About
our
Chateau
A Legacy of Wine Making on Old Mission
Our Roots are Deep
Chateau Grand Traverse was the first winery to see the hidden potential of Old Mission Peninsula over 50 years ago.
Since 1974, Chateau Grand Traverse has crafted authentic wines from Michigan’s Old Mission Peninsula. Our legacy is built on a passion for Old World varietals and a commitment to showcasing the unique Frostkissed brilliance of our grapes. Join us as we explore the mastery behind Michigan’s finest wines.
Crafting the Legacy
We believe in nurturing the land that nurtures our vines. That’s why stewardship and sustainable winemaking practices are at the core of our philosophy. Each wine from Chateau Grand Traverse reflects our unwavering integrity, true to the grapes, true to the land, and true to ourselves. This philosophy guides every step, from meticulous vineyard care to the precise art of blending. We believe in letting the natural beauty of our Old World varietals speak for themselves, capturing the essence of Michigan’s environment in every sip. It’s about honesty and authenticity, ensuring every bottle tells a genuine story.
We are deeply committed to preserving the natural beauty of our surroundings. Our vineyards are MAEAP certified, a testament to our dedication to environmentally sustainable agricultural practices. We believe in nurturing the land, ensuring future generations enjoy the same exceptional wines.
Key Sustainable Practices
Whether you’re a curious beginner or a seasoned connoisseur, Chateau Grand Traverse offers tastings tailored to your pace and palate. Let our team guide you to the experience—and wine—that’s just right for you.
Integrated Pest Management (IPM): We use IPM, a systems approach to pests and diseases, combining farming practices with monitoring to prevent crop damage.
Cover Crops: We plant beneficial grasses and grains to combat erosion and attract beneficial insects, birds, and predators.
Composting: We strengthen soil fertility with local poultry and dairy manure compost, leaf mulch, wood chips, pumice, and lees recycled from winery operations.
We also prioritize erosion control, bird habitat, vine balance, hazardous material management, modern equipment and mechanization, solid waste reduction, chemical elimination, and employee safety and training.
“We don’t make wines to win awards.
We make wines for people to love.”
We make wine for the joy of creation, a legacy built on decades of dedication. It’s a journey that began with a vision, a belief that exceptional wines could flourish in Michigan’s unique climate. Our story isn’t about chasing accolades, but about trusting in the quality of our products, allowing the inherent brilliance of our Frostkissed grapes to shine. From our first vines planted, we have focused on the mastery of our craft, ensuring each bottle reflects the depth of our expertise.
Our Team
Hiro Miura
Hiro Miura
Meet the passionate individuals who bring Chateau Grand Traverse wines to life. Our team is a blend of experienced winemakers, dedicated vineyard managers, and knowledgeable hospitality professionals, all united by a shared love of wine.
from
Vision
to
Vintage
The story of Chateau Grand Traverse is a testament to the pioneering spirit and unwavering dedication that have shaped Michigan’s wine industry. It began in 1974, when Edward O’Keefe Jr., fueled by a vision and a deep understanding of the region’s potential, planted the first experimental vines on Old Mission Peninsula. This bold move, defying conventional wisdom, marked the inception of Chateau Grand Traverse and the dawn of commercial winemaking in Michigan.
Mr. O’Keefe’s foresight recognized the unique terroir of Old Mission Peninsula, with its moderating Lakeglow effect from the Great Lakes and the Snowdrenched character of its grapes. This combination created an ideal environment for cultivating cool-climate European varietals, a concept that was revolutionary at the time. As one of the earliest commercial wineries in the state, we played a pivotal role in establishing the peninsula as a premier destination for cool-climate wines, particularly Riesling, which became our flagship varietal.
From our humble beginnings in 1974, Chateau Grand Traverse has blossomed into a cornerstone of Michigan’s wine industry. These images chronicle our journey—transforming from a pioneering vineyard into a renowned winery, celebrated for our commitment to quality and sustainability. Each expansion and renovation reflects our dedication to excellence and our passion for crafting wines that embody the spirit of Old Mission Peninsula.
-
The Great Experiment
Edward O’Keefe Sr. plants the first experimental vines, laying the foundation for Chateau Grand Traverse.
1974 -
A Michigan First
The first commercial planting of vinifera grapes in Michigan, solidifying our commitment to Old World varietals.
1976 -
Going Public
The official opening of the Chateau Grand Traverse tasting room, welcoming visitors to experience our wines.
1980 -
First Vintage
The release of our first commercial vintage, marking a significant milestone in Michigan winemaking.
1983 -
Passing the Torch
Eddie O’Keefe III became the President & CEO.
1985 -
Expansion
Expansion of the winery and production facilities to meet growing demand.
1986 -
Growing Expertise
Bernd Croissant joined the winery as head winemaker.
1992 -
The Inn
The opening of the Inn at Chateau Grand Traverse, offering a unique hospitality experience.
1996 -
In Loving Memory
Ed Sr., founder of Chateau Grand Traverse, passes away.
2021 -
50 Years
The winery celebrated its 50 year golden anniversary.
2024
