NON BUS Andie's VIP Traverse / Leelanau Peninsula Wine Tour

Introduction

Taking a wine tour doesn’t have to mean hopping on a noisy party bus or sacrificing comfort for the sake of fun. The NON BUS Andie’s VIP Traverse / Leelanau Peninsula Wine Tour offers a relaxed, upscale way to explore Michigan’s renowned wine region. With luxurious transportation and genuine wine knowledge guiding you, this experience promises an authentic and personalized journey through the area’s best wineries.

What we love about this tour is its combination of luxury, expert guidance, and flexibility. Plus, the stunning views of the Leelanau Peninsula add a visual feast to every sip. However, it’s worth noting that this isn’t a cheap, quick tasting; the focus is on quality over quantity, and the price reflects that. Ideal for couples, small groups, or wine enthusiasts eager for a more refined tasting experience, this tour stands out for its attention to detail and personalized service.

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Key Points

Luxury transportation offers comfort and style, avoiding the chaos of party buses.
Expert guides, like Andie, Tony, and Kyle, provide personalized wine recommendations.
Four wineries visited with tastings included, showcasing top local wines and stunning scenery.
Flexible itinerary allows for a relaxed pace and tailored experience.
Semi-private groups mean fewer crowds and a more intimate setting.
VIP treatment includes a free bottle of wine for groups of six or more, plus premium SUVs.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the Leelanau Peninsula in Style

What makes this tour so appealing is the emphasis on comfort and authenticity. Unlike typical group bus tours, the non-party bus approach means you can relax, enjoy the scenery, and focus on the wines. The luxury SUVs—GMC Yukon, Chevrolet Suburban, and hopefully soon a Cadillac Escalade—offer a spacious, climate-controlled environment, making the 4.5-hour journey feel more like a chic day out than a rambunctious adventure.

The tour’s guides are not just drivers; they’re passionate wine enthusiasts. This means every stop is accompanied by valuable tasting notes, personalized recommendations, and insights into the local wines and vineyards. For those who want more than just a sip — perhaps a good story behind the wine or pairing tips — having knowledgeable guides makes all the difference.

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The Itinerary Breakdown

Stop 1: Rove Winery at Gallagher Estate

Starting at Rove Winery, located within Gallagher Estate, sets the tone for the day. While the tour doesn’t specify tasting specifics here, beginning at a reputable winery ensures you’re introduced to the region’s quality standards. The location’s accessibility and the scenic drive to the next stops give you an early taste of the lush landscapes that define the Leelanau Peninsula.

Stop 2: Black Star Farms Suttons Bay

Black Star Farms is one of the most recognizable names in Michigan wine. Here, you’ll spend around 50 minutes sampling a variety of wines, including reds and whites. The tasting experience might include champagne, and food pairings are available (though not included in the price). Reviewers report that this stop offers a well-rounded selection, with one mentioning they loved the chance to try local wines in a beautiful setting. The winery’s atmosphere is relaxed yet refined, perfect for savoring and conversation.

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Stop 3: Ciccone Vineyard & Winery

Next, the tour visits Ciccone Vineyard & Winery, where the focus remains on quality wine tastings and sightseeing. This stop generally lasts about 50 minutes, giving you ample time to explore the grounds and sample their offerings. The reviews highlight the personalized recommendations from guides, with one noting that the guides “know the wines and tell you what to look for,” making the experience more meaningful.

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Stop 4: Shady Lane Cellars

Your final winery stop is Shady Lane Cellars, another jewel in the Leelanau lineup. As the last tasting point, it’s a nice opportunity to compare styles and pick up a bottle to take home. The tasting here often includes Champagne samples and provides a picturesque backdrop for photos, which many guests love. The 50-minute duration allows for a relaxed tasting, with plenty of time to ask questions and soak in the views.

Return to Rove Winery

After Shady Lane, the tour concludes back at Gallagher Estate, with time to reflect on your favorite wines and the beautiful scenery. Guests have reported that this well-paced itinerary makes the day feel special without feeling rushed.

Why This Tour Stands Out

Personalized, Guided Experience

Unlike many group tours, this experience is led by real wine experts who know the region intimately. Guests have appreciated how guides like Andie, Tony, and Kyle go beyond the basics, offering tailored wine suggestions and insider knowledge. As one reviewer said, “No one knows the wines better than the guides,” which elevates the tasting from a casual event to a true educational experience.

Luxurious and Practical Transportation

The use of luxury SUVs rather than buses means more space, comfort, and privacy. Plus, the semi-private group setup means you’re less likely to share your tasting experience with strangers, making it more intimate. For larger groups (6 or more), a free bottle of wine adds a nice touch of VIP treatment.

Focus on Quality and Views

The tour emphasizes stunning scenery at every turn—vineyards, rolling hills, and water views—and pairs this visual beauty with top-notch wines. Guests often comment on how the scenery enhances the tasting, transforming it into a memorable outing.

Flexibility and Value

While the tour doesn’t include food or additional wine purchases, the flexible itinerary allows guides to customize the experience based on weather, season, or guest interests. The tiered pricing makes it accessible for couples and small groups, with the best value for groups of five or more.

Practical Details and Considerations

Price at $199 per person is quite competitive given the level of comfort, guidance, and the quality of wineries visited. The inclusion of wine samples at each stop, plus the personalized guidance, makes this a good deal for those seeking an elevated tasting experience.

Duration—around 4.5 hours—strikes a balance between a full-day adventure and a manageable afternoon outing. It allows enough time at each winery without feeling rushed, and the flexible start times mean you can fit it into most schedules.

Group Size tends to be small or semi-private, which is ideal for conversation and a more personalized experience. Larger groups might be on the tour, but most likely, you’ll have your own vehicle or a small group.

Pickup and Drop-off are flexible, with options for hotel pickups in Traverse City, making the experience convenient from start to finish.

What to Bring: Comfortable shoes, a camera, and water are recommended to stay comfortable and capture the beautiful scenery.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

This VIP wine tour offers a refined, comfortable way to explore Michigan’s wine country. The luxury transport, expert guides, and beautiful scenery create an experience that feels both indulgent and authentic, especially for those who truly enjoy wine and want guidance along the way.

While it’s priced higher than some group or economy tours, the value lies in the personalized attention, quality wineries, and relaxed pace. It’s best suited for couples celebrating a special occasion, small groups of friends, or anyone eager for a more intimate, high-end winery experience.

If you’re looking for a way to enjoy Michigan’s vineyards without the hassle of a loud bus or rushed tastings, this tour will check all the boxes.

FAQ

What is included in the tour?
Wine samples are included at each of the four wineries, but tastings, additional wines, and food are extra. The tour also provides luxury SUV transportation and expert guides.

How many wineries will I visit?
You’ll visit four wineries: Rove Winery, Black Star Farms Suttons Bay, Ciccone Vineyard & Winery, and Shady Lane Cellars.

Are the groups private or shared?
Groups of 6 or more get a free bottle of wine and typically have their own vehicle, making the experience semi-private. Smaller groups may share with others but enjoy VIP service.

What is the duration of the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 4.5 hours, including driving and tasting time.

Can I customize the start time?
Yes, check availability for different starting times; the tour is flexible depending on your schedule.

Is there hotel pickup?
Yes, hotel pickup is available in Traverse City, and you can specify your lodging during booking.

Is this a good tour for wine beginners?
Absolutely. The guides are knowledgeable but friendly, making it easy for all levels to enjoy and learn about the wines.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes are recommended, especially if you want to explore the vineyards or walk around the winery grounds.

Are food options available?
Food is not included, but some wineries offer tastings with food pairings available for purchase.

To sum it up, this VIP Leelanau Peninsula Wine Tour offers a perfect blend of comfort, expert guidance, and stunning scenery. It’s ideal for those who want a relaxed, educational, and memorable way to experience Michigan’s wine scene—minus the chaos of the typical bus tour. Whether celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a day of quality wine and beautiful views, it’s a choice that balances value and authentic experience.