Traverse City may surprise you. It is not just beaches and cherries. It is also a place for wine. More than 40 wineries sit on Old Mission and Leelanau. Each one has its own view, taste, and story.
The best way to enjoy them is with a private tour. No strangers. No rush. Just your group, your car, and your own time. In this guide, you will see the best private wine tours in Traverse City. You will also find the best private wine tour providers. Together, they make your trip easy, safe, and full of flavor.
Why Private Wine Tours Are the Best in Traverse City
Private wine tours in Traverse City give you more freedom. More than 40 wineries sit on Old Mission and Leelanau. A group tour may stop at 3–4 wineries in 4–5 hours. With a private tour, you can pick your own stops and stay longer at your favorite place.
Just have a look at why private is better:
- Privacy – The tour is only for you. No strangers. Perfect for couples, friends, or family.
- Comfort – Cars, SUVs, and shuttles are clean and spacious. Many tours use black cars, Mercedes vans, or Escalades.
- Flexible stops – You choose. Want to visit Brys Estate for lavender in summer? Or Mari Vineyards for bold reds at sunset? A private driver takes you there.
- Safe driver – No need to worry about drinking and driving. Licensed drivers handle the roads, so you relax.
- Time control – Group tours run on fixed times. Private tours let you spend 30 minutes or 2 hours at a winery. Your choice.
Up North Ride’s Top 5 Best Private Wine Tour Spots in Traverse City
At Up North Ride, we take guests to many wineries across Traverse City. Each stop has its own charm. Some sit high on a hill with bay views. Others hide among trees, quiet and calm. We have seen laughter over sparkling wine, quiet moments with bold reds, and sunsets that leave people speechless.
After hundreds of rides, we notice a pattern. Certain wineries make every guest light up. The smiles are bigger. The stories last longer. These places turn a simple tasting into a memory. They stand out for warm service, rich wine, and a private touch that feels personal every time.
That is why we call these five wineries our best. They are not just stops on a map. They are experiences our guests remember long after the ride ends.
1. Brys Estate Vineyard & Winery
We bring many groups here. The ride up is always quiet. Guests look out the window and whisper, “Wow.” Rows of vines roll down to the lake. In summer, lavender fields shine purple.
On the Upper Deck patio, they find a table and settle in. Flights arrive with cheese boards and snacks. The staff greets them kindly and never rushes. Glasses clink, the sun shifts over the water, and time feels slower here.
Our riders often tell us this stop is their favorite. They say the mix of wine, view, and calm makes Brys Estate unforgettable.
Wine taste: Smooth Riesling, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Gris.
Private package: $75 per person for 90-minute tasting + tour. $100 per person with the winemaker.
2. Mari Vineyards
Guests get excited before we even stop. Mari looks like a castle on the hill. They step out and smile widely. Inside, the caves wait. Cool air, stone walls, oak barrels.
The guide pours six bold wines. Guests sip slowly. Then the plates arrive: cheese, meats, spreads. The match is perfect. The room fills with laughter. By the end, they call it the crown jewel of the tour.
Wine taste: Bold Italian reds and blends.
Private package: $75 per person, $25 deposit, plus 20% tip.
3. Chateau Chantal
The drive up Old Mission is stunning. At the top, Chateau Chantal feels like Europe. The view takes in both bays at once. Guests often take photos for minutes before walking inside.
Private tastings here feel elegant. Tapas pair with soft reds and sweet dessert wines. On some nights, jazz music plays as the sun sets. Couples and friends love it. Our riders say it is the most romantic stop on any wine tour.
Wine taste: Sweet whites, balanced reds, dessert wines.
Private package: $65–$85 per person for tapas tours and tastings.
4. Mawby Vineyards
This place feels alive the moment we arrive. Guests laugh at the names on the bottles. “Sex” Brut Rosé always gets a cheer. The patio buzzes with energy.
Flights sparkle in the sun. Each sip feels bright and fun. Groups celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, or simply being together. Our guests say Mawby is pure joy. It’s the place for memories.
Wine taste: Sparkling wines, crisp to fruity.
Private package: $15–$20 per person for flights of 3–4 pours.
5. Shady Lane Cellars
The road winds through trees, and then the vineyard opens wide. Shady Lane feels tucked away. Our riders love the calm. They walk the grounds, slow and easy.
Private vineyard tours let them taste while standing by the vines. The staff tells the story of the land. The wines feel honest, fresh, and made with care. Guests often tell us Shady Lane feels like “their own vineyard.” That is why it stays on our top list.
Wine taste: Crisp whites, balanced reds.
Private package: $30 per person for vineyard tour with 4 pours + snacks.
These five wineries are the ones Up North Ride guests love the most. Not just for the wine, but for the service, the private care, and the way each stop feels like its own story.
How to Book a Private Wine Tour in Traverse City – With Up North Ride
Booking with us is simple. We want your day to feel smooth from the start.
Step 1: Choose Your Car: Pick a Cadillac Sedan for up to 3 guests. Pick a Suburban for up to 7 guests. Both are clean, private, and ready at your door.
Step 2: Plan Your Stops: Tell us the wineries you love. Brys, Mari, Mawby, or others. You can also let us suggest the route. We know the roads and the hidden gems.
Step 3: Pick Your Time: Most tours last 3–5 hours. You decide how long. Stay 30 minutes at one winery or two hours at another. We wait for you.
Step 4: Know the Price: $105 per hour for a Sedan. $130 per hour for a Suburban. Three-hour minimum. A 20% tip is standard for the driver. Tasting fees at wineries are extra, usually $5–$20 per person.
Step 5: Book Early: Summer and fall are busy. Many guests book weeks ahead. We always suggest booking early to save your spot.
With Up North Ride, you get privacy, comfort, and full control of your day. You enjoy the wine. We handle the drive.
Conclusion
Traverse City is more than a place. It is a story told in wine, views, and moments shared with friends. The best way to enjoy it is with a private wine tour. No strangers, no rush, just your group and the beauty of Old Mission and Leelanau.
At Up North Ride, we see this joy every day. Guests laugh on patios, taste bold reds in caves, and watch the sun sink over the bay. They tell us the same thing after every ride, “This was the best part of our trip.”
Your turn is next. Pick your car, choose your wineries, and let us take you there. The wine is waiting.
