2020 Winery Information Guide - Chateau Grand Traverse
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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 (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
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 (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
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 (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
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. (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
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) (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
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 (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
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 (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
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 (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
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. (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
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. (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
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 (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
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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