2021 Winery Information Guide - Chateau Grand Traverse
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
2021 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. Though founder, Ed
O’Keefe Jr. passed in 2021, the winery is still family-owned and operated by his son, Eddie O’Keefe III, and continues to
focus upon quality, consistency and environmental sustainability.
Today, the Northern Michigan wine industry boasts of nearly 40 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) 2001
Planted 2.3 acres Riesling (a.k.a. Moon-
scape)
(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
2002 isch at Steen Vineyards CGT recog-
nized as “Su-
First Vintage of Ship of Fools 2010 perstar” Mich- i-
2003 “Best of Class Award” 2008 Lot 49 gan winery in
Riesling, London Int’l Wine & Spirits Jancis Robinson/Linda Murphy’s book
Begin using a mechanical harvester, the Competition American Wine
first in the region “Chairman Award” Unanimous Gold, 4,400 gallons of fermenting tanks
2004 Riverside International Wine Compe-
tition, CA. 2007 Gamay Noir Reserve
added
First Vintage of Pinot Noir Vin Gris New MBF Wine Bottling line installed 2014
Begin working with OMP grower Lineau/ with 7o Btl./Min. production capability
Porchside Vineyards New Gregoire mechanical harvester CGT celebrates its 40th year
added Ships one container (660 cases) of
2005 17,250 gallons of fermenting tanks Cherry Wine to China
Purchase of Kniss & Ochs properties to added
plant 22 acres (Baliwick Vineyard) CGT Tasting Room is remodeled, out-
Winery Building L3 expanded 2011 door patio added
3.5 acres of Chardonnay replanted to “Best of Class Award” 2009 Lot 49 Vice President Sean O’Keefe leaves
Riesling Riesling & 2008 Riesling Ice Wine, position to become head winemaker
Begin working with OMP growers Ligon, London International Wine & Spirits at Villa Mari Vineyards
Lagina, Quinn, Kniss Competition Named one of the 101 Best Wineries in
10,380 gallons of fermenting tanks added “Best of Class Gold” 2009 Lot 49 Ries- America by The Daily Meal
ling & 2008 Riesling Ice Wine, San Fran-
2006 cisco International Wine Competition. 2015
700 barrel aging & storage facility New Grand Traverse Select & CGT
Purchase Zafarana & Steen Vineyards 22 constructed.
acres of existing vineyards Reserve labels introduced
Begin working with OMP grower Jo
Upgrade to fully automated mechanical Roek Etcetera White Blend wins Best of
harvester 2010 Whole Cluster makes Food & Class and Double Gold at Int’l Eastern
Wine Top 10 editor’s picks for 2011 Wine Comp.
8,600 gallons of fermenting tanks added CGT begins to distribute wine in Chica- Begin partnership “Wines of the Great
go, Washington D.C., Miami, Minneapo- Outdoors” with Michigan DNR
2007 lis/St. Paul
Best of Show Gold Los Angeles In- 11,500 gallons of fermenting tanks 2016
ternational Wine Competition, 2006 added 2016 Riesling Ice Wine harvested
Edelzwicker
Double Gold/Best of Class MI Wine 2012 “Best of Class Award” 2012 Merlot
Comp, 2005 Riesling Ice Wine Reserve Michigan Wine Competition
Winery opens a 14,000 sq. foot wine
Winery receiving & new press room storage and shipping facility in Traverse “Best of Class Award” & “Chairman’s
expansion City Award” 2012 Gamay Noir Reserve Dan
First Midwest planting of Grüner Veltliner Bergers International
Eddie O’Keefe named Chairman, Win-
at Baliwick Vineyard
eAmerica 2017
CGT is founding member of International 2010 Lot 49 Riesling amazes wine
Riesling Foundation 2017 Riesling Ice Wine harvested
critics at blind tasting of the world’s
First visit to CGT by Riesling expert
Stuart Pigott. CGT featured in his book top Rieslings at 2012 Riesling Sympo- “Best of Class Award” and Gold 2014
sium in Melbourne, Australia Late Harvest Riesling International
Riesling Weit Weg
CGT begins to distribute in NYC 2010 Lot 49 Riesling is Jancis Robin- Eastern Wine Competition
21,000 gallons of fermenting tanks added son’s Wine of the Week (2/10/12). 2018
Begin working with OMP grower
2008 Dean Eddie and Peter travel to Italy to pur-
Johnson (Renegade Vineyard) chase new labeling line
CGT Launches new logo and label design
New 20 ton capacity Europress added. 19,000 gallons of fermenting tanks 2019
First Vintage Lot 49 Riesling added
New estate Riesling vineyard planted
49,000 gallons of fermenting tanks
added
2013 2020
CGT surpasses 100,000 cases in annual
2009 production
Late Harvest Riesling becomes #1
selling Michign wine with GTS Sweet
Updated Traverse Bay Winery products Wines sold in 11 states and 2 coun- Harvest coming in 2nd
introduced tries.
The Summer That Never Happened = Chateau Grand Traverse #7 overall 2021
Unusually cool vintage selling wine brand in State of Michi-
Planted 2.5 acres of Riesling/Blaufränk- Founder, Ed O’Keefe Jr., passes, leav-
gan
ing winery operations to son, Eddie
(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 132 Acres
Chardonnay 11.1 Acres 4.5 Acres 15.6 Acres
Pinot Gris 4.5 Acres 10.6 Acres 15.1 Acres
Pinot Blanc 1.8 Acres 2.0 Acres 3.8 Acres
Grüner Veltliner 2.3 Acres 1.5 Acres 3.8 Acres
Gewürztraminer 1.6 Acres 2.9 Acres 4.5 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
Crop Yields: In a normal year, yields will exceed 700 tons, averaging an approximate 3.5 tons per acre.
(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
2021 W INERY OV ERV IEW
YEAR FOUNDED 1974 by Edward O’Keefe
OWNERSHIP Family Owned and Operated
EMPLOYEES Approximately 26 people (plus seasonal labor)
PRODUCTION 95,000 cases (2020 est.)
APPELLATION Old Mission Peninsula, Michigan, USA
VINEYARDS 1100 acres (estate) in production, 80 acres (contracted). 25.35 estate acres are
in the process of being replanted. 2.5 acres are sitting fallow to be planted 2022.
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, TX, WA, DC
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 .COMV 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 .COMR 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 .COMFA 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 .COMFA 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.
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 .COMYou can also read
