Nestled in the heart of Michigan’s picturesque Traverse City lies an exclusive, non-bus tour that promises a VIP experience for small groups. This brewery and distillery adventure offers a chance to dive into the region’s thriving craft beverage scene, guided by passionate experts who’ll unveil the nuances of local libations. Traveling in luxury SUVs, guests can expect a comfortable and intimate journey, complete with opportunities to savor unique samples and bring home memorable souvenirs. What awaits those who embark on this exclusive excursion?
This experience made our article of 2 Best Brewery Tours In Traverse City.
Key Points
- This semi-private tour caters to couples and small groups, offering a personalized experience with expert guides showcasing top local breweries and distilleries.
- Guests can enjoy sample tastings and purchase bottles, growlers, and glassware as they learn about the brewing and distilling processes.
- Comfortable, air-conditioned luxury SUVs provide transportation, ensuring a hassle-free experience focused on the beverage scene.
- The tour highlights renowned local establishments, including Traverse City Brewing Co., Right Brain Brewery, Grand Traverse Distillery, and Iron Fish Distillery.
- Guides are passionate experts with diverse backgrounds, dedicated to sharing their knowledge and ensuring a memorable and informative journey.
About the Tour
The Traverse City Brewery and Distillery Tour offers a comprehensive exploration of the region’s vibrant craft beverage scene. Guests will embark on a semi-private tour, catering to couples and small groups of up to 7 travelers.
Led by expert guides, the experience showcases the area’s top breweries and distilleries. Participants can enjoy samples and purchase bottles, growlers, and glassware as souvenirs.
The tour’s comfortable, air-conditioned luxury SUVs ensure a relaxing journey. While not recommended for those with certain medical conditions, the majority of travelers can partake in this engaging and informative tour of Traverse City’s alcohol producers.
Thirsty for more? These other drinking tours in Traverse City caught our attention
Brewery and Distillery Highlights
On the Traverse City Brewery and Distillery Tour, guests embark on a journey to discover the region’s thriving craft beverage scene. They visit a diverse array of local producers, each with its own unique character and offerings. The tour highlights include:
| Brewery | Distillery | Winery |
| — | — | — |
| Traverse City Brewing Co. | Grand Traverse Distillery | Chateau Chantal Winery |
| Right Brain Brewery | Iron Fish Distillery | Bowers Harbor Vineyards |
| Brewery Ferment | Northern United Distilling | Black Star Farms |
Guests savor samples, learn about the brewing and distilling processes, and enjoy the rich history and vibrant culture of Traverse City’s artisanal beverage scene.
Tour Guides and Expertise
Expert brewery tour guides lead the Traverse City Brewery and Distillery Tour, providing guests with an insider’s perspective on the local craft beverage scene.
The guides are:
-
Brewery enthusiasts and local drink experts
-
Former law enforcement, first responders, and military-friendly
-
University of Michigan graduates (the owner) and alumni from other Michigan universities
-
Passionate about sharing their knowledge and love for the region’s thriving craft beverage industry
With their expertise and firsthand experience, the tour guides ensure a memorable and informative journey through Traverse City’s thriving brewery and distillery scene.
Transportation and Amenities
Guests are transported in luxury SUVs, such as GMC Yukons, Chevrolet Suburbans, and soon-to-be-added Cadillac Escalades, ensuring a comfortable and air-conditioned experience throughout the tour.
During the tour, guests can enjoy sample pours, or "splashes," of the featured beverages. While samples are provided, additional food, growlers, bottles, and glasses are available for purchase at an extra cost.
The transportation and amenities are designed to enhance the overall experience, allowing guests to focus on the brewery and distillery visits without worrying about the logistics.
Meeting and Pickup Information
The meeting point for the Traverse City Brewery and Distillery Tour is located at 303 E State St, Traverse City, MI 49684, USA, on the east side of the Hardy Parking Structure near the State Street entrance, right next to Middlecoast Brewery.
Depending on the location, local hotel pickups and returns may be available. Guests should plan to arrive at the meeting point on time, as the tour departs promptly.
The tour accommodates most travelers, but isn’t recommended for those with:
-
Back problems
-
Heart issues
-
Serious medical conditions
-
Pregnant travelers
Wheelchair accessibility is also not available.
- 5-Hour Traverse City Wine Tour: 4 Wineries on Old Mission Peninsula
- Hi-5 Rickshaw Tour Traverse City – First Thing You MUST Do in TC!
- KaBrew: Traverse Citys Original Kayak, Bike & Brew Experience
- KaBrew: Traverse Citys Original Kayak, Bike & Brew Experience
- Flying Dress Photo Shoot in Traverse City
- Andies NON BUS 4-winery Traverse Leelanau Peninsula Wine Tour
Health and Safety Guidelines
Although the Traverse City Brewery and Distillery Tour is suitable for most travelers, it’s not recommended for those with certain health issues.
Travelers with back problems, heart conditions, or serious medical concerns may want to reconsider joining the tour. Pregnant women are also advised against participating.
Those with back issues, heart conditions, or serious medical concerns may want to skip this tour. Pregnant women are also advised against participating.
The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, so those with mobility challenges may have difficulty.
Despite these limitations, most travelers can safely enjoy the experience. Participants will receive confirmation of these guidelines upon booking, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour starts.
Tour Itinerary
The Traverse City Brewery and Distillery Tour takes guests on an immersive exploration of the region’s vibrant craft beverage scene.
Visitors will:
-
Sample a diverse selection of locally-crafted beers, spirits, and cocktails
-
Tour production facilities and learn about the art of brewing and distilling
-
Discover the history, culture, and community behind Traverse City’s thriving craft industry
-
Enjoy the comfort and convenience of a luxury SUV with air-conditioning throughout the experience
The carefully curated itinerary showcases the passion and expertise of the tour guides, ensuring an engaging and educational journey through Traverse City’s vibrant craft beverage landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tipping the Tour Guide Expected?
Tipping the tour guide is generally expected, as they provide a personalized and informative experience. A standard tip of 15-20% of the tour cost is customary for good service.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?
You can’t bring your own food and drinks on the tour. The tour provides samples/splashes, but food, growlers, bottles, and glasses are available for purchase at extra cost. The enclosed vehicle ensures a comfortable experience.
Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?
There are no age restrictions for the Traverse City Brewery and Distillery Tour. However, participants must be at least 21 years old to sample alcoholic beverages during the tour. Children under 21 are welcome to attend the tour.
Can I Request a Specific Vehicle or Seating Preference?
Travelers can request a specific vehicle or seating preference, though availability may vary. The tour provider will do their best to accommodate requests based on the group size and vehicle options available for the scheduled tour.
How Much Time Will Be Spent at Each Location?
The tour typically spends around 45-60 minutes at each brewery or distillery, allowing participants to sample various beverages and learn about the local production process. The exact time spent may vary depending on the size of the group and the activities at each location.
The Sum Up
This exclusive NON BUS VIP Traverse City Brewery and Distillery Tour provides a unique opportunity to explore the region’s renowned craft beverage scene. Guests will enjoy a comfortable ride in luxury SUVs, guided by passionate experts who’ll share the history and culture behind each stop. With opportunities to sample unique offerings and purchase bottles, this intimate tour promises a memorable and elevated experience for couples and small groups.
📍 This experience made our list of the 2 best Brewery Tours in Traverse City
More Private Tours in Traverse City
More Tours in Traverse City
- PRIVATE NON BUS Traverse Old Mission Wine Distillery Tour
- NON BUS Traverse City Old Mission Peninsula 4 Winery Tour
- Traverse City: Old Mission Peninsula Bike and Wine Tour
- Traverse City: 4-Hour Sunset 3 Winery Old Mission Wine Tour
- Traverse City Old Mission Bachelorette/Event Group Wine Tour
- PRIVATE NON BUS Traverse Old Mission Wine Distillery Tour
More Tour Reviews in Traverse City
- PRIVATE NON BUS Traverse Old Mission Wine Distillery Tour
- NON BUS Traverse City Old Mission Peninsula 4 Winery Tour
- Traverse City: Old Mission Peninsula Bike and Wine Tour
- Traverse City: 4-Hour Sunset 3 Winery Old Mission Wine Tour
- Traverse City: 3-Day Old Mission & Leelanau VIP Wine Trip
- Flying Dress Photo Shoot Traverse City & Surrounding Areas
Still browsing? Here are more Traverse City experiences we've covered recently
- NON BUS Old Mission Wine And Distillery Sunset Tour – 4 STOP
- NON BUS Andie’s VIP Traverse / Leelanau Peninsula Wine Tour
- Traverse City: Morning Sail with Local Anishinaabe Guide
- Traverse City: Brunch Sail on Tall Ship Manitou
- Traverse City: Afternoon Sailing Adventure on a Tall Ship
- Traverse City Old Mission Bachelorette/Event Group Wine Tour
- Historical Ghost Lantern Tour Downtown Traverse City +Magnant
- NON BUS Traverse City Old Mission Peninsula Private Wine Tour
- Half-Day Fun Pass: Kayak, Bike and SUP Rental in Traverse City
- Designated Driver TC – We Drive Your Car – Private TC Wine Tour
- NON BUS 4 Winery Traverse City Wine Tour on Old Mission Peninsula
- 5-Hour Traverse City Wine Tour: 3 Wineries on Leelanau Peninsula