NON BUS Leelanau Winery Pairing with That’s a Pizza Food Tour

Looking for a refined, intimate wine experience away from the chaos of large tour buses? This NON-BUS Leelanau Winery Pairing with That’s a Pizza Food Tour offers a personalized journey through some of the best vineyards on the Leelanau Peninsula, all for $199 per person. In just 4 to 5 hours, you’ll explore three exceptional wineries with knowledgeable guides, enjoy stunning scenery, and finish with a hearty, locally made pizza. The tour is priced to reflect a premium experience, with luxury SUVs and expert guides leading the way.

What we love most about this tour is the emphasis on customized wine recommendations and authentic vineyard visits—not just a ride from winery to winery. Plus, the intimate group size (most likely 6-7 people per vehicle) ensures personal attention and a relaxed atmosphere. Another highlight is the focus on local wines, offering a taste of Michigan’s growing wine reputation.

A potential consideration is that tastings, food, and bottles are extra, so you should budget accordingly if you’re planning to buy wine or enjoy more extensive tastings. This tour suits those who value expert guidance, a more private experience, and a chance to savor quality wines without the crowds, especially if you enjoy a bit of luxury and personalized service.

Key Points

• Personalized, semi-private experience with luxury SUVs replaces the typical bus tour.
• Expert guides with deep knowledge of Leelanau wines offer tailored recommendations.
• Visiting three top wineries allows for diverse tastings and insights into local wine-making.
• Stunning vineyard views and the scenic Leelanau Peninsula make the trip visually rewarding.
• Food pairing at That’sa Pizza provides a satisfying finish with local flavors.
• Price includes transportation and guides, but tastings and food are extra, allowing flexibility.

Exploring Traverse City’s Wine Country in Style

This tour offers a welcome departure from the typical bus-heavy wine tours. Instead, you’ll hop into a luxury SUV with a small, friendly group led by local guides who truly know their wines and the area. For those who cherish knowledgeable guides, the chance to sample diverse wines without the noise of a large crowd, and to enjoy scenic views from the comfort of a well-appointed vehicle, this experience hits all the right notes.

Priced at $199, it’s a more upscale option, but that’s reflected in the quality of the experience. The guides have been doing this for over five years, which translates into authentic, personalized insights that you simply won’t get with a bus full of strangers. The emphasis on recommendations tailored to your tastes means you’re likely to discover wines you’ll want to buy or revisit.

Detailed Breakdown of the Itinerary

Stop 1: Shady Lane Cellars

Our journey begins at Shady Lane, a boutique winery producing just about 7,000 cases annually. Here, we loved the intimate atmosphere and the chance to try some truly stellar wines. They offer a muscat, brought to Europe by the Romans, which is rare in Michigan—and a big highlight for us white wine fans. For red drinkers, the Blaufränkisch is notable. The vineyard itself is scenic, with views of vineyards and orchards that make the tasting feel like a true escape into nature.

Guests are encouraged to buy flights, glasses, or bottles, and can even join the wine club if they wish. The staff is friendly, knowledgeable, and eager to help you find your perfect pour. The setting in an old chicken coup adds a rustic charm that helps make this stop memorable.

Stop 2: Rove Winery at Gallagher Estate

Next up is Rove Winery, perched at the highest point on the Leelanau Peninsula on the Gallagher Estate. This family farm and winery focus on estate-grown grapes, honoring Michigan’s cool climate and Irish roots. You’ll love the Fiona Runda, a signature blend of Gewürztraminer, Riesling, Pinot Gris, and Pinot Blanc, showcasing the variety possible in Michigan’s terroir. For red lovers, the Cab Franc / Merlot blend is a great choice.

We appreciated the personalized attention here and the chance to sample rare Michigan-grown Sauvignon Blanc, which isn’t always available elsewhere. The panoramic views from this estate add to the experience, making it a highlight of the day. Again, tastings and bottles are extra, giving you flexibility on what to indulge in.

Stop 3: That’sa Pizza North Long Lake Location

After two wine-focused stops, we arrive at the well-loved That’sa Pizza, voted the best pizza in the Traverse City area. This stop is all about local flavors and a relaxed vibe. You can order to-go or enjoy on-site, with ingredients sourced from Michigan farms. The pizza is hearty, flavorful, and a perfect way to refuel after sipping wines.

This part of the tour is designed to give you a break and enjoy good food. The drop-off point also makes it easy to explore downtown Traverse City afterward, whether you want to continue your night at local bars or just relax.

Optional Extra: Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail

Depending on timing and weather, a bonus stop might be added—visiting Ciccone Farms, Sutton’s Bay Ciders, or Brengman Brothers. These additional stops can vary, but they always aim to showcase more local producers and their unique offerings.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

Knowledgeable Guides: Unlike typical bus tours, your guides are local wine enthusiasts with years of experience. They don’t just shuttle you around; they share genuine insights about the wines, vineyards, and the region’s history. Past guests have praised guides like Ryan and Megan for their friendly, informative approach.

Scenic and Intimate Setting: Traveling in luxury SUVs keeps the experience comfortable and private—most groups are small, ensuring you get personal attention and a relaxed atmosphere. The views of vineyards and Lake Michigan are spectacular, and the stops feel curated rather than rushed.

Quality Wines and Local Flavors: The focus on boutique and family-run wineries means you’ll sample wines that are thoughtfully produced, often with estate-grown grapes. The muscat, Blaufränkisch, Fiona Runda blend, and others highlight Michigan’s potential as a wine destination.

Flexibility and Customization: While tastings and food are extra, this allows you to choose your favorites without feeling pressured. Plus, the tour is designed to cater to wine enthusiasts who want guidance and a refined experience rather than just transportation.

The Price and Its Value

At $199, the tour isn’t cheap, but it’s a solid investment in a premium, personalized experience. The cost covers the luxury transportation, guides, and visits to three top wineries. The extra costs for tastings and food give you control over what you indulge in, which can be a benefit if you prefer to keep expenses in check or splurge on your favorites.

Compared to bus tours that pack in 10 or 20 wineries, this experience offers more quality, less rush, and a more relaxed pace. If you value expert guidance, scenic drives, and intimate visits, the price is justifiable.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This experience appeals to wine lovers who appreciate knowledgeable guides and are looking for a more upscale, private feel. It’s ideal for small groups, couples, or friends who want to avoid the chaos of large tour buses. If you’re interested in trying local wines and savoring the scenery without feeling hurried, this tour fits the bill.

It’s also perfect if you’re curious about Michigan wines but want someone else to handle logistics. The inclusion of a local, experienced guide ensures you get honest recommendations and insights, making it more than just a tasting trip.

The Sum Up

This NON-BUS Leelanau Winery Pairing with That’sa Pizza Food Tour offers a balanced blend of personalized service, scenic beauty, and quality wine. It’s perfect for travelers who want to skip the crowds and enjoy an authentic, relaxed day of tasting with guidance from local experts. The focus on boutique wineries and local flavors means you’ll leave with a deeper appreciation of Michigan’s wine scene.

While the extra costs for tastings and food are something to keep in mind, the overall experience justifies the price for those seeking a luxury, intimate, and authentic wine tour. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want a memorable day exploring Michigan’s northern vineyards, this tour delivers on both style and substance.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 4 to 5 hours, depending on the day’s schedule and stops.

What is included in the price?
The price covers luxury SUV transportation, guides, and visits to three wineries. Tastings, food, and bottles are additional.

Are tastings provided?
Yes, you can buy flights, glasses, or bottles at each winery, but tastings are not included in the original price.

Is this a small group tour?
Yes, most groups are limited to 6-7 travelers, providing a semi-private experience.

Can I be dropped off downtown after the tour?
Yes, the tour starts at 3860 N Long Lake Rd and ends back at the same spot or downtown Traverse City, perfect for exploring afterward.

Is this tour suitable for beginners?
Absolutely. The guides are friendly and knowledgeable, and the experience is tailored to all levels of wine enthusiasts.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing suited for a day out and some walking in vineyard settings.

Are children allowed?
This tour is designed for adult wine lovers; children are generally not included.

How do I book?
You can reserve your spot via the provided booking link, and confirmation is received at the time of booking. Cancelation is free up to 24 hours in advance.

This tour offers a comfortable, curated way to explore Traverse City’s wine country, blending scenic drives, expert advice, and local flavors—all in a small-group setting that makes you feel like a VIP for the day.