Door County has become one of the Midwest's quieter drinks destinations, with wineries that work with the peninsula's cherries and apples, small distilleries and craft breweries scattered along the back roads. Visiting them on your own means a designated driver, a map and a lot of planning. The Wine, Spirits and Brew Trolley Tour does the planning for you. It is a tasting tour of about four and three-quarter hours that visits one winery, one distillery and one microbrewery, with tastings at each, and includes lunch and dessert. Guests must be 21 or older, and the tour is aimed at adults who want a mixed sampler of the peninsula's drinks rather than a day devoted to a single style. The tour departs from the Door County Trolley Station in Egg Harbor and travels by old-time trolley between the stops, so you can taste freely without worrying about the drive home. At each stop you can expect a short introduction to the place and the product, a flight of samples and time to ask questions and buy bottles. The variety is the draw: wine one moment, a spirit the next and a beer to finish, with a meal in between that keeps the day civilized. Because the stops are chosen and timed by the operator, you avoid the common problem of arriving at a tasting room that is closed or that cannot take a group, and you travel with other guests who are in the same relaxed mood.
Planning the day
The operator lists the tour at about 4.75 hours, and the tourism board describes it as running four days a week with a winery, a distillery and a microbrewery plus lunch. Months and days can change, so check the tour page before you plan. Guests must be 21 and over, and you should bring a government-issued photo identification. As with all the operator's tours, advance purchase is recommended and tickets are generally non-refundable and cannot be rescheduled, so confirm your date before you buy.
What to expect
Tastings are small pours, so you will not be overserved, but over several hours they add up. Eat a good breakfast, drink water between stops, and take advantage of the included lunch and dessert. If you like what you taste, most places sell bottles and cases, and the trolley has room for purchases. The stops reflect Door County's character, with cherry wine a common specialty at wineries, and distilleries and breweries that use local ingredients where they can. Dress in layers and comfortable shoes, since you may be outdoors at some stops.
Making it count
This tour is the best choice for a group of friends or a couple who want variety. If you prefer to focus on wine alone, consider the Premier Wine Trolley Tour, which spends its day at wineries. If you want something shorter, the operator's other drinks tours, such as the Cocktail Tour and the Uncorked Wine Tour, offer different formats, and the tourism board mentions seasonal options like a winter wine tour with a sleigh ride and a spring blossom tour.
Pair the tasting day with a quiet evening, a fish boil dinner or a morning walk in a state park the next day. Because the trolley collects you from the station in Egg Harbor, stay nearby in Egg Harbor or Fish Creek so you do not need to drive afterward.
What to expect
The experience
A trolley tasting tour of about 4.75 hours with one winery, one distillery and one microbrewery, plus lunch and dessert, for guests aged 21 and over.
Best time
A day during the main season when tasting rooms are open; check the operator's schedule for the days it runs.
How long
About four and three-quarter hours from departure at the Egg Harbor station.
Tips
Eat breakfast, carry photo identification, drink water, and stay close to Egg Harbor so you do not need to drive afterward.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Adults who want a mixed sampler of wine, spirits and beer with transport and lunch taken care of.
- Families
- Not suitable for children; guests must be 21 or older.
- Couples
- A relaxed day out with variety and no driving.
- Pair with
- The Premier Wine Trolley Tour on another day, a fish boil dinner or a quiet morning walk.
- Time needed
- Most of an afternoon, with lunch included.
Good questions
How long is the Wine, Spirits and Brew Trolley Tour?+
The operator lists it at about 4.75 hours, including the ride, three tastings, lunch and dessert.
What stops are included?+
The tour visits a winery, a distillery and a microbrewery with tastings at each, plus lunch and dessert.
What is the age limit?+
Guests must be 21 or older, and you should carry photo identification.
Where does it leave from?+
The trolley departs from the Door County Trolley Station at 8030 Highway 42 in Egg Harbor.
Is the tour refundable?+
The operator's tickets are generally non-refundable and cannot be rescheduled, so check the policy on the tour page before you buy.