Door County wine is built around fruit. The peninsula's cool lake climate and its orchards of Montmorency cherries, apples and other fruit lend themselves to wines that are bright, aromatic and different from the grape wines of California or Europe, and several wineries also make grape wines from fruit grown elsewhere. The Premier Wine Trolley Tour is the operator's full wine day, designed for guests who want to taste across the range without the hazards of driving. It runs about five hours and visits several award-winning wineries for private tastings, with lunch and dessert included. The tourism board describes it as visiting three wineries, with tastings and a chef-prepared lunch, and shows a 10am departure in the season. The trolley collects guests at the Door County Trolley Station in Egg Harbor and carries them between the stops, so every member of the party can taste. The format gives you time at each winery for a tasting and a chance to ask questions, with a guide to explain what you are drinking and where the fruit comes from. Between the stops, the trolley rides through the orchards and lanes of the peninsula, and the guide points out landmarks. The included meal gives the day a natural rhythm and leaves you well fed, which makes the tasting easier on the stomach. The overall result is a leisurely, convivial day suited to couples, friends celebrating a birthday or anniversary and small groups.
Planning the day
The tour is for guests aged 21 and over, and the operator lists it at about five hours. The tourism board shows a 10am daily departure from June through November, while the operator's own page does not spell out days, so check before you plan. Book early for weekends in July, August and October, which are the busiest tasting days. Tickets are generally non-refundable, so confirm your date and head count. Bring photo identification.
What to expect
At each winery you will usually taste a flight of several pours, often including dry and sweet fruit wines, a cherry wine, a sparkling wine or a dessert wine. Staff are generally happy to talk about the production and the fruit, and you can buy bottles to take home.
Lunch and dessert are part of the day, so you are not left tasting on an empty stomach. Expect a leisurely pace, and expect to be outdoors briefly at each stop, so wear comfortable shoes and a layer. The trolley itself is a vintage vehicle, and the ride is part of the charm.
Making it count
Choose this tour over the Wine, Spirits and Brew Trolley Tour if wine is what you came for. For shorter formats, the operator also runs the Uncorked Wine Tour in the afternoon and a Wine, Chocolate and Artisan Cheese Tour, and the tourism board lists seasonal wine outings in winter and spring. If you are celebrating something, tell the operator when you book.
Combine the tour with a fish boil or a quiet dinner, and consider booking lodging in Egg Harbor or Fish Creek so you can walk or take a short ride back. The next morning, a stroll through Peninsula State Park or a cup of coffee on the water is a gentle follow-up. Remember to hydrate, pace yourself, and enjoy the unhurried rhythm of a day when the driving is handled for you.
What to expect
The experience
A five-hour trolley wine day with tastings at several award-winning wineries, plus lunch and dessert, for guests aged 21 and over.
Best time
A weekday in June or September, or a fall day when the orchards are colorful; weekends in July, August and October are busiest.
How long
About five hours from the morning departure at the Egg Harbor station.
Tips
Carry photo identification, eat breakfast, pace your tastings, and book early for weekends.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Couples and groups of friends who want a full day of Door County fruit wines without driving.
- Families
- Not suitable for children; guests must be 21 or older.
- Couples
- One of the most relaxed anniversary or birthday outings on the peninsula.
- Pair with
- A fish boil dinner, a morning walk at Peninsula State Park or the Wine, Spirits and Brew tour on another day.
- Time needed
- Most of a day.
Good questions
How long is the Premier Wine Trolley Tour?+
The operator lists it at about five hours, including the ride, tastings at several wineries, lunch and dessert.
Which wineries does it visit?+
The operator describes several award-winning Door County wineries, and the tourism board mentions three. The stops can vary, so ask the operator when you book.
Is lunch included?+
Yes, lunch and dessert are part of the tour.
What is the minimum age?+
Guests must be 21 or older, and you should bring photo identification.
Where does the tour depart?+
The trolley leaves from the Door County Trolley Station at 8030 Highway 42 in Egg Harbor.