Traverse City, Michigan, isn’t just famous for its cherries and scenic lakes; it’s also a standout destination for drinking tours that showcase the region’s vibrant craft beer, wine, and cider scenes. Unlike crowded party buses, many tours here focus on personalized experiences, local expertise, and relaxed atmospheres—perfect for connoisseurs and casual sippers alike. We especially like the Private Traverse City Winery or Brewery Tour for its tailored approach and the chance to explore four top stops in comfort, all without the hassle of navigating or driving yourself. Plus, the VIP tours that skip the big buses and offer intimate, expert-guided visits to breweries and distilleries provide an authentic taste of Traverse City’s drink scene with style and ease.
Whether you’re a serious wine enthusiast, a craft beer lover, or just seeking a fun way to spend an afternoon, Traverse City offers a variety of drinking tours to suit your tastes and budget. The list below covers everything from private, customizable outings to VIP luxury experiences and small-group adventures, ensuring you find the perfect way to indulge while enjoying the scenery.
1. Private Traverse City Winery or Brewery Tour
Starting with a tour that combines flexibility and comfort, the Private Traverse City Winery or Brewery Tour is designed for groups of up to 14 people who want a truly personalized experience. For just $699.99 per group, you’ll spend about four hours exploring up to four top-rated wineries or breweries in private, air-conditioned comfort. The tour begins in the city center, with a guide who customizes the stops based on your preferences—whether that’s visiting Chateau Chantal, Black Star Farms, or the iconic Bowers Harbor Winery, the choice is yours.
What makes this tour stand out is its tailored approach. It’s perfect for celebrations like birthdays, anniversaries, or just a private day out with friends. The guide handles all navigation, so you can focus on tasting and enjoying the scenery. Guests rave about the attentive service, with reviews praising the flexibility and personal touches. The only extra expense is for drinks at each stop, which allows you to control how much you indulge. This tour offers excellent value for a private, customizable experience, and the reviews reflect high satisfaction, often highlighting guides like Carol and Ken for their hospitality and local knowledge.
Bottom Line: A great choice if you want a private, flexible, and relaxed outing with friends or family that’s tailored to your taste.
2. NON BUS VIP Traverse City Brewery And Distillery Tour
For those who prefer a more intimate, upscale experience, the NON BUS VIP Traverse City Brewery And Distillery Tour offers a luxurious way to sample the local scene. At just $68 per person, this tour is an unbeatable deal for a small-group, personalized outing. It lasts about four to five hours and skips the loud party bus for a private, guided journey in a high-end vehicle.
This tour hits two breweries and a distillery, including the popular Silver Spruce Brewing Company, known for its excellent lagers and innovative beers. The guide, a true beer and spirit connoisseur, provides expert insights into each location, making each tasting more meaningful. Guests can enjoy buying merchandise, glasses, or growlers from the breweries, adding to the value. The reviews highlight the VIP treatment, with visitors mentioning how much fun they had thanks to the enthusiastic guides like Tracey and Movie Stars Wine Tours’ team. The stops are carefully chosen for scenery and quality drinks, making it ideal for those seeking a relaxed, premium experience.
Bottom Line: Perfect for small groups wanting a VIP, expert-guided tour in a luxurious setting without the crowds, combining craft beer, cocktails, and regional charm.
3. NON BUS Traverse City Beer/Lager and Distillery Wine Tour
If your focus is on sampling a variety of local drinks, the NON BUS Traverse City Beer/Lager and Distillery Wine Tour is a solid pick at $199 per person. Lasting about 4.5 hours, it takes you in a luxury SUV to four carefully selected spots, each offering a different taste of Traverse City’s drink scene.
This tour shines in its mix of breweries and distilleries, with stops like Earthen Ales, known for its experimental small batches, and iconic wineries. The guide, a seasoned local, shares recommendations and insights at each stop, making this a more engaging experience than simply tasting. The small-group setting ensures personalized attention, and the flexible itinerary allows for some customization. The reviews reflect high praise for the staff, especially guides like Magic Mike, who add humor and knowledge to each visit.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for those who want a relaxed, VIP experience with a focus on variety and local craftsmanship, perfect for enthusiasts eager to explore different flavors.
$199 per person
4. NON BUS Traverse City Hard Cider & Beer Lovers Tour
For cider fans and craft beer aficionados, the NON BUS Traverse City Hard Cider & Beer Lovers Tour at $199 per person combines two of the most popular local drinks. Duration is about 4.5 hours, during which you’ll enjoy visits to four top breweries and cideries while traveling in a luxury vehicle, such as a Cadillac Escalade or GMC Yukon.
Ideal for those seeking variety, this tour emphasizes local hard ciders, beers, and wines, with stops at places famous for their quality and setting. The VIP treatment ensures personalized recommendations, and the small group size enhances the experience’s intimacy. Guests rave about the seamless service and the chance to try exclusive drinks they might not find elsewhere. The tour is flexible, making it suitable for a relaxed pace and more in-depth tasting sessions.
Bottom Line: Tailored for drink enthusiasts wanting to experience Traverse City’s craft cider and beer scene in style, with the option to purchase bottles and merchandise at each stop.
$199 per person
5. NON BUS Traverse City IPA, Beer, Distillery and Wine Tour
If your passion is IPAs, craft beers, and local spirits, this tour at $199 per person combines all three in a 4.5-hour luxury SUV experience. It features four stops, including breweries known for their hop-forward beers, distilleries, and wineries—delivering a comprehensive taste of what Traverse City offers.
Led by expert guides like Magic Mike, the tour emphasizes quality samples, expert advice, and personalized recommendations. Guests can also purchase merchandise, bottles, or growlers directly from the establishments, adding value. The small-group format ensures a focused experience, and the flexible itinerary allows for some customization. This tour is especially suited for serious beer and spirit fans who want to explore beyond the usual.
Bottom Line: An ideal choice for those who want to taste multiple categories of local drinks in a premium, VIP setting with knowledgeable guides.
$199 per person
6. NON BUS Traverse City VIP Brewery Distillery Wine Tour
This VIP tour at $199 per person emphasizes personalized, expert-guided visits to four key breweries and distilleries. The luxury SUV, small group size, and flexible schedule make it a standout for travelers wanting a more exclusive experience.
Led by seasoned connoisseurs, the tour includes stops at flagship wineries and breweries like Black Star Farms and Bowers Harbor. Reviewers often mention the informative and friendly guides like Magic Mike, who tailor the experience to your interests. It’s perfect for those who want a semi-private experience without the crowds and enjoy sampling a wide range of drinks—from wine to craft beers and spirits.
Bottom Line: A top-tier option for travelers seeking a personalized, guided exploration of Traverse City’s most acclaimed drink spots.
$199 per person
7. Traverse City Wine and Beer Tour
Rounding out the list, the Traverse City Wine and Beer Tour provides a balanced experience with four stops—two wineries and two breweries—costing $199 per person. It lasts about 4.5 hours and features a luxury SUV with a local expert guiding the way.
This tour is ideal for those who want a broad taste of both wine and beer, with the convenience of being picked up in downtown Traverse City. It includes opportunities to purchase glasses, bottles, and merchandise at each stop, giving you a tangible souvenir of the day. The focus on quality and local flavor makes it suitable for travelers who want variety without overextending their schedule.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those who want a mix of wine and beer with the convenience of a guided, upscale experience.
$199 per person
How to Choose the Right Drinking Tour
When selecting the best tour for your visit, consider your budget, interests, and group size. If you’re looking for a private, tailored experience, the Private Traverse City Winery or Brewery Tour offers maximum flexibility. For a VIP, intimate adventure that skips the buses, the NON BUS VIP Traverse City Brewery And Distillery Tour and its related tours are excellent choices.
Budget-conscious travelers or those eager to explore a variety of drinks might prefer the Traverse City Wine and Beer Tour, which balances affordability with quality. Meanwhile, craft beer aficionados who want to sample IPAs, lagers, and spirits in a luxurious setting should consider the NON BUS Traverse City IPA, Beer, Distillery and Wine Tour.
Booking early is advisable, especially during peak summer months, to secure your preferred date and group size, and to enjoy these well-reviewed, popular experiences.
Final Thoughts
Traverse City offers an impressive range of drinking tours, whether you prefer private, personalized outings or VIP experiences in small groups. For a truly tailored day, the private wine or brewery tour stands out, while the VIP small-group tours deliver expert-guided tastings in style. Budget travelers and enthusiasts alike will find options that combine quality, convenience, and local flavor—so start planning your visit soon. Remember, these tours are popular, and booking ahead guarantees a spot to enjoy Traverse City’s delicious drinks and scenic surroundings.