2020 Winery Information Guide - Chateau Grand Traverse

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2020 Winery Information Guide - Chateau Grand Traverse
2020 Winery Information Guide

C H AT E AU G R A N D T R AV E R S E • W I N E RY • V I N E YA R DS • I N N • OL D M I S SION PE N I NS U L A

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2020 Winery Information Guide - Chateau Grand Traverse
2020 Winery Information Guide - Chateau Grand Traverse
QUOTES TO NOTE

  “Anyone who has spent time in Michigan knows the words “lake effect” are usually
  followed by “snow.” But on the Old Mission Peninsula near Traverse City, Lake
  Michigan moderates the climate and allows cool-climate white-grape varieties such as
  Riesling and pinot blanc to thrive. Chateau Grand Traverse is the region’s leading producer. The Whole
  Cluster Riesling is slightly off-dry though definitely not sweet, showing excellent fruit and texture.”
  —Washington Post

  “This might seem to be the last place to look for remarkable Rieslings, but since 1998 Sean O’Keefe has
  pushed the development of this medium-dry wine ahead at a pace not seen in America since the Apollo
  space program of the 1960s. The fennel and anise notes add complexity to the apple and pear fruit (in
  warm years, like 2012, there are also some exotic fruits). If you wonder what the mineral taste in wine
  really is, then try this and look out for the salty note in the aftertaste.”
  ­—LA Times

  “This is great stuff. This is world-class wine.”
  ­—Dan Berger, Noted Wine Author & Columnist

  “To my mind – and I was by no means alone in my enthusiasm – the most interesting wine by far, a wine I
  thought might be a wild-fermented dry German, was Chateau Grand Traverse, Lot 49 2010 Old Mission
  Peninsula, a relatively new addition to the range of wines made by this energetic Riesling specialist of the
  Old Mission Peninsula, an 18-mile spit of land projecting into Grand Traverse Bay of Lake Michigan that
  moderates the climate up here in what is almost Canada.”
  ­—Jancis Robinson, British Wine Critic & Journalist, JancisRobinson.com

  “All vintages of Chateau Grand Traverse Late Harvest Rieslings are world class to one degree or another,
  but it is more difficult to make a dry style of Riesling and Chateau Grand Traverse’s Select Harvest and
  Whole Cluster Dry Rieslings are where the winery truly excels.”
  ­—Tom Stevenson, British Wine Writer and Editor of Sotheby’s Wine Encyclopedia

  “Chateau Grand Traverse is ground zero for Northwest Michigan’s exploding wine culture and fast
  becoming a benchmark for world-class Riesling.”
  ­—MyNorth, Traverse Magazine

  “Their red wine is beautiful. It’s black peppery, very cherry, and as people learn to discover non-California,
  warm-climate reds and start to appreciate the cooler climate, the nuanced reds, that’s what’s produced
  here.”
  ­—Grape Collective

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2020 Winery Information Guide - Chateau Grand Traverse
A FA M I LY T R A D I T I O N

  “It’s more than just a business,
  		        it’s a commitment and lifestyle that we proudly live.”

  Chateau Grand Traverse at its core is a family-owned and operated winery with a colorful and proud
  winemaking tradition. As second generation producers, we are afforded the opportunity to carry for-
  ward the winemaking vision and maverick spirit that our father set forth nearly 50 years ago. It’s quite
  humbling to recognize that our combined efforts, decision making, and personalities are reflected in
  each hand-crafted bottle we produce… yes, it’s personal!

  As growers of wine, we relish the fact that we are farmers first and make our living directly from the
  soil. As winemakers, we can express the fruit of our labors in a regionally unique wine product. As com-
  mitted stewards of the land, we also recognize the importance of the environment and our responsi-
  bility to provide for future generations. It’s more than just a business, it’s a commitment and lifestyle
  that we proudly live.

  It’s been said that grapes like to grow where people like to live. The Old Mission Peninsula is one of
  those special places in this world that affords us incredible natural beauty, abundant water and the
  ideal conditions for producing world-class wines. This is the place we are lucky to make our livelihoods,
  bring up our families, and raise a glass in thanks.

  Cheers,
  The O’Keefe Family

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2020 Winery Information Guide - Chateau Grand Traverse
WINERY HISTORY

          “When I founded Chateau Grand Traverse in 1974, I knew that my
          determination to produce world-class Riesling wines in northern
          Michigan would create controversy, draw cynics, and ultimately
          revolutionize the Michigan wine industry.”
		-EDWARD O’KEEFE JR., Founder

Chateau Grand Traverse is as much a colorful story of our founder Ed O’Keefe Jr., as it is of the winery itself. Like many
mavericks in the wine industry, it was a rather indirect route that ultimately led an Irishman from Philadelphia to northern
Michigan to start a winery. An Olympic gymnast (runner-up); Army Green Beret Special Forces Paratrooper; NYC Un-
dercover Narcotics Agent with the U.S. Treasury Department; Nursing Home Owner & Administrator – these experiences
combined with an enthusiastic passion for wine and the willingness to take on a challenge led him toward starting a win-
ery in 1974 in northern Michigan where none existed.

In the early 1970’s, most of the established Michigan wineries were located in the southwest portion of the State. These
producers focused primarily upon wines made from Native Labrusca as well as French-American hybrid grapes. After
considerable research, O’Keefe was fervently convinced that wines made from European varieties were the key to trans-
forming Michigan’s reputation into a fine wine State. At the time, most industry experts deemed Michigan’s climate too
cold and harsh to commercially grow and sustain these more tender varieties.

Working under the guidance of Dr. Helmut Becker from the Geisenheim Oeologogical and Viticutural school in then,
West Germany industry, it was discovered that the Old Mission Peninsula near Traverse City could potentially afford the
right conditions for growing European grape varieties. Key growing factors such as temperature, sunlight exposure, air
and water drainage, and ample precipitation were critically important to insure wines of distinction. These conditions,
combined with the moderating effects of the deep waters of Lake Michigan’s Grand Traverse Bay, would hopefully insure
success. Ed purchased a tired 55-acre cherry orchard on Old Mission Peninsula to plant his first vineyard.

After significant preparation and contouring of the land, an initial 45 acres of European Vinifera varieties of grapes (Ries-
ling, Chardonnay and Merlot) were planted. This not only marked the first commercial vineyard in northern Michigan, it
was also the first large-scale planting of European Vinifera grapes in the state of Michigan. Within a matter of just a few
years, Chateau Grand Traverse wines were winning awards and gaining notice among many wine critics and customers.

Chateau Grand Traverse presently focuses its emphasis on 12 key European Vinifera grape varietals including: Riesling,
Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, Gewürztraminer, Grüner Veltliner, Muscat Ottenel, Gamay Noir, Merlot, Pinot Noir,
Pinot Meunier, and Cabernet Franc. With 122 acres of Estate vineyards as well as an additional 80 acres contracted with
area growers, the winery’s production and distribution has grown dramatically since the early days. The winery is still
family-owned and operated and continues to focus upon quality, consistency and environmental sustainability.

Today, the Northern Michigan wine industry boasts of nearly 30 commercial wineries. Almost all area producers are
focused upon the European varieties and garnering awards at some of the worlds most prestigious wine
competitions. What was once referred to as “O’Keefe’s folly” by many early critics is now a successful
industry and a highpoint to the economy of the State of Michigan.

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2020 Winery Information Guide - Chateau Grand Traverse
HISTORICAL TIMELINE

1969-1972                                     1982                                         1993
Ed O’Keefe Jr. travels to Europe with Bill    Winery experiences difficult financial       New winery logo
Krauser to survey wine industry               situation during recession                   developed and
Starts European Wine Import Company           First Vintage of Dry Riesling produced       implemented.
                                                                                           Wines begin to
1973                                          1983                                         sell in Japan (500 cases per yr.)
                                              The “e” was added back to the end of         Planted 3.30 Acres Krauser Pinot Noir on
Ed O’Keefe Jr. sells his Detroit based                                                     site of original 1974 CGT Test Field
business, hires Dr. Helmut Becker from        Travers due to customer’s continual
Geisenheim, W. Germany for a feasibility      questioning of the traditional French        36,700 gallons of fermenting tanks
study on planting Vinifera grapes on Old      spelling                                     added
Mission Peninsula                             1984                                         1994
1974                                          Mark Johnson hired as Cellar-master.   CGT sells Development rights to Agri-
                                                                                     culture property providing a scenic view
Chateau Grand Traverse is incorporated. 1985                                         shed. 2nd in the State of MI to partici-
The Old Mission Peninsula Winery proper-                                             pate in program
ty is purchased and land contouring and Winemaker, Roland Pfleger returns to         12.0 acre Santucci Vineyard Planted
preparing the land for planting begins.       his family’s winery in Germany.
                                                                                     (Riesling, Chardonnay, Gamay Noir,
3.0 acre test field planted to assess 100     Eddie O’Keefe begins working at the    Gewürztraminer)
potential grape varieties                     winery after graduating MSU.
                                                                                     Sean apprentices with Roland Pfleger/
                                              Mark Johnson promoted to Winemaker Weingut Jakob Pfleger in Herxheim am
1975                                          1986                                   Berg, Germany
German Viticulturist, Bernd Philippi, hired
to plant initial acreage of 27 acres of Ries- CGT sales exceed 20,000 cases annu-
                                                                                     1995
ling, 17 Chardonnay, and 1 Merlot             ally.                                  Winery Tasting Room is expanded.
Construction of winery building begins        1987                                   Hard winter freeze
                                                                                     Sean starts higher wine education at FA
1976                                          Ed O’Keefe Jr. establishes Old Mission Geisenheim in Germany
                                              Peninsula as an officially recognized
CGT is the first commercial winery in         AVA by the Federal Government          1996
Northern Michigan. Tasting Room is
opened                                        1988                                   Winter temperature hits -10 F and grape
                                                                                     crop is wiped out
Miles Kharakasevic hired as Winemaker 1987 Riesling Ice Wine served at the           The Inn at Chateau Grand Traverse is
and General Manager.                          Inauguration of President George Bush. built
                                              4 acre Gamay Noir field planted        New Grand Traverse Select brand intro-
1977                                                                                 duced
Production of local Cherry and Apple          1989
wines while waiting for first grape harvest Traverse City Cherry wine products       1997
                                              introduced                             Inn at Chateau Grand Traverse opens.
1978                                                                                 26,500 gallons of fermenting tanks
German Winemaker, Roland Pfleger, is          1990                                   added
hired                                         Bon Appétit Magazine, “Best U.S. Wines 1998
First commercial grape harvest is picked Under $8.00”, 1988 Semidry Riesling
                                              Grand Traverse                         Sean O’Keefe begins working at the
1979                                          1991
                                                                                     winery
                                                                                     First Vintage of Whole Cluster Riesling.
Best of Show Wine at the Michigan             1989 Dry Riesling served at Michigan   New 9 ton capacity Europress added
State Fair, 1978 Chardonnay “Sweet            Governor John Engler Inauguration
Sharon” awarded                               6 acre Nelson Road Vineyard Planted
                                                                                     1999
First wines bottled under the name            (Chardonnay & Riesling)                2.5 acre Riesling overlook field (Canyon)
                                                                                     planted
Chateau Grand Travers and The Grand Ash from the Mt. Pinatubo eruption in            4,000 gallons of fermenting tanks added
Traverse Vineyards                            Philippines reduces normal sunlight
                                              reaching earth’s surface by 10% lead-
1980                                          ing to three years of much cooler than 2000
                                              normal weather                         Eddie O’Keefe named President of Cha-
First Riesling Ice Wine produced                                                     teau Grand Traverse
CGT production 5,000 cases per year           1992                                   3.9 Acre Fisher/Bella Donna Vineyard
                                              1991  Dry Riesling Featured  in Wine   planted (Pinot Blanc/Pinot Gris)
1981                                          Spectator Magazine                     First visit by wine critic Tom Stevenson.
“Best Buy Rating” from the International Winemaker, Bernd Croissant begins           CGT listed as a “world-class” producer
Wine Review in the Gold Medal Category working at the winery                         of Riesling in Sotheby’s Encyclopedia of
for 1981 Chardonnay                           Planted 3.20 Acres Krauser Orchard     Wine
                                              Vineyard (Chardonnay & Merlot)

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2020 Winery Information Guide - Chateau Grand Traverse
HISTORICAL TIMELINE

2001                                           2009                                          2013
Planted 2.3 acres Riesling (a.k.a. Moon-       Updated Traverse Bay Winery products          CGT surpasses
scape)                                         introduced
                                               The Summer That Never Happened =              100,000 cases
2002                                           Unusually cool vintage                        in annual production
First Vintage of Ship of Fools                 Planted 2.5 acres of Riesling/Blaufränk-      Wines sold in 11 states and 2 countries.
                                               isch at Steen Vineyards                       Chateau Grand Traverse #7 overall
2003                                                                                         selling wine brand in State of Michigan
Begin using a mechanical harvester, the        2010                                          CGT recognized as “Superstar” Michi-
first in the region                            “Best of Class Award” 2008 Lot 49             gan winery in Jancis Robinson/Linda
                                               Riesling, London Int’l Wine & Spirits         Murphy’s book American Wine
2004                                           Competition
                                                                                             4,400 gallons of fermenting tanks
First Vintage of Pinot Noir Vin Gris           “Chairman Award” Unanimous Gold,
                                                                                             added
Begin working with OMP grower Lineau/          Riverside International Wine Compe-
Porchside Vineyards                            tition, CA. 2007 Gamay Noir Reserve
                                               New MBF Wine Bottling line installed          2014
2005                                           with 7o Btl./Min. production capability       CGT celebrates its 40th year
                                               New Gregoire mechanical harvester             Ships one container (660 cases) of
Purchase of Kniss & Ochs properties to         added
plant 22 acres (Baliwick Vineyard)                                                           Cherry Wine to China
                                               17,250 gallons of fermenting tanks
Winery Building L3 expanded                    added                                         CGT Tasting Room is remodeled, out-
3.5 acres of Chardonnay replanted to                                                         door patio added
Riesling                                   2011                                              Vice President Sean O’Keefe leaves
Begin working with OMP growers Ligon,      “Best of Class Award” 2009 Lot 49                 position to become head winemaker
Lagina, Quinn, Kniss                       Riesling & 2008 Riesling Ice Wine,                at Villa Mari Vineyards
10,380 gallons of fermenting tanks added London International Wine & Spirits                 Named one of the 101 Best Wineries in
                                           Competition
2006                                       “Best of Class Gold” 2009 Lot 49 Ries-
                                                                                             America by The Daily Meal
Purchase Zafarana & Steen Vineyards 22 ling & 2008 Riesling Ice Wine, San Fran-              2015
acres of existing vineyards                cisco International Wine Competition.
                                           700 barrel aging & storage facility               New Grand Traverse Select & CGT
Upgrade to fully automated mechanical                                                        Reserve labels introduced
harvester                                  constructed.
                                           Begin working with OMP grower Jo                  Etcetera White Blend wins Best of
                                           Roek                                              Class and Double Gold at Int’l Eastern
8,600 gallons of fermenting tanks added                                                      Wine Comp.
                                           2010 Whole Cluster makes Food &
2007                                       Wine Top 10 editor’s picks for 2011               Begin partnership “Wines of the Great
                                           CGT begins to distribute wine in Chica-           Outdoors” with Michigan DNR
Best of Show Gold Los Angeles In-          go, Washington D.C., Miami, Minneapo-
ternational Wine Competition, 2006         lis/St. Paul                                      2016
Edelzwicker
                                           11,500 gallons of fermenting tanks                2016 Riesling Ice Wine harvested
Double Gold/Best of Class MI Wine          added
Comp, 2005 Riesling Ice Wine                                                                 “Best of Class Award” 2012 Merlot
Winery receiving & new press room          2012                                              Reserve Michigan Wine Competition
expansion                                                                                    “Best of Class Award” & “Chairman’s
                                           Winery opens a 14,000 sq. foot wine
First Midwest planting of Grüner Veltliner storage and shipping facility in Traverse         Award” 2012 Gamay Noir Reserve Dan
at Baliwick Vineyard                                                                         Bergers International
CGT is founding member of International City
Riesling Foundation                        Eddie O’Keefe named Chairman, Win-                2017
First visit to CGT by Riesling expert      eAmerica
Stuart Pigott. CGT featured in his book    2010 Lot 49 Riesling amazes wine                  2017 Riesling Ice Wine harvested
Riesling Weit Weg                          critics at blind tasting of the world’s           “Best of Class Award” and Gold 2014
CGT begins to distribute in NYC            top Rieslings at 2012 Riesling Sympo-             Late Harvest Riesling International
21,000 gallons of fermenting tanks added sium in Melbourne, Australia                        Eastern Wine Competition

2008
                                           2010 Lot 49 Riesling is Jancis Robin-             2018
                                           son’s Wine of the Week (2/10/12).
CGT Launches new logo and label design Begin working with OMP grower                         Eddie and Peter travel to Italy to pur-
New 20 ton capacity Europress added.       Dean                                              chase new labeling line
First Vintage Lot 49 Riesling              Johnson (Renegade Vineyard)                       2019
49,000 gallons of fermenting tanks         19,000 gallons of fermenting tanks
added                                      added                                             New estate Riesling vineyard planted

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2020 Winery Information Guide - Chateau Grand Traverse
E S TAT E & G ROW E R V I N E YA R D S

 The Old Mission Peninsula AVA is an American Viticultural Area located in Grand Traverse County, Michigan known
 for well-regarded Michigan wine. The Old Mission Peninsula extends northward from Traverse City into the Grand
 Traverse Bay of Lake Michigan, ending at Old Mission Point. The peninsula is 19 miles (31 km) long by 3 miles (5 km)
 wide at its widest point. The climate on the peninsula is moderated by the surrounding waters (500 feet deep), helping to
 prevent frost during the growing season.
 LOCATION                           Northwest Lower Michigan on the Old Mission Peninsula AVA, Traverse City, MI

   WHITE                            ESTATE OWNED                                   GROWER CONTRACTED             TOTAL ACRES
   Riesling                         78 Acres                                       54 Acres                      32 Acres
   Chardonnay                       11.1 Acres                                     4.5 Acres                     5.3 Acres
   Pinot Gris                       4.5 Acres                                      10.6 Acres                    11.1 Acres
   Pinot Blanc                      1.8 Acres                                      2.0 Acres                     3.8 Acres
   Grüner Veltliner                 2.3 Acres                                      1.5 Acres                     3.7 Acres
   Gewürztraminer                   1.6 Acres                                      2.9 Acres                     3.5 Acres
   Muscat Ottonel                   1.6 Acres                                      0.0 Acres                     1.6 Acres
   Other Whites                     0.9 Acres                                      0.0 Acres                     0.9 Acres
   Total White                      101.8 Acres                                    75.5 Acres                    177.3 Acres

   RED                              ESTATE OWNED                                   GROWER CONTRACTED             TOTAL ACRES
   Gamay Noir                       9.0 Acres                                      0.0 Acres                     9.0 Acres
   Pinot Noir                       6.3 Acres                                      2.7 Acres                     9.0 Acres
   Merlot                           2.2 Acres                                      3.2 Acres                     5.4 Acres
   Cabernet Franc                   0.1 Acres                                      2.6 Acres                     2.7 Acres
   Cabernet Dorsa                   1.1 Acres                                      0.0 Acres                     1.1 Acres
   Pinot Meunier                    0.7 Acres                                      0.0 Acres                     0.7 Acres
   Blaufränkisch                    0.6 Acres                                      0.0 Acres                     0.6 Acres
   Other Reds                       0.2 Acres                                      0.0 Acres                     0.2 Acres
   Total Red                        20.2 Acres                                     8.5 Acres                     28.7 Acres

   TOTAL ACRES                      122 ESTATE OWNED                               84 CONTRACTED                 206 TOTAL
 SOIL                               Loamy Sand/Glacial Till, pH of 7.2-8.0 pH
 ELEVATION                          640-850 feet Grand Traverse vineyards lie directly on the 45° North Parallel.
 TERRAIN                            Vineyards are located primarily on southwest/west facing hillsides along the central
                                    ridge of the Old Mission Peninsula.
 HEAT UNITS                         5-Year Average = 2260 Degree Days (+50°F)
 GROWING SEASON                     145-160 days
 ANNUAL PRECIPITATION 5-Yr. Average = 24.69”                                  .                ANNUAL SNOWFALL   80.0 - 110”
 VINEYARD AGES                      21 acres............................................37-38 years
                                    15 acres............................................18-24 years
                                    143 acres.........................................8-13 years
                                    27 acres...........................................5 years or less
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2020 Winery Information Guide - Chateau Grand Traverse
2020 W INERY OV ERV IEW

YEAR FOUNDED                  1974 by Edward O’Keefe

OWNERSHIP                     Family Owned and Operated

EMPLOYEES                     Approximately 36 people (plus seasonal labor)

PRODUCTION                    116,000 cases (2020 est.)

APPELLATION                   Old Mission Peninsula, Michigan, USA

VINEYARDS                     100 acres (estate) in production, 80 acres (contracted). 25.35 estate acres are
                              in the process of being replanted. 5 acres are sitting fallow to be planted 2019.

VARIETALS                     Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, Gewürztraminer, Muscat Ottenal,
                              Grüner Veltliner, Zweigelt, Gamay Noir, Pinot Meunier, Pinot Noir, Merlot,
                              Cabernet Franc

LABELS                        Chateau Grand Traverse			 Wines of the Great Outdoors
                              Grand Traverse Select 			 CGT Limited Release
                              Traverse Bay Winery			    CGT Reserve
                              MichMash 					CGT Eclectic

FACILITIES                    A modern production facility, which can accommodate 250,000 gallons of juice
                              in about 100 assorted, temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks and an
                              additional 36,000 gallons in assorted French and American Oak.

COOPERAGE                     French Oak: Allier, Limousin, Nevers as well as American Oak

BOTTLING                      1,500+ cases per day - Fully Automated System - Cork & Screw Cap Production

HARVESTING                    35% Hand Picked, 65% Automated Mechanical

SHIPPING                      Domestic: AK, AZ, CA, CO, DE, FL, GA, IL, IN, KS, MI, MN, MO, NC, NY, OH, OR, TX, WA, DC
                              Export: China
DISTRIBUTION                  Our wines are widely distributed across the state of Michigan. Out of state
                              distribution includes Washington DC, Maryland, Virginia, Illinois, Ohio, and
                              Indiana. A list of distributors is available on our website.

TASTING ROOMS                 Old Mission Peninsula (Winery, Retail, Tasting, Tours)

WINERY VISITORS               90,000 est. Annual Visitors

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2020 Winery Information Guide - Chateau Grand Traverse
S US TA I NA B I L I T Y OV E RV I E W

  MODERN EQUIPMENT & MECHANIZATION
   Our equipment is new or current technology that is regularly maintained for efficiency. We employ the use of me-
   chanical weeding methods and specialized mowers to control weeds and reduce the need for herbicides. By doing so,
   we also eliminated the use of all pre-emergent herbicides in our estate-owned producing vineyards. Within our winery
   facilities we installed environmentally friendly and efficient air conditioners, tank chillers, furnaces, as well as low flow
   toilets.

  SOLID WASTE REDUCTION & MANAGEMENT
   We utilize a wide-ranging winery recycling program for most reusable materials including glass, cardboard, pallets,
   stretch wrap, batteries, fluorescent bulbs, and office generated paper. In addition, we installed an updated and efficient
   winery septic system with low emissions. Parking lot run-off is captured and routed to a holding pond for settling and
   evaporation.

  ELIMINATION OF CHEMICALS
   We use no chemicals for cleaning or sanitation. By using means such as hot or ozonated water, steam, pressure wash-
   ing, scrubbing with hydrogen peroxide we are able to effectively sanitize our winemaking facilities. By the use of posi-
   tive pressurized rooms, and clean practices, we are able to effectively control fruit flies and or other pests.

  EMPLOYEE SAFETY & TRAINING
   We are proud of our employee safety practices in both our winery and vineyards. Program components include: Safety
   training, materials handling, confined space procedures, prevention planning, and preventive maintenance. We hold
   regular meetings among staff to evaluate procedures and practices for a safe workplace environment.

  NOTABLE ACTIVITIES AND RECOGNITION
   MAEAP Certified: (MAEAP: Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program). This program certifies that our
   farming practices conform to the highest environmental standards set forth by the State of Michigan.

  ADOPT A HIGHWAY PROGRAM
   Active in this program since its inception in 1990.

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S US TA I NA B I L I T Y OV E RV I E W

  As committed stewards of the land, we recognize the importance of the
    environment and our responsibility to provide for future generations.
Chateau Grand Traverse was the first winery in Michigan to pioneer the commercial success of vinifera grape growing.
We are also proud to be a leader in viticultural practices and environmental sustainability. As committed stewards of the
land, we recognize the importance of the environment and our responsibility to provide for future generations. We focus
our efforts in a variety of areas in the vineyards, winery, and community. Below is an overview of some of our significant
efforts to date.

INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT
 We use Integrated Pest Management (IPM) for our insect and disease management. IPM is a systems approach to pests and
 diseases that combines an array of farming practices with careful monitoring of pests and their natural enemies to prevent
 crop damage.

COVER CROPS
 We actively plant green cover crops of beneficial grasses and grains to combat erosion as well as promote a habitat that
 attracts beneficial insects, birds and predators to the vineyards.

COMPOSTING
 Each year, we strengthen our soil fertility by using local poultry and dairy manure compost, leaf mulch, wood chips as well
 as pumice (fermented skins and seed) and lees recycled from the winery operations. This mixture is spread on our vineyards
 after harvest and helps feed our soil, nourishes our vines, as well as provide weed preventative measures.

EROSION CONTROL
 As an ongoing practice, we continue to improve vineyard roadways and drainage system waterways to prevent further soil
 erosion around property.

BIRD HABITAT
 We use bird boxes to attract predator Kestrals to help combat rodents. Our winery was recognized by the Saving Birds
 through Habitat, for establishing a “bird friendly” habitat encouraging numerous species to inhabit the property. We erected
 over 35 houses to attract bird, bat, and predator species. We documented over 45 bird species now living on the vineyard
 property.

VINE BALANCE
 We continually work on achieving vine balance, essential to producing expressive and flavorful wines. Our viticultural practic-
 es, including shoot thinning, leaf pulling, crop thinning and irrigation management, all lead toward growing grapevines that
 match our climate, vine vigor, soil type, crop size and canopy.

HAZARDOUS MATERIALS MANAGEMENT
We maintain a Containment Building for washing down all vineyard equipment as well as the safe storage and mixing of any
spray materials. We also installed safe fuel handling stations and proper storage facilities to contain any materials that could
potentially seep into groundwater.

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V I N E YA R D L O C AT IO N S

Old Mission Peninsula
MICHIGAN

                                                                                               Twin Bay Farms
Latitude:          44.86484˚9 North                                                      Zafarana - North
                                                                                         Zafarana - North
Longitude:         85.520303˚ West                                                                                                   Pratt Farms

                                                                                         Ligon Vineyards                             Quinn - Ana Caram
Altitude:          682˚Elevation

                                                                                  Porchside Vineyards
Chateau Grand Traverse (CGT) is located on the 45°
                                                                                 Baliwick Vineyard                                   Al Kniss Vineyard
North Latitude in the northwest corner of Michigan’s
                                                                                                                                      Steen Vineyard
Lower Peninsula. Situated on the highest point of the Old

Mission Peninsula Viticultural Appellation, the region is                                                                            Joan Roek Vineyard

greatly tempered by the deep waters of Lake Michigan’s
                                                                                                                                   Dean Johnson Farm

Grand Traverse Bay. The four seasons of the year reveal

themselves in full splendor allowing each vintage crop
                                                                                                                                 Fisher Vineyards
to be regionally expressive. This geographically unique
                                                                                                                             CGT Main Vineyard
growing area has allowed the winery to grow European
                                                                    Santucci Vineyards
Vinifera varietal wines since 1974.

                                                                                                            CGT ESTATE OWNED
                                                                                                                 Vineyards
                                                                                                            CONTRACTED GROWERS

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R E C E N T AWA R D S

2019 Michigan Wine Competition                                                   Silver.............................................. 2017 Whole Cluster
 Gold............................... 2017 Block Twelve Riesling                  Silver...................................................... 2016 Silhouette
 Gold....................................... 2017 Pinot Noir Limited             Bronze.............................................2017 Ship of Fools
 Gold........................... 2017 Pinot Noir Rosé Vin Gris
 Silver..............2017 Barrel Fermented Chardonnay
                                                                                2019 Finger Lakes International Wine
 Silver...................................................2017 Dry Riesling     Competition
 Silver...............................................2017 Etcetera Rosé         Double Gold......................... 2016 Riesling Ice Wine
 Silver...................................2017 Gamay Noir Limited                Silver...................................................2017 Dry Riesling
 Silver...................................................2017 Pinot Grigio      Silver...................................2017 Gamay Noir Limited
 Silver.................................................2017 Ship of Fools       Bronze............................2017 Block Twelve Riesling
 Silver...................................................... 2016 Silhouette
 Bronze............................ 2017 Late Harvest Riesling                  2019 Pacific Rim Wine Competition
 Bronze....................2017 Late Harvest Chardonnay                          Gold.................................2017 Block Twelve Riesling
                                                                                 Silver...................................................2017 Dry Riesling
2019 LA International Wine Competition                                           Bronze.........................................2017 Etcetera White
 Best of Class.................2017 Block Twelve Riesling                        Bronze...................... 2017 Pinot Noir Rosé Vin Gris
 Gold.................................2017 Block Twelve Riesling
 Gold..............................................2017 Etcetera White
                                                                                2020 San Francisco Chronicle International
                                                                                Wine Competition
2019 San Francisco International Wine                                            Best of Class................ 2018 Block Twelve Riesling
Competition                                                                      Double Gold....................................2017 Dry Riesling
 Double Gold....................................2017 Dry Riesling                Gold....................................................... 2016 Silhouette
 Silver......................................... 2017 Semidry Riesling           Silver..................................... 2013 Pinot Noir Reserve
 Silver..............2016 Barrel Fermented Chardonnay                            Bronze.......................................2017 Gewürztraminer
 Silver................................2017 Block Twelve Riesling
 Bronze............................ 2017 Late Harvest Riesling                  2020 International Eastern Wine
                                                                                Competition
2019 Dan Berger International Wine                                               Gold................................. 2018 Late Harvest Riesling
Competition                                                                      Gold....................................................... 2016 Silhouette
 Bronze...............................2017 Gamay Noir Limited                    Silver............................... 2018 Block Twelve Riesling
 Bronze........................... 2018 Block Twelve Riesling                    Silver................................. 2016 Gamay Noir Reserve
                                                                                 Silver...........................2017 Grü Vin Grüner Veltliner
2019 Taster’s Guild Wine Competition                                             Silver............................. 2017 Whole Cluster Riesling
 Gold................................................2017 Etcetera Rosé
 Gold....................................................2017 Dry Riesling
 Gold....................................2017 Gamay Noir Limited

 (8 0 0) 2 8 3 .02 47 • 1 2 2 3 9 C E N T E R R D , T R AV E R S E C I T Y, M I 49 6 8 6 • F: (2 3 1) 2 2 3 .4 10 5 • CG T W I N E S .COM
FA M I LY O F W I N E B R A N D S

  BR AND LOGO                       BOTTLE                                                           DESCR IPTION

                                                                                                     Chateau Grand
                                                                                                     Traverse® wines are
                                                                                                     vintage dated, premium
                                                                                                     quality red and white
                                                                                                     varietal wines produced
                                                                                                     from grapes grown
                                                                                                     in our Old Mission
                                                                                                     Peninsula Vineyards.

                                                                                                     CGT Eclectic® wines
                                                                                                     are vintage dated, small
                                                                                                     production wines. From
                                                                                                     eccentric blends to
                                                                                                     hands-on harvesting
                                                                                                     practices to vineyard-
                                                                                                     specific bottlings, each
                                                                                                     wine tells a unique story.

                                                                                                     Chateau Grand
                                                                                                     Traverse Reserve®
                                                                                                     wines represent our
                                                                                                     highest-quality fruit
                                                                                                     made into varietal red
                                                                                                     wines. Aged in oak
                                                                                                     barrels for 20+ months.

                                                                                                     Traverse Bay Winery®
                                                                                                     wines are Cherry Wine
                                                                                                     and Cherry Wine Blends
                                                                                                     made from northern
                                                                                                     Michigan fruit.

(8 0 0) 2 8 3 .02 47 • 1 2 2 3 9 C E N T E R R D , T R AV E R S E C I T Y, M I 49 6 8 6 • F: (2 3 1) 2 2 3 .4 10 5 • CG T W I N E S .COM
FA M I LY O F W I N E B R A N D S

  BR AND LOGO                       BOTTLE                                                           DESCR IPTION

                                                                                                     Grand Traverse
                                                                                                     Select® wines are
                                                                                                     non-vintage varietal
                                                                                                     wines and blends made
                                                                                                     at a popular price.

                                                                                                     CGT Wines of
                                                                                                     Michigan® are custom-
                                                                                                     labeled wines that
                                                                                                     benefit the Michigan
                                                                                                     DNR. The wines are
                                                                                                     non-vintage varietal
                                                                                                     wines and blends.

                                                                                                     MichMash® wines
                                                                                                     were created as a
                                                                                                     private label specifically
                                                                                                     for Meijer stores.

                                                                                                     CGT Limited Release
                                                                                                     Etcetera wines are
                                                                                                     uniquely crafted, vintage
                                                                                                     dated blends that pair
                                                                                                     perfectly with a day at
                                                                                                     the lake, good friends,
                                                                                                     great company, etcetera...

(8 0 0) 2 8 3 .02 47 • 1 2 2 3 9 C E N T E R R D , T R AV E R S E C I T Y, M I 49 6 8 6 • F: (2 3 1) 2 2 3 .4 10 5 • CG T W I N E S .COM
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