Group Wine Tours

A group wine tour is a great way to savor the flavors of the 45th parallel.

Hi, I’m Brandy from Traverse Traveler, your mobile guide to the Traverse area. I’m here today to share some tips for planning a group wine tour in Northern Michigan.

Whether you’re traveling with four or fourteen, you’ll want to think about transportation. Tasting rooms have limited parking, so plan to carpool or better yet, book a group wine tour. Tour companies offer several vehicle options so you can keep your group together, compare notes along the way, and leave the driving to the pros. And best of all, they’ll pick up and drop off right at your hotel.

I’m here with Jody from Traverse City Wine and Beer Tours. Tell me, what’s the advantage of taking a wine tour with a group?

We pick you right up at any location so that you don’t have to worry about the driving.

So do you have to take a private tour?

You do not have to take a private tour, you can also join in with a group. So if you and your husband or just a couple of people want to join in you can do that, and it is fun to meet people along the way that you do become friends with by the end of the tour.

I love that, when you go on vacation, that’s a great way to meet new people.

Yeah, my favorite part of the job is meeting the people, and when I get to drive and meet the people that I’ve talked to many many times to set up their tour, that is the best, it really is.

Let’s talk about what to bring. Pack a cooler with bottled water and snacks. A quick stop at our local cheese shop will set you up with the perfect pairing. For a gourmet treat try the beamster with a few chocolate-covered espresso beans, YUM!

With over 40 wineries in the region, it’s tough to decide where to go. Let our handy app be your guide. Download Traverse Traveler to search for wineries throughout the area. You’ll find photos, videos, and tasting tips to choose a destination that suits your style.

Expect to visit four to five wineries on a four-hour tour. If you want to avoid the crowds, travel on a weekday and start before noon. Go off the beaten path to discover some boutique wineries where you may get a chance to meet the winemaker.

I’m here with Charlie today at Bel Lago. Can you tell me what are some of the wines that this region is known for?

Riesling, Pinot Grigio, to some extent Chardonnay, those are the main varieties that we’re well known for. We’ve really made a name for ourselves with the variety Auxerrois, and Gewürztraminer is another one that started, that we’re starting to see more often.

And lastly, what are some of the tips that you might have for people that are going to take a group wine tour?

One of the things I look for is the personality of various wineries and by that, I mean the wine style. We all have the same palate of tools if you will, it’s how we put those colors on the canvas.

When traveling with a group of ten or more, it’s best to call ahead, even a short notice courtesy call could make the difference between securing a private room or perks like a winery tour. Remember wineries offer tastes so you can try before you buy, so don’t forget to purchase a few bottles of your favorites. Here’s a tip- pick up a box at the first winery you visit and label each bottle with a sharpie. At the end of the trip, it will be easy to see who bought what.

Wine tasting is a great way to spend an afternoon and savor the flavors of the 45th parallel. With these handy tips, you’ll be sure to have a terrific time on the wine trail. Cheers!