A Group Travel Guide to Great Lakes Brewery Tours & Winery Visits

A Toast‑Worthy Group Tour Guide to the Best Great Lakes Breweries & Wineries

The Great Lakes region isn’t just rich in natural beauty and history – it’s also home to one of North America’s most exciting and diverse beverage scenes. From craft beer brewed by the lake to cherry wines grown in glacier-fed soil and small-batch spirits distilled in historic warehouses, this is a region worthy of exploration, one sip at a time.

We create Great Lakes tours for groups who believe that sharing a good drink is one of the best ways to connect – with a place, its people, and its culture. Whether you’re planning a multi-city craft beverage crawl or a relaxed weekend away, this guide highlights some of the most memorable stops to sip, learn, and enjoy along the lakes.

1. Duluth, MN

Duluth’s crisp Lake Superior breeze, rugged charm, and historic waterfront create the perfect backdrop for a tasting tour. Our Beer & Chocolate of Duluth experience brings out the best of the city in one delicious stroll. Guests enjoy a guided walk along the scenic Lakewalk, where the city’s industrial past meets a modern craft culture.

Along the way, we dive into the brewing process at one of the city’s beloved Great Lakes breweries, where malt and hops are balanced with creative local ingredients. The grand finale? A stop at a candy shop offering handmade beer-infused truffles – an unexpectedly decadent pairing that always surprises and delights our tour guests.

Don’t Miss:

Canal Park Brewing Co. – A true lakeside experience with hearty ales and stunning views.
Bent Paddle Brewing – Known for balanced, drinkable beers and a strong community ethos.
Vikre Distillery – Scandinavian-inspired spirits distilled using Lake Superior water.

2. Door County, WI

Often described as the “Cape Cod of the Midwest,” Door County charms visitors with its shoreline villages, cherry orchards, and surprising wine scene. Our Vines & Wines tour brings your group into the heart of this unexpected wine country.

We guide you through working vineyards and historic wineries where winemakers craft small-batch wines from estate-grown grapes and the county’s signature tart cherries. Along the way, guests enjoy tastings with winemakers, stroll through the rows of vines, and settle in for a leisurely lunch overlooking Lake Michigan. It’s the perfect mix of rustic beauty and refined flavor, ideal for Great Lakes wine tours with wide appeal.

Don’t Miss:

Door Peninsula Winery – A local favorite with an extensive tasting room and cherry-based specialties.
Lautenbach’s Orchard Country – Family-owned and famous for its fruit wines and cider.
Simon Creek Vineyard & Winery – Known for its scenic setting and full-bodied reds.

3. Cleveland, OH

Cleveland’s Ohio City neighborhood has become a powerhouse of American craft brewing, and our Ohio City & West Side Market Tour gives your group a front-row seat to its renaissance.

We start with a visit to the historic West Side Market, where culinary culture has thrived for over a century, before diving into local pubs and contemporary breweries that reflect the city’s creative energy. Expect bold flavors, colorful street art, food truck bites, and even a scoop or two of local handmade ice cream. It’s a fun, flavorful experience that showcases Cleveland’s unique blend of tradition and innovation, all while highlighting top Great Lakes breweries.

Don’t Miss:

Great Lakes Brewing Company – A cornerstone of the Midwest craft beer movement.
Market Garden Brewery – Right next to the market, with a rotating tap list and urban beer garden.
Noble Beast Brewing Co. – Inventive, modern, and always a hit with our guests.

4. Detroit, MI

Detroit has always been a city of makers, and that legacy lives on in its booming craft beverage scene. Our Auto Barons & Brewery Tour explores the intersection of history and innovation, with stops at distilleries and breweries set in restored buildings that once played host to Prohibition-era escapades.

We also offer a Detroit Riverfront Walking Tour where guests can enjoy skyline views and stop for optional tastings at renowned local eateries. With its combination of grit, glamor, and flavor, Detroit is a place where every sip and bite tells a story – it’s an ideal destination for multi-city Great Lakes tours.

Don’t Miss:

Detroit City Distillery – Handcrafted spirits with a rebellious spirit and local ingredients.
Eastern Market Brewing Co. – Unpretentious, playful, and deeply rooted in Detroit’s food culture.
Two James Spirits – The first licensed distillery in Detroit since Prohibition.

5. Milwaukee, WI

Milwaukee doesn’t just love beer – it’s built on it! From its German brewing roots to today’s competitive craft scene, beer has shaped the city’s identity for generations. Our Milwaukee Brewery & Distillery Tour takes your group behind the scenes of this beer capital.

You’ll visit iconic Milwaukee breweries that helped build the industry and discover up-and-coming spots reinventing it. Along the way, we dive into the city’s rich history of beer halls, riverfront bars, and beer barons. Many of our guests enjoy pairing this tour with a stop at the Harley-Davidson Museum or a Lake Michigan cruise. For planners looking to combine history and hops, Milwaukee distillery tours are a must.

Don’t Miss:

Lakefront Brewery – Famous for its fun tours and strong community vibes.
Milwaukee Ale House – A riverside favorite with robust pub fare.
Central Standard Craft Distillery – A sleek downtown spot with inventive cocktails.

6. Sault Ste. Marie, MI

Sault Ste. Marie may be small, but it delivers big on Great Lakes history and bold local flavor. It’s where you can watch freighters glide through the Soo Locks, then toast the view with a locally brewed pint.

Our Soo Locks Tour ends on a delicious note with a visit to Northern Superior Brewing, located in a former fish market warehouse. For groups with a taste for something stronger, we can also arrange stops at local wineries and distilleries that showcase the creative spirit of this border town. Think small-batch pours, riverside views, and plenty of storytelling – a lesser-known but memorable stop on Great Lakes brewery tours.

Don’t Miss:

Soo Brewing Company – Unfussy and locally loved, with rotating seasonal taps.
Superior Coast Winery – Small, scenic, and big on flavor.
Northern Superior Brewing Co. – Waterfront beer with character and a view.

7. Traverse City, MI

Located along the 45th parallel (the same latitude as Bordeaux and Oregon wine country), Traverse City is the heart of Michigan’s wine scene. Surrounded by cherry orchards and bordered by the waters of Grand Traverse Bay, it offers a tasting experience that’s distinctly local and scenic.

Our customizable wine tours focus on either the Old Mission Peninsula or Leelanau Peninsula, both dotted with boutique wineries and panoramic lake views. Tastings often come with vineyard walks, locally sourced cheese boards, and a quiet moment to breathe in the fresh northern air. Traverse City is consistently recognized as one of the top destinations for Great Lakes wine tours.

Don’t Miss:

Chateau Chantal – A hilltop estate with sweeping bay views.
Mari Vineyards – Known for Italian-style reds and a medieval-inspired tasting room.
Left Foot Charley – Urban winery, cider house, and hidden gem all in one.

Planning Tips for Group Beverage Tours

Build in Time for Tastings: Rushed tastings aren’t fun. We always include ample time to sip, explore, and chat with the makers.
Combine with Culture: Add stops at local landmarks, farmers’ markets, or lighthouses for a fuller experience.
No Need for a DD: All of our tours include transportation, so everyone can raise a glass without worrying about the drive home.
Stay Overnight: Some locations (like Traverse City or Door County) make excellent overnight stays for multi-day adventures.

Why Tour With Us?

Tour the Great Lakes is your go-to B2B partner for group travel in the region. With experience in more than 20 U.S. and Canadian ports, they specialize in building Great Lakes tours with seamless logistics – whether you’re looking for themed one-day tastings or multi-day brewery and winery itineraries. Our team handles everything from step-on guides and hotel coordination to hospitality staffing and cruise logistics. Flexible, contract-free, and fully customizable, our services are a perfect match for tour operators, cruise lines, and planners ready to explore the best Great Lakes breweries and Great Lakes wineries with ease.