Our People
The Chateau Grand Traverse Family
Eddie O’Keefe
President, Since 1985
Eddie is the President of Chateau Grand Traverse, Ltd. and leads the business side of the operation. Eddie’s enthusiasm for wine began at an early age while tagging along with his father as a young kid in establishing the area’s first commercial winery and vineyard producing vinifera grapes. He then spent his summers at the winery doing everything from vineyard and tractor work to bottling wine, cleaning the cellar and working in the tasting room. Upon graduating from Michigan State University in 1985 with a B.A. in Advertising/Marketing, Eddie returned to the winery to begin his career. Through the turbulent and financially challenging early years to the hyper-evolution and critical recognition of the northern Michigan wine industry, Eddie basically learned all aspects of the wine business from the inside out. Today, he is responsible for the overall business operations from strategic planning to sales, distribution, new market development and finances. Eddie lives on Old Mission Peninsula with his wife Allison, two children, and their dogs, Sammy and Betsy Lane.
Additionally, Eddie has served as Chairman of the Board for WineAmerica from 2012-2014, Executive Board Member for the International Riesling Foundation, President of the Old Mission Peninsula Wine Producers Association, Board Member for the Michigan Wine Producers Association and Board Member for The Bank of Northern Michigan.
Executive Management
Gabe Marzonie
Executive Director, Since 2023
Gabe’s journey weaves together deep roots, bold ideas, and a relentless passion for purpose. With degrees from both the University of Michigan and Georgetown, Gabe brings more than 20 years of leadership experience in marketing, brand development, and organizational strategy. His career began in Washington, D.C., where he shaped national messaging at the highest levels—drafting communications for Homeland Security and the White House. Upon returning to Northern Michigan, he turned his focus toward the region’s burgeoning wine scene, blending his strategic expertise with a heartfelt commitment to the family-run legacy of Chateau Grand Traverse.
As Executive Director, Gabe leads the winery’s customer-facing divisions, overseeing product development, sales, marketing, events, eCommerce, the Wine Club, and the Inn. His vision champions a balance of tradition and innovation—building customer experiences that feel both timeless and fresh, while fostering a brand rooted in Old Mission Peninsula soul. Whether refining the optimal guest experience, launching new lifestyle product lines, or crafting a vision for the next 50 years, Gabe is dedicated to elevating the winery’s role as a premium winemaking leader in the Midwest.
Off-duty, Gabe is most at home Jeeping around Traverse City with his wife Amy, their twin daughters, and a rare bottle of bourbon in tow—somewhere between a Michigan football tailgate and a beach on the Bay.
Terrie McClelland
Operations Manager, Since 1986
Terrie is the Operations Manager at the winery and is the go-to person for almost anything. She was originally hired as a tractor driver and vineyard worker back in 1987, and has moved through the winery having worked in the retail tasting room, wine production area, as well as the front office. Terrie is known as the “work mom” for our winery dog, Sitka, who spends most of his nine-to-five shifts by her side. In 1995, Terrie was made Operations Manager and is still defining this challenging position. She is a graduate of Ferris State University with a BS Degree in Social Work/Psychology. Previous to her employment at the winery, Terrie worked as a social worker, domestic violence/sexual assault counselor and with developmentally disabled adults.
Alan Larrabee
CFO, Since 2008
Alan was born and raised in Traverse City graduating from Traverse City Senior High and later the University of Michigan. He is a licensed CPA since 1995. He has worked as an accountant in Traverse City since 1991 and joined Chateau Grand Traverse in April 2008. “I like the dynamics of a family-owned business and looking at the winery operation from an accounting point of view is both interesting and challenging” he said. Alan is responsible for financial reporting both inside and outside the company and oversees all accounting and financing matters.
He’s a married father of three boys who is a sucker for animals. He has 4 cats who have adopted his family as well as 2 dogs, a Pomeranian and a Chocolate Lab.
Sales
Jeb Stuart
National Account Manager, Since 2024
Joseph (Jeb) Stuart joins Chateau Grand Traverse Winery as National Account Manager, bringing an extensive background and passion for the wine & spirits industry. A graduate of Western Michigan University with a degree in Sales and Marketing, complemented by a minor in Economics, Jeb has cultivated a wealth of experience since his entry into the industry in 2018. Most recently, he served as Key Account Analyst for Great Lakes Wine & Spirits, based in the Detroit Metro area, where he honed his skills in market analysis, strategic planning, and account management. His expertise spans retail and independent sales, key account management, and strategic data analytics across the wine, spirits, and beer industries.
Jeb’s connection to Traverse City stems from frequent family visits to the area, making his role at Chateau Grand Traverse Winery a natural alignment of personal and professional aspirations. Beyond his work, Jeb finds personal escape in golfing, skiing, and discovering new culinary experiences with his wife. A connoisseur of fine bourbon and cigars, Jeb exemplifies a deep appreciation for craftsmanship and quality—values he integrates into his professional endeavors. With a steadfast commitment to excellence, Jeb is poised to enhance relationships with clients, partners, and colleagues, contributing to the continued success and legacy of Chateau Grand Traverse Winery.
Winemaking
Bernd Croissant
Winemaker, Since 1991
Bernd grew up in Edenkoben, Rheinland–Pfalz, Germany at his parent’s vineyards and winery located 25 miles north of the French border in the Palatinate. As a child, Bernd assisted his father in the vineyards and winery through each year’s harvest. In 1975 he began his formal wine training and apprenticeship earning his “Journeyman in Viticulture and Enology” in 1977.
He continued to work at several wineries in the Palatinate while studying at the LLFA Neustadt and LLVA Bad Kreuznach. In 1979 he earned his “Wirtschafter in Weinbau und Weinbereitung” degree; 1980 “Techniker in Weinbau und Weinbereitung” degree; 1981 “Winzermeister” degree.
From 1981 to 1983 he worked as interim winemaker and/or viticulturist in several German wineries. In 1983 he returned to his family winery making white wines and some sparkling wine. In 1984 he became Winemaker and Vineyard Manager at Weingut Schmid in Ballrechten-Dottingen, South – Baden. In 1986 he was made Winemaker and Production Manager at Wein- und Sektgut Menger-Krug, Gau-Odernheim, Rheinhessen.
In 1991 he decided to take an overseas Sabbatical in Michigan hosted by Chateau Grand Traverse through a one-year work-study program. In 1992, he was offered the position of Vineyard Manager at Chateau Grand Traverse and became the Winemaker at CGT in 1993. As the saying goes…the rest is history.
Peter Francisco
Bottling Production Manager, Since 2005
Peter was originally employed in construction and was involved in building an addition onto our winery. He observed the winemaking process and found it to be an interesting occupation and applied for a position. Since then, Peter has been a key member of Chateau Grand Traverse winemaking team. He is responsible for the operation and maintenance of our bottling line as well as other equipment. Peter is also directly involved in most aspects of our winemaking processes including receiving, pressing, fermenting and filtering. When he is not working, Peter enjoys fishing and the outdoors, especially in Alaska where many of his family members live.
Mark Groenvelt
Warehouse & Shipping, Since 1990
Mark has been a key man at Chateau Grand Traverse through our many growth phases over the past few decades. Mark’s current responsibility is for the shipping and warehousing of all of the products we produce. Whether it is wine to be placed in our tasting room or product to be shipped to our distributors, he is the person who handles every case. He also helps during harvest and heavy bottling production periods. Mark is our in-house Detroit Tigers baseball fan and expert. You will always hear the game being played on the radio. Mark is a long-time Old Mission Peninsula resident and is married with two grown sons.
Eric Dloski
Lab Technician, Since 2017
Eric grew up in Southeast Detroit and proudly served five years in the Army before shifting gears to pursue a career in winemaking. Although initially drawn to criminal justice, he discovered his true passion in the cellar, starting out with cleaning tanks and taking on challenging, gritty tasks that built his reputation as a dependable team player.
Today, as the Lab Technician for the winery, Eric oversees the critical science behind every bottle of wine. He tests samples, analyzes their chemistry, and ensures consistency and quality in every step of production. He thrives during the busiest times of the year, even embracing the occasional 16-hour day during harvest season.
Beyond the lab, Eric enjoys street cycling—a passion that connects him to the beauty of Northern Michigan summers. He is also an enthusiastic participant in Traverse City’s vibrant restaurant, wine, and beer scene, frequently exploring local microbreweries, distilleries, and wineries throughout the Grand Traverse region.
Tasting Room and Hospitality
Hiro Miura
Wine Tasting Room Manager, Since 2000
Hiro has been a core member of Chateau Grand Traverse since his return from Japan in 2000. He is responsible for day-to-day coordination of tasting room operations, and is the key liaison directly involved with customers who visit the winery for tours and tasting. He enjoys interactions with novice as well as experienced wine tasters, and is probably the most recognizable individual in the tasting room. The chance is very likely that you will see him whenever you visit the Chateau Grand Traverse tasting room. He firmly believes that the last customer of the day should have the same level of service as the first. Currently he is expanding his wine collection in his infamous underwater wine cellar, and when he’s not in the tasting room he is likely freediving in East Bay Grand Traverse Bay with a bottle of Riesling in hand to add to his collection.
Christi Cooper
Hospitality Coordinator, Since 2024
Christi joined Chateau Grand Traverse in June 2024 after relocating to Traverse City from the Greater Grand Rapids area, embracing her new home in a place where others come to vacation. After a fulfilling 30-year career as a teacher, she took a gap year to reflect on her next steps, eventually realizing that her calling was in hospitality.
Her outgoing personality, welcoming demeanor, and gift for connecting with people make her a natural fit as Hospitality Coordinator. A self-proclaimed “people person,” Christi loves meeting guests from all walks of life, making them feel at home, and creating memorable experiences at the winery. While she sometimes misses working with students, she doesn’t mind trading report cards and recess issues for wine pours and event planning. Christi’s ability to teach and her knack for fostering connections carry over seamlessly into her new role on the Tasting Room customer service team.
Christi holds a bachelor’s degree from Grand Valley State University, a Master’s degree from Western Michigan University, and certifications from the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI) and the Hospitality Training Institute of Michigan (HTIM).
When she’s not welcoming guests or planning events, Christi enjoys spending time with her three adult children, reading, playing Cribbage, and working on cheeky cross-stitch projects. She’s also a Northern Michigan explorer, often camping with her trusty 10-foot trailer, Wanda.
Rachel Moore
Wine Club Director, Since 2024
Rachel Moore brings more than a decade of experience in wine, food, and hospitality to her role as Wine Club Director at Chateau Grand Traverse. A Traverse City native, Rachel’s career began in retail management before moving into restaurant service, where she played a pivotal role in helping a popular downtown business expand into a larger Front Street location. Her talents extended beyond hospitality, as she also served as editor-in-chief of a local magazine, showcasing her eye for storytelling and community connection.
Rachel joined Chateau Grand Traverse in 2024 and quickly embraced the opportunity to share her passion for wine with guests. In addition to guiding customers in the tasting room, she helped manage the winery’s social media presence and supported private cellar and barrel room tours. In 2025, Rachel completed her WSET Level 2 exam with distinction and is currently preparing for Level 3 certification, furthering her expertise in wine education and appreciation.
Outside the winery, Rachel enjoys life in Northern Michigan with her partner John and her adventurous dog, Bowie—named not for the famed singer, but for the iconic knife, a fitting tribute to her love of the outdoors. Together they hike, camp, fish, and explore the region’s natural beauty. While she doesn’t sit still long enough for deer blinds, Rachel embraces the spirit of recreational hunting and gathering, often taking the lead as processor when the season comes around. At home, she’s just as passionate about cooking and meal planning, where “studying” often means pairing her favorite dishes with new wines.
Rachel’s goal is simple yet profound: to create approachable, memorable, and rewarding wine experiences for every member of the Chateau Grand Traverse community.
Keil Moshier
Chateau Grand Traverse Executive Chef, Since 2025
With over 36 years in the culinary industry, Executive Chef Keil Moshier brings classical French technique and grounded Midwestern perspective to Chateau Grand Traverse. A graduate of the New England Culinary Institute in Vermont, Keil’s style was shaped by small-group, hands-on instruction and mentors trained in traditional French cuisine—instilling discipline, creativity, and a holistic understanding of kitchen operations.
His early career led him to New Orleans, where he cooked at the five-star Windsor Court Hotel in the French Quarter. There, he immersed himself in bold Southern flavors and hospitality before returning to Michigan to open and lead upscale restaurants across Grand Rapids. In 2000, he moved to Traverse City, launching a culinary chapter that spanned Bowers Harbor Inn, Amical, and over a decade leading fresh, scratch-made food programs at Mt. Holiday.
Now at Chateau Grand Traverse, Chef Keil crafts thoughtful small plates that celebrate the intersection of wine and cuisine. From earthy pairings with red blends to bright, aromatic matches for our estate Rieslings, each dish reflects a deep respect for local ingredients and the region’s agricultural rhythm.
Outside the kitchen, Keil enjoys life in Traverse City with his wife of 24 years, Kristina. Together, they embrace the outdoors—biking, kayaking, and walking their dog along the lakeshore. When time allows, he can be found in the garage restoring family cars, including those of his two grown children.
Vineyard Operations
Ron Harp
Vineyard Manager, Since 1998
Ron comes from strong agricultural background having worked his whole life on Old Mission Peninsula with cherries, apples and grapes. Ron is our equipment “artist” in his ability to maintain, fix, or operate a multitude of complex farm and vineyard equipment. In farming, Ron is a rare breed with his ability to get the job done despite, weather, breakdowns or obstacles. In has spare time, Ron and his wife Deb enjoy bird watching, hunting and fishing. Ron was instrumental in establishing a healthy bird habitat around our vineyards by building and installing dozens of bird houses and bat boxes as well as employing many of our sustainable environmental practices.
Jay Budd
Assistant Vineyard Manager, Since 2019
Jay grew up on a family farm located in southeast Michigan. The youngest of three sons, Jay graduated from Northern Michigan University in 1997. He entered into the environmental consulting field in 1998 where he was relocated to the Traverse City area in the spring of 1999. In 2009, an opportunity was presented to Jay to return to his agricultural roots and he joined the staff of Mutual Farm Management where he was introduced into all aspects of the viticultural world. Jay joined the staff at Chateau Grand Traverse in late 2019 to aid the team in growing and harvesting the high quality grapes that are used to produce our wines. In his spare time, Jay enjoys spending time with his family and various outdoor pursuits including hunting, fishing and skiing.
Pablo Gomez
Vineyard Assistant, since 1999
Pablo oversees daily activities in the vineyard. His primary duties include pruning, vine maintenance, harvest and general upkeep. Pablo is married and has three children. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his family as well as serious vegetable gardening with a specialty in tomatoes and assorted peppers.
Housekeeping and Grounds
A.J. Kiel
Groundskeeping, Since 2015
A.J. was born and raised in Northern Michigan. Having always enjoyed both working outdoors and getting to see the fruits of his labor, Groundskeeping was a good fit. Since starting at CGT, he’s developed both a taste for wine and an interest in learning the wine-making process. He especially enjoys the variety his job provides, as well as the people he works with.
Even when not working on the flower beds and grounds of the winery, he often spends his summer afternoons tending to his own garden. A.J. is an avid outdoorsman with hobbies including kayaking, mountain biking, fishing, snowboarding, and anything else that gets him outside and active.
