Four Hours, Three Tastings: A Leelanau Peninsula Sip Circuit from Traverse City

TRAVERSE CITY GUIDED TOUR FIELD GUIDE

Four Hours, Three Tastings: A Leelanau Peninsula Sip Circuit from Traverse City

A 2-Hour guided outing from Traverse City that visits three Leelanau Peninsula stops for wine, spirits and hard cider—this guide explains the flow, what to bring, and practical details for the afternoon.

See guide details

Four Hours, Three Tastings: A Leelanau Peninsula Sip Circuit from Traverse City.

Duration
2 hours
Location
Traverse City
Operator
Traverse City Wine and Beer Tours
Category
Guided Tour

Adventure brief

Four Hours, Three Tastings: A Leelanau Peninsula Sip Circuit from Traverse City

The Leelanau Peninsula Tour is a compact, afternoon-long loop out of Traverse City that pairs shoreline scenery with local beverages. Over roughly four hours you join a guided group to visit three stops on the peninsula for tastings of wine, hard cider and spirits, with convenient pickup and drop-off at Traverse City locations. Practicalities matter here: bring your photo I.D. if you plan to drink and a small cooler if you want to bring snacks; alcohol is allowed on the bus.

The Leelanau Peninsula, situated in Michigan’s northwest, presents a canvas of rolling vineyards, orchards, and scenic lakeside views. As the hub for the renowned local wine, cider, and spirits scene, this area has become a magnet for those seeking a taste of Michigan’s rich agricultural bounty. The Adventure Collective’s 4-hour Leelanau Peninsula Tour offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and curated tastings, making it an ideal escape for food and beverage enthusiasts.

This guided tour visits three exclusive stops, each showcasing distinct local flavors. Begin with a visit to a family-owned vineyard where you’ll walk through lush grapevines set against the backdrop of shimmering Lake Michigan. Next, enjoy a spirits tasting at a boutique distillery known for its small-batch craft liquors. The final stop features a cozy orchard-turned-tasting room specializing in award-winning hard ciders, crafted from apples picked right on the property.

Beyond the tastings, the scenic drive along the peninsula is a highlight, revealing rolling hills, historic barns, and panoramic lake views. The region’s unique geological features—formed by glacial activity—create rich soil that supports its thriving wine and cider industry. The area also boasts a vibrant cultural scene, with local art galleries and farm stands dotting the route.

This tour is perfect for those who love to indulge in local flavors without the hassle of planning, and the easy pickup from Traverse City makes it convenient for travelers. Whether you’re a connoisseur or a curious newcomer, this experience combines outdoor beauty with craft beverage immersion, setting it apart as a premier Michigan tasting adventure.

Route Schematic

Route & Stops

Three curated stops on the Leelanau Peninsula make for a tidy tasting loop; below are the sequence and what to expect at each stop.

  1. Stop 1 — Winery

    A first winery stop where participants sample regional wines as part of the three-stop itinerary.

  2. Stop 2 — Winery

    A second winery offering additional wine tastings that showcase different styles from the peninsula.

  3. Stop 3 — Cider house or distillery

    A final stop focused on hard cider and/or spirits to round out the tasting variety on the tour.

Participants who intend to sample alcoholic beverages should carry photo I.D.; tastings are handled at each stop and are not included in the base tour price.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

THE ROUTE

Three stops across Leelanau Peninsula

This join-in tour pauses at three distinct Leelanau Peninsula venues—two wineries and a cider house—giving a compact sampling of the region’s beverage scene over a four-hour circuit.

THE TASTES

Wine, hard cider and spirits

Expect guided tastings that range across wine, hard cider and distilled spirits, with tasting fees handled locally and not included in the tour base price.

THE LOGISTICS

$69 for an easy afternoon outing

This four-hour join-in tour is priced at $69 per person plus gratuity; tastings themselves are not included in that rate, and the operator offers pickup and drop-off at Traverse City locations for convenience.

What the day feels like

What the tour feels like

The tour unfolds as a relaxed afternoon: board in Traverse City, ride the bus across the peninsula to three curated stops, and spend short, focused tasting sessions sampling local wine, cider and spirits before moving on. It’s designed to showcase regional flavors without a long time commitment—roughly four hours from pickup to return—so you can savor several producers in one easy loop.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this tour suits—and who should think twice.

1
Wine & spirits enthusiastsGood fit: the itinerary concentrates on beverage tastings—two wineries and a cider/spirits stop—so travelers looking to sample regional producers will get the most out of the outing.
2
Groups and social travelersGood fit: the join-in format and bus-based transport make this an easy shared afternoon for friends or small groups wanting a relaxed tasting circuit.
3
Day-trippers from Traverse CityGood fit: with pickup and drop-off at local Traverse City locations and a roughly four-hour duration, this is convenient for visitors wanting a half-day excursion without driving.
4
Travelers planning to sample alcoholImportant note: anyone who plans to drink must carry a valid I.D.; the operator enforces I.D. checks even for older-seeming guests.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

What to Bring

Bring a photo I.D. if you plan to consume alcohol; a small cooler is permitted if you want to bring snacks. Alcohol is allowed on the bus.

Onboard rules

Alcohol is allowed on the bus; be prepared to show I.D. if you intend to participate in tastings.

Snacks

A small cooler is permitted for food and non-alcoholic items to enjoy between stops.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

Where does the tour go?

The tour visits the Leelanau Peninsula, departing from Traverse City for the three-stop circuit.

How long is the tour?

The join-in Leelanau Peninsula tour lasts approximately four hours.

How many stops are on the tour?

There are three stops on the Leelanau Peninsula—two wineries and a cider house/distillery.

What beverages are featured?

Tastings include wine, hard cider and spirits.

How much does the tour cost?

The base price is $69 per person plus gratuity; tasting fees at the stops are not included.

Where do I catch the bus?

Pickup and drop-off are provided at local Traverse City locations.

How this guide was prepared

This field guide is synthesized using verified supplier specifications, route descriptions, and destination data. Some booking links may generate affiliate revenue for ADV Guides.

  • Verified: 2026-11-03T21:07:47.399Z

Some booking links may generate revenue for ADV Guides or The Adventure Collective.

Availability, pricing, schedules and operating details can change.

Trip details and contextual sources were reviewed by ADV Guides Editorial.

Four Hours, Three Tastings: A Leelanau Peninsula Sip Circuit from Traverse City