 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- The Magic Shuttle Bus
Know before you go
- 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
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 436 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
8 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Food and drink
8 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
3 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Traveler reviews
436 verified traveler reviews for 5-Hour Traverse City Wine Tour: 3 Wineries on Leelanau Peninsula. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Birthday wine tour
What a wonderful experience! I’ve wanted to do one of these tours for a long time and it was a blast! Our guide Darren was wonderful and played all our favorite songs 😊
via Tripadvisor
Traverse City Wine Tour
When you go on the wine tour request Mike R. Great tour.
via Tripadvisor
Best excursion we have take in a long time!
Excellent tour of 3 wineries in Traverse City. Mike R. Is the best tour guide we have had in a very long time— truly knowledgeable and very pleasant and just a great guy. He made our tour enjoyable and gave us some great recommendations at each wineries. Will take this tour again if Mike is our guide.
via Tripadvisor
The best wine tour in America
This tour was so fun I highly recommend! Mike R. is single handedly the greatest tour guide (wine tour and other tour) I have ever experienced in my life time.
via Tripadvisor
Winery adventure
We had a wonderful time with Mike R. He took time to give us history of wine in the area and made sure that we had a good time at each stop. Great time!!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $79 to $99
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 153
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Who runs this experience
Operated by The Magic Shuttle Bus, who run 4 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 78.6 and 1 in the 90+ Club.
See everything The Magic Shuttle Bus runsWhy this scores 86
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
5-Hour Traverse City Wine Tour: 3 Wineries on Leelanau Peninsula: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Traverse City.
How much does 5-Hour Traverse City Wine Tour: 3 Wineries on Leelanau Peninsula cost?
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Prices start at $79 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Traverse City usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does 5-Hour Traverse City Wine Tour: 3 Wineries on Leelanau Peninsula take?
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Plan for about 5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Traverse City is not rushed.
Is 5-Hour Traverse City Wine Tour: 3 Wineries on Leelanau Peninsula worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 86 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 437 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most highly reviewed in Traverse City, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule 5-Hour Traverse City Wine Tour: 3 Wineries on Leelanau Peninsula?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is 5-Hour Traverse City Wine Tour: 3 Wineries on Leelanau Peninsula suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book 5-Hour Traverse City Wine Tour: 3 Wineries on Leelanau Peninsula?
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Around 153 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Traverse City can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Traverse City and add a light layer if any part of the 5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does 5-Hour Traverse City Wine Tour: 3 Wineries on Leelanau Peninsula start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Traverse City within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Traverse City?
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Traverse City pairs Old Mission and Leelanau winery tours with Sleeping Bear Dunes trips, kayak and paddleboard rentals on Grand Traverse Bay and fall colour drives. On Outty we rank every Traverse City experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include 5-Hour Traverse City Wine Tour: 4 Wineries on Old Mission Peninsula, NON-BUS 4 Winery Traverse Wine & Food Tour on Old Mission, 4-Hour Traverse City Sunset Wine Tour: 3 Wineries on Old Mission Peninsula. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Traverse City?
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June to October, with peak colour in early October. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Traverse City?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in 5-Hour Traverse City Wine Tour: 3 Wineries on Leelanau Peninsula?
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Included: Drinking and Snacking is allowed on the bus; Appointments (Not reservations) are made by Magic Shuttle Bus for all customers on the tou; and In-vehicle air conditioning. Not included: Gratuity (20% for the driver is strongly recommended); and Alcoholic beverages. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for 5-Hour Traverse City Wine Tour: 3 Wineries on Leelanau Peninsula?
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Please navigate to the Grand Traverse County Civic Center in Traverse City, MI and follow the signs to "Tour Bus Parking". Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is 5-Hour Traverse City Wine Tour: 3 Wineries on Leelanau Peninsula offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for 5-Hour Traverse City Wine Tour: 3 Wineries on Leelanau Peninsula?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
What happens to 5-Hour Traverse City Wine Tour: 3 Wineries on Leelanau Peninsula if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Traverse City. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about 5-Hour Traverse City Wine Tour: 3 Wineries on Leelanau Peninsula?
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Across 437 reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, food and drink, knowledge and storytelling. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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