TOURING TIPS
Wine Tour Companies, Limousine Services and Other Transportation Services
Michigan’s wine trails make it easy to visit a few wineries at a relaxed pace. Driving through the picturesque wine regions can add to your touring experience, but sometimes it’s nice to sit back and let someone else take the wheel while you take in the scenery and chat with your companions.
We’ve come up with some suggestions to add to the fun of wine touring. Whether you prefer an organized group tour or a more intimate outing, consider some of these alternatives for your next wine-tasting excursion.
SOUTHEAST MICHIGAN
Domaine Detroit Wine Festival
Create your own bus or van tours to Michigan’s wine regions, for twenty-five (25) or more guests. Tours depart from the city of your choosing. Enjoy a day trip to southern Michigan wineries or a two (2) night adventure to the Traverse City area. Call Chuck Jackson at 313-505-3032 for more information.
Party Bus Detroit
Party Bus Detroit travels anywhere in Michigan, accommodating parties of up to 35. The company will help those who are unsure of where to go set up an itinerary and will call ahead to set up reservations. Visit www.partybusdetroit.com for more info.
Van Hove Limousine
Van Hove Limousine offers a rotation of tours that offer stops at many different Michigan wineries and cider mills, many on the Michigan Thumbs Up Wine Trail. Located in Fraser, Van Hove provides limousine services and party bus rentals to surrounding areas such as Royal Oak, Sterling Heights, Warren, Clinton Township, Macomb Township, Eastpoint, St Clair Shores and more. Visit vanhovelimousine.com/about-us.
Frankenmuth FunShips
Sit back and relax while the captain guides you along the Cass River on a quiet electric boat. Enjoy a wine and chocolate tasting or choose from a variety of refreshing beers or soft drinks upon your river tour. River tours generally run from the beginning of May through October (weather permitting). Tours are offered seven days a week, and reservations can be made by calling 989-652-3400. For more information, visit https://www.frankenmuthfunships.com/boat-tours.
SOUTHWEST MICHIGAN
Fruitful Vine Tours
Fruitful Vine Tours will take you to an array of Southwest Michigan wineries where you’ll be able to sip and sample classic tastes, new concoctions, bold fruit wines, specialty ice wines and more. Travel via Vino Coach or tractor-pulled open-air Wine-O-Wagon. Reserve seats at https://fruitfulvinetours.com. Call (269) 978-8777 or email info@fruitfulvinetours.com for more information.
Grape and Grain Wine Tours
Offering all-inclusive wine tours. Book two to six guests in a Cadillac Escalade or fourteen in a shuttle rental. Private shuttle rentals are also available. A six-hour create-your-own itinerary is especially popular with groups of up to 14. Visit www.grapeandgraintours.com or call 269-231-0365.
Coastal Tours
Specializing in tours to wineries and breweries in Naugatuck, Douglas, Fennville, and South Haven, offering “join in” group tours on specific dates as well as private tours. Enjoy safe, reliable and fun transportation on a 14-passenger bus. Reserve at https://www.coastaltours.org/ or contact tours@coastaltours.org
Michigan Party Bus
Michigan Party Bus offers luxurious party buses, no matter where you might be in the Mitten. For more information, check out http://www.michiganpartybus.com/.
Windy City Tour Company
Offering tours of wine trails around Chicago and other parts of the Midwest, along with tours to craft breweries and artisanal distilleries. Whether you are visiting Chicago or are planning a special event like a birthday or wedding party, you can arrange a private tour tailored to your specifications. Specializing in anniversary and bachelorette parties. For tour descriptions, visit the online booking platform or call 847.902.0733 to learn more about the offerings.
Tim’s Tours
Offering Southwest Michigan wine tours. Also, if you need transportation services for a wedding day or a bus for special events and parties, Tim’s can personalize every event. They’ll plan your wine tour, or you are free to make your own, custom itinerary. If you would like to charter a wine tour for a group of family or friends, please visit http://tims-tours.com/contact-us/ or send an email to contact@tims-tours.com for further information. (Note: Sunday tours are recommended, as they are more relaxing and less busy than Saturday tours.)
Harbor Country Adventures
Just a short drive from Chicago and the Detroit metropolitan area, the New Buffalo/ Michiana area offers lots in the way of exploration and entertainment. Hop aboard one of Harbor Country’s relaxing cruise ships, book an adventure on a “rocket boat” or choose to explore and sample the numerous wineries and/or distilleries in the area known as “Harbor Country.” To book a tour, call 269-231-5867 or visit https://www.harborcountryadventures.com/.
Hops Noggin Tours
This wine tour takes you into the heart of Southwest Michigan wine country. Enjoy a traditional tasting experience at four area wineries. For more information, call (269) 921-1613 or visit https://hopsnoggin.com/.
Untapped Sights & Tours
This small business’s mission is to provide fun and stress-free transportation to wineries, breweries, and other attractions in West Michigan, primarily the Saugatuck, Douglas, Fennville, South Haven, and Allegan areas. Untapped Sights & Tours offers both private rentals and join-in rides on its 14-passenger bus. To learn more, visit untappedsightsandtours.com, email untappedsightsandtours@gmail.com, or call 616-212-3378.
NORTHERN MICHIGAN

Designated Driver TC
Providing drivers to take the wheel in your own car for wine, brewery, distillery and sightseeing in and around the Traverse City area. Staff helps you choose wineries to visit and makes reservations for you based on availability. To book a driver, click here, or call 231-486-8055.
Vine Ride
Specializing in small-group, half-day tours of Petoskey area wineries. Reserve a handful of seats in a seven-passenger van or book the whole van for a private group experience. Wine tours include pick-up and drop-off at your Petoskey area lodging; visits to four wineries; complimentary snacks; and transportation that earns its Vine Ride name! Open year-round. We are fully licensed and insured. For more information, visit Vine Ride online at www.mivineride.com or call 231-709-3450. Email is the best way to reach the staff at Vine Ride: miVineRide@gmail.com
Champagne Shuttle and Tours LLC
This family-owned business will help you choose the wineries that best fit your needs or you can join in a tour that is already set. Also providing transportation for other activities and offering competitive rates for tours up to five hours long. Visit www.peninsulawinetours.com or call 231-633-WINE (9463).
Grand Traverse Tours
Offering public wine tours that anyone can join in with any amount of people seven days a week, 361 days per year. Also offering private customized tours, with pick-up and delivery at most Traverse City lodging properties. Visit grandtraversetours.com or call 231-947-7433.
GT Wine Tour
Enjoy a tour designed for your group or share the tour with friends you haven’t met yet. Private tours are available for a by-the-hour price. GT Wine Tour will take you and your party to wineries or other destinations of your choosing on your time frame. Tour the wineries of Leelanau and Old Mission Peninsulas, and in Traverse City. Visit www.gtwinetours.com or call 231-946-5466.
Traverse Bay Tours
Offering tours of Leelanau and Old Mission Peninsula wine country. A professional chauffeur will transport you from your hotel to area wineries. Also providing bachelorette party wine tours and wedding, birthday or other special event transportation. Brewery tours and combination tours are also offered. Multiple vineyards will be visited during your tour. Leelanau and Old Mission wine tours are available all year long, and last approximately four hours. Fully licensed and insured. Visit www.traversebaytours.com or call 231-342-7274 for information and reservations.
Traverse City Wine Girl
Traverse City Wine Girl provides excursions for couples or small groups. Groups of 6 or less can tour the wineries of their choice with reliable, accommodating transportation. Visit tcwinegirl.com to learn more or call 231-492-0048.
Traverse City Wine and Beer Tours
Tour the Leelanau and Old Mission Peninsula in a tie-dye wrapped Kool Bus, a Mercedes Sprinter Van. Also available for weddings, proms, bachelor/bachelorette parties, anniversaries, game days and other occasions. Visit www.WineAndBeerTours.com or call Jody at 231-499-2656 to make a reservation. MDOT Certified.
The Vineyard Inn
Relax in a luxury limo coach while a local tour guide takes you on a scenic tour of wineries and local attractions on the Leelanau or Old Mission Peninsula. Visit www.vininn.com or call 231-941-7060 for more information.
Car Trek/The Karaoke Cab
Car Trek (The Karaoke Cab) specializes in limousine and taxi service, winery/ brewery/color tours, airport shuttles and transportation, graduation/bachelorette parties and more. For more information, visit https://www.cartrektc.com/ or call 231-620-2249.
The Magic Shuttle Bus
The Magic Shuttle Bus is a Traverse City-based tour company specializing in group tours and event transport. To book a tour, call 231-492-6144 or visit https://magicshuttlebus.com/.
Good Guys
Good Guys specializes in Old Mission and Traverse City winery tours. A personal chauffeur will guide you through local wine country in a luxurious fully loaded Van. To book a wine tour, call 231-846-5623 or visit https://goodguyset.com/.
NoMI Tours
NoMI tours operates a 14-passenger shuttle for transportation to wineries, ciders, and breweries in the Traverse City area. Open year round. Tour wine hot spots like Shady Lanes Cellars, Ciccone Vineyard, Bonobo Winery, and more. To learn more, visit nomitours.com
Up North Tours
Offering join-in wine tours for individuals, couples and small groups to enjoy the Old Mission and Leelanau wineries, with pick-up at most area hotels. Hop aboard one of Up North Tours’ Ford Transit vehicles and a driver will take you to four different wineries on the Old Mission Peninsula. For more information, call 231-624-3485 or visit https://upnorthtour.com/.
Tall Ship Sailing
Sample a medley of local wines and enjoy catered Mediterranean cuisine from Silver Swan Homemade Foods as you sail the sparkling waters of Grand Traverse Bay. For more information, call 231-941-2000 or visit https://tallshipsailing.com/.
Road Runner Tours
Offering tours of Antrim County. Your road runner will pick you up at any location and take you to your destinations. To book a tour, call 231-392-3114 or visit http://www.roadrunnermi.com/.
Sunset Premier Shuttle
Tour through the Petoskey Wine Region, Old Mission Peninsula Wine Trail, and the Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail with your private group. Offering luxury transportation and extra storage for coolers and wine cases. Too book a tour, call 231-497-1182 or visit sunsetpremiershuttle.com/
SPEND THE NIGHT AT A WINERY

After a fun day of wine tasting, wake up to a steaming cup of fresh coffee and delicious breakfast fare with panoramic bay views and vibrant vineyards. Staying overnight at a Michigan winery offers a fabulous way to completely indulge in wine country. All of these stays include a fresh breakfast and complimentary wine tasting.

Chateau Chantal B&B, Old Mission Peninsula, Traverse City
A curvy drive through vineyards to the European-inspired chateau boasts panoramic views of East and West Grand Traverse bays at Chateau Chantal. Stay in one of 12 bright, elegant guests rooms or the two-bedroom apartment. www.chateauchantal.com
Brys Estate Vineyard & Winery, Old Mission Peninsula
A former barn on the 111-acre estate has been transformed into a storybook 2-bedroom, 1 3/4-bath, 1,100-square-foot guest house with a fully equipped kitchen and great room. Enjoy vineyard views from every window, as well as breathtaking views of the East Grand Traverse Bay. For more information, visit www.brysestate.com
The Inn at Chateau Grand Traverse, Old Mission Peninsula, Traverse City
Down the road, the Inn at Chateau Grand Traverse sits among the vines in a tranquil wooded setting next to the winery. Unwind at the end of the day from your private balcony or the extensive wraparound deck with a complimentary bottle of wine and beautiful views of West Grand Traverse Bay. Six contemporary guest rooms are located within the large communal home that features lots of nooks and rooms to sip wine and relax. www.cgtwines.com
The Inn at Black Star Farms, Leelanau Peninsula, Suttons Bay
Across the bay in Suttons Bay, the Inn at Black Star Farms was voted Best Wine Country Hotel by USA Today 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards 2020. The elegant equestrian farm offers a variety of experiences beyond wine tasting. Stay in one of the 10 rooms and enjoy a complimentary bottle of wine, a daily happy hour with small bites and wine tasting in the reserved VIP Barrel Room. www.blackstarfarms.com

Highland Hideaway B&B at Pleasantview Winery, Harbor Springs
Located at Pleasantview Vineyards and Winery, Highland Hideaway B&B in Harbor Springs is a beautiful Victorian mansion that sits high atop a hill in a peaceful wooded and garden setting. Stay in a cozy queen guest room or one of two private houses, and wind down in the evening by relaxing in the hot tub or a sauna in — what else — a wine barrel.
Silver Leaf Vineyard & Winery offers a rustic cottage for overnight guests. The cozy log home boasts views of the vineyard and neighboring cherry orchard. For more information, click here.
Throughout Michigan, there are excellent B&Bs and inns within easy driving and biking distance of the wine trails. For an extensive list of B&Bs across the state, visit www.laketolake.com, the web site of the Michigan Lake to Lake Bed & Breakfast Association, or call 616-738-0135 for a printed directory.
BIKING
SOUTHEAST
High Five Pedal Tours: Choose from a craft beer tour, wine tour, progressive restaurant tour, bookstore tour or a custom tour of your choosing. http://highfivepedaltours.com/
The Michigan Pedaler: Explore Detroit on a 15-passenger rolling bar. Pedaling is optional, you can listen to your own music and there is plenty of cooler space for your drinks. For more information, call 313-744-3272 or visit https://www.michiganpedaler.com/
SOUTHWEST
Backroads Bikeways: A network of 12 self-guided bicycle tours on paved roads, with lengths from 5 to 60 miles. The routes travel over streams and through rolling hills, with meadows, parks and forests. For more information, including detailed trail maps, visit www.applecidercentury.com or call the Three Oaks Spokes Bicycle Club toll-free at 888-877-2068.

NORTHWEST
Grand Traverse Bike Tours: Grand Traverse Bike Tours is a full-service bike tour company located in the heart of Leelanau wine country, just minutes from Traverse City. Offering a selection of packages ranging from single-day winery tours to self-guided tours and basic bicycle rentals. Experience a tour in the company of an expert guide or go on your own with a self-guided tour. Visit www.grandtraversebiketours.com.
Leelanau Peninsula: The 17-mile Leelanau Trail provides a paved off-road connection between Traverse City and Suttons Bay. Running through the last of Leelanau County’s former railroad corridors, the Leelanau Trail features picturesque forests, farms, vineyards, lakes and ponds. For maps and more information, visit the TART Trails website, www.traversetrails.org.
Old Mission Peninsula: Drive just north of Traverse City on M-37 to Bluff Road or take Peninsula Drive north from Traverse City to where you can park on the roadside. Haul out the bike and enjoy fresh air and views of Grand Traverse Bay. Head inland to bike the five miles along M-37 that connect four wineries.
Kayak, Bike and Brew: Kayak, Bike & Brew (KBB), also known as KaBrew, is a Brewery Pub Pedal and Paddle through Traverse City’s beautiful urban TART bike trails, Boardman Lake and river and West Bay, lasting about four hours. Guides will lead you on an urban paddle through downtown Traverse City to Rare Bird Brewpub. For more information, call 231-760-8828 or visit https://www.kayakbikebrew.com/
STATEWIDE
The Michigan Department of Transportation has numerous resources about biking in Michigan. Visit www.michigan.gov/mdot and click on “roads & travel.” You’ll find extensive information about biking on the state’s roads and trails. You can also order regional bike maps and other bike trail publications.
KAYAKING
Water to Wine-Wine Tasting Kayak Tour, Grand Traverse Bay: Water-to-Wine Wine Tasting Kayak Tour teaches a bit of kayak technique and includes a paddle on Grand Traverse Bay and a little gourmet beach dining followed by private wine-tasting at a couple of boutique wineries. For more information, visit https://www.mi-paddleadventure.com/ or call 231-882-5525.
Kayak Brewery Tours: Gather some friends or join an existing group and set up a kayaking or biking adventure that will take you from brewery to brewery in downtown Traverse City. To book a tour, visit https://kayakbrewerytours.com/ or call 231-760-8828.
Waters D’Vine: Waters D’ Vine is focused on the organic natural beauty of local wine, eats and ecology. Experience a unique perspective of historical downtown Traverse City while biking the TART trail and kayaking through the Boardman Lake, river and mouth of West Bay. For more information, call 231-970-0004 or visit https://www.facebook.com/WatersDvineTC/
The River Outfitters: The River Outfitters offers kayaks, bikes and stand-up paddleboards for rent, or you can join a guided or unguided tour. For more information, visit http://therivertc.com/ or call 231-883-1413.