Press & Awards
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Press & Awards
CGT in the News
Scroll down to read about Chateau Grand Traverse in the news and in publications, or click below to view our press releases and awards.

March 17, 2021
Chateau Grand Traverse won two golds for its 2019 Dry Riesling and its 2018 Gamay Noir Limited.

January 11, 2021
Let’s toast this gymnast, undercover drug agent and Traverse City wine industry pioneer
Ladies and gentlemen, it is time to raise a glass of wine and toast Ed O’Keefe Jr., one of the more interesting characters to ever live in Michigan.

January 6, 2021
Michigan wine pioneer Ed O’Keefe led incredible life fit for Hollywood
In the early years they laughed at him and even coined his wild experiment to plant European grape varietals in northern Michigan “O’Keefe’s Folly” for its apparent foolhardiness, but Chateau Grand Traverse founder and Michigan wine maverick Ed O’Keefe Jr. proved them all wrong.

January 5, 2021
Old Mission Winery Founder Passes On, But Leaves a Lasting Legacy
A founding father of the northern Michigan wine industry is gone. Ed O’Keefe, of Chateau Grand Traverse, died on Friday at age 89. His son, Eddie O’Keefe, says he’s blown away, but not entirely surprised by the response from the community.

January 4, 2021
The northern Michigan community is mourning the loss of the man credited with founding the first winery in the Grand Traverse region.

January 3, 2021
O’Keefe, who founded the region’s first winery, Chateau Grand Traverse, died Friday. He was 89.

December 4, 2020
Enjoy the holiday season from Michigan’s wine country. Chateau Grand Traverse offers a 6-bedroom Inn, right on the winery property.

November 22, 2020
It’s no big secret that our holiday get togethers and family dinners will look a little different this year. Maybe that’s a good excuse to explore the world of Michigan wine, which keeps growing every year in popularity, and acclaim.

September 18, 2020
Chateau Grand Traverse Awaits Cooler Temperatures to Harvest
Even though it may be sunny, Chateau Grand Traverse says in the last week temperatures at at their vineyard have dropped almost 20 degrees at night. But Chateau Grand Traverse says it isn’t ready to harvest the grapes just yet.

July 23, 2020
Buying this cool gear, wine, beer helps Michigan state parks
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources’ “These Goods Are Good for Michigan” campaign features partnerships with businesses seeking to sell products specially designated to raise funds for state parks, trails and waterways. Since launching in 2017 with its first partner, Traverse City-based winery Chateau Grand Traverse, the campaign has raised more than $100,000 for state park facilities and programs.

July 10, 2020
Chateau Grand Traverse has undergone major changes amid the coronavirus pandemic. The Traverse City winery now has glass shields on the tasting bar and spread out tables to follow social distancing guidelines.

June 1, 2020
Chateau Grand Traverse Raises Over $1,000 for Step Up Northern Michigan
Many wineries have seen a decrease in sales due to COVID-19, but they still are trying to help people. Chateau Grand Traverse collected donations from guests. Chateau Grand Traverse matched each donation, raising more than a $1,000 for Step Up Northern Michigan to distribute meals and other goods to families in the Traverse City region.

May 27, 2020
Soak up some springtime sunshine (bevy in hand) at these Northern Michigan wineries with bright blue bay views and plenty of outdoor seating.

May 27, 2020
Winery owners and managers around the state have been keeping a watchful eye on Up North as tasting rooms in parts of northern Lower Michigan and the Upper Peninsula have begun reopening. While there remains a lot of uncertainty about which COVID-19-related safety procedures and precautions will work well, one thing is clear: This season will be anything but ordinary.

May 7, 2020
Michigan Wine Month Video: Wineries ‘Wish You Were Here’ – and They Can’t Wait to See You
Michigan Wine Country magazine and the Michigan Wine Collaborative have produced a short video commemorating Michigan Wine Month, May 2020.

March 6, 2020
It’s the superstar of Northern Michigan’s wine region and Chateau Grand Traverse specializes in it. In this week’s Brewvine, we take you to Old Mission Peninsula where you can get a behind-the-scenes tour to see how their Riesling is made.

January 22, 2020
Chateau Grand Traverse and Leelanau Cellars earned Best of Class honors. Chateau Grand Traverse earned the honor for its 2018 CGT Electric in the Riesling category, Leelanau Cellars won for its white sangria.

Jan. 22, 2020
When the time is right, weeks after the fall harvest of red and white wine grapes has wrapped up, clusters of frozen grapes, still clinging to barren, gnarly vines, are hand picked and transported to an unheated warehouse or outdoor pad for immediate pressing.

September 3, 2019
It’s nearly impossible to top the perfection of summer on the Old Mission Peninsula, but there’s something extra special about visiting Chateau Grand Traverse during wine harvest season. Old Mission Peninsula’s grapes are ripe, the leaves are changing, and it’s time for hoodies and wine. These are the six reasons to visit Chateau Grand Traverse during harvest season.

July 10, 2019
Summer is in full swing, and that means high time for wineries. If you’re looking for a getaway where you can find beautiful scenery and flavorful wine, plan a few wine tours in Northern Michigan. Regardless of where you may fall on the wine connoisseur spectrum, the following wineries are worth checking out this season.

July 5, 2019
The Traverse Wine Coast is well-known for its array of wines, which encapsulate the best qualities of the Northern Michigan growing region. Some of them, including wine bottled at Chateau Grand Traverse, have won worldwide acclaim.

June 17, 2019
The Wolverine State is sailing toward world-class wine production. You might not guess that the second-most agriculturally diverse state is Michigan, trailing California.

June 7, 2019
Who says dessert has to be food? These pretty and pink Michigan-made rosés are fruity and sweet, and they pair perfectly with your favorite charcuterie board or a summer afternoon with friends.

May 31, 2019
Wineries may be a dime a dozen in the Traverse City region, but that doesn’t mean they’re all the same.

May 13, 2019
Traverse Magazine Food & Drink Editor Tim Tebeau shares his go-to new wine releases on Old Mission Peninsula.

February 4, 2019
4 Romantic + Relaxing February Vacations in Northern Michigan
These winter getaways offer a retreat in the best sense of the word—with that just-right combination of nature and indulgence. Take a February vacation in Northern Michigan with your special someone.

January 12, 2019
Hello, and welcome to my periodic dig through the samples pile. I’m pleased to bring you the latest installment of Vinography Unboxed, where I highlight some of the better bottles that have crossed my doorstep recently.

December 14, 2018
For the Traverse City wine coast, it’s the time of year for discovering flavors and unique new blends.

September 13, 2018
Enjoy the ride north with pitstops and picnics at the 10 most beautiful roadside parks in Northern Michigan as chosen by our readers.

September 7, 2018
EDDIE O’KEEFE AND PIONEERING TRAVERSE CITY MICHIGAN WINERY CHATEAU GRAND TRAVERSE
In 1974 ex-FBI agent Ed O’Keefe had the crazy dream of planting Riesling in Traverse City in northern Michigan. While at the time many people shook their heads in disbelief his crazy bet paid off and today Michigan has developed a reputation with the Riesling insiders as producing special wines.

August 29, 2018
When it comes to wine tourism, it’s easy to be seduced by far-flung destinations, or rely on the big players in America, like Napa Valley and Sonoma County. But as American viticulture becomes more and more sophisticated, underdog regions have grown increasingly interesting.

August, 2018
When summer’s heat begins to wane, when the air grows crisp in the morning and the days grow shorter, it’s time to gear up for a Pure Michigan getaway amid a kaleidoscope of orange, yellow and crimson.

August 22, 2018
Why this Northern Michigan vineyard plants roses at the end of each row
Wine lovers doing a vineyard cruise in Northern Michigan might be surprised to find a European tradition in full bloom…. But those roses are more than just pretty petals.

August 10, 2018
The 41st annual Michigan Wine Competition found 55 of the state’s 145 wineries entering 413 wines into the competition, which is open only to wine produced from Michigan grapes and other fruit.

July, 2018
Winemakers are hoping rain comes soon to protect their grapes from being affected by this dry stretch of weather. Right now, the winemaker at Chateau Grand Traverse says it’s looking like a good crop because it’s been a hot summer.

July, 2018
Chateau Grand Traverse is releasing Riesling Ice Wine from its 2016 harvest. The winery received the Best of Class and the Double Gold Award from the 2018 Michigan Wine Competition.

June 28, 2018
You don’t need to plan a trip to Napa Valley to experience beautiful vineyards and elegant wines. In fact, you can discover some of the most breathtaking views and amazing wines at Old Mission Peninsula.

June 15, 2018
A margarita or frosty cerveza might be the traditional stand-by for your average taco Tuesday, but one Michigan vintner has a novel suggestion for next time: Pair those tacos with wine.

May 21, 2018
There’s a lot of wine-centric fun happening in Traverse City for the month of May, also known as Michigan Wine Month. But for the non-drinker and wine-lover alike, Traverse City Tourism’s Jenny Jenness has a few more Traverse City treasures she’s brought from the cherry capital.

March 23, 2018
CGT has done it again with this charming, delicious Riesling, with its flavors of apricot and citrus balanced by soft but persistent acidity. It’s dry without being mouth puckering, fruity and approachable without being sweet. A Goldilocks wine.

March 23, 2018
While it’s true wineries have settled in while waiting for their product to ferment to perfection, it doesn’t mean the work has stopped at our local vineyards. It takes a lot of work to prune and keep the vines intact all winter long at Chateau Grand Traverse, with its sweeping vineyards and abundant crop. In this week’s BrewVine, Charlie Tinker and Erin Malone learn about what it takes to keep our hearty, cold-weather vines in tip-top shape 24/7 and 365!

March 19, 2018
The first thing you should know about Traverse City, Michigan? That it’s a hidden gem for enophiles—who are spreading the word through the grapevine fast. The second? That it’s located at 45 degrees north latitude—long considered the sweet spot for world-class viticulture (see: Barolo, Côtes du Rhône).

August 11, 2017
The 2014 and 2015 growing years yielded a sub-par crop for local farmers, which meant those specialties were harder to come by, but after an amazing harvest last year, places like Chateau Grand Traverse are putting out extensive lines of specialty single vineyard wine.

August 9, 2017
We celebrated Wine Wednesday on The Nine this morning with Megan Molloy of Chateau Grand Traverse! Watch in the video player above.

March 24, 2017
10 INCREDIBLE WINE DESTINATIONS TO VISIT ACROSS AMERICA THIS SUMMER
Head down the WOMP (Wineries of Old Mission Peninsula) trail, made up of nine different wineries set against the gorgeous backdrop of the peninsula. The wine, scenery, and food scene make a gorgeous day trip or quick weekend getaway for those located in the northern part of the U.S.

March 21, 2017
Nowadays, there are many vineyards all over the country which are turned into tourist facilities. Here are some of the best vineyards in all of America that you must definitely take a look.

January 13, 2017
Big and small winemakers in the region have something in common: The need to stay relevant as Michigan’s beverage industry grows.

December 19, 2016
A cold front in Northern Michigan this weekend allowed Chateau Grand Traverse (CGT) to pick grapes for Ice Wine production. Just as temperatures dropped to a chilly 10 degrees on the morning of Monday, December 19, workers at CGT bundled up for a winter harvest, hastily picking frozen Riesling grapes.

September 21, 2016
Grapes are being grown and wines are being made in more and more places around the globe. Here’s a look at some of the world’s up-and-coming vinous neighborhoods.

April 28, 2016
Chateau Grand Traverse Donates $10,000 to Support Tree Planting in Michigan State Parks
Chateau Grand Traverse Winery (CGT) has made a donation of $10,000 to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to replace diseased trees in Michigan state parks. Today s donation, the first in a three-year partnership between the winery and the DNR, was given during a special check presentation held at P.J. Hoffmaster State Park in Muskegon.

August 25, 2015
Everyone knows the world’s classic wine regions: Tuscany, Burgundy, Bordeaux, Rioja, Napa Valley. Most are familiar with the “new classics” too, like South Africa’s Stellenbosch, Marlborough in New Zealand and Australia’s Barossa Valley. But not all the world’s best wine regions have yet been discovered. In fact, some of the finest wine is being made in places you might never even have heard of.

May 28, 2015
Michigan’s Best Winery Top 10 list, best of the rest and an unexpected surprise
Our six-day search for Michigan’s Best Winery took us on a journey to 24 wineries across Michigan where we sampled more than 200 wines, and even a few hard ciders.

May 18, 2015
Chateau Grand Traverse’s Wine Series to Benefit Michigan Department of Natural Resources
The Michigan winery Chateau Grand Traverse has launched a new series of wines in which a portion of the profits go to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources to better state parks, trails, and waterways.
Press Releases
Chateau Grand Traverse Releases Brand New Apparel Line
Chateau Grand Traverse Awarded 40 Medals in 2019 Wine Competitions
Chateau Grand Traverse Announces Tankhaus: An Unreal Lodging Experience
Chateau Grand Traverse Wins Best in Class, Two Double Gold and Four Golds at 2018 Michigan Wine Competition
Chateau Grant Traverse Wins Double Gold and Gold at Tasters Guild International Wine Competition
Chateau Grand Traverse Releases 2016 Ice Wine
Traverse City Cherry Wine Popularity Blossoms Overseas
Chateau Grand Traverse donates $10,000 to support tree planting in Michigan State Parks
Awards
International Eastern Wine Competition
Wine | Award |
---|---|
2019 Dry Riesling | Gold |
2018 Gamay Noir Limited | Gold |
2019 Pinot Noir Rosé Vin Gris | Silver |
2017 Silhouette | Silver |
2018 Whole Cluster Riesling | Silver |
2019 Late Harvest Riesling | Bronze |
San Francisco Chronicle International Wine Competition
Wine | Award |
---|---|
2019 Semidry Riesling | Gold |
2019 Pinot Noir Rosé Vin Gris | Silver |
2019 Late Harvest Riesling | Silver |
2018 Dry Riesling | Bronze |
2016 Pinot Noir Reserve | Bronze |
Dan Berger International Wine Competition
Wine | Award |
---|---|
2018 Dry Riesling | Triple Gold |
2018 Whole Cluster | Silver |
2018 Gamay Noir Limited | Silver |
2018 Pinot Noir Limited | Bronze |
San Francisco Chronicle International Wine Competition
Wine | Award |
---|---|
2018 Block Twelve Riesling | Best of Class |
2017 Dry Riesling | Double Gold |
2016 Silhouette | Gold |
2013 Pinot Noir Reserve | Silver |
2017 Gewürztraminer | Bronze |
International Eastern Wine Competition
Wine | Award |
---|---|
2018 Late Harvest Riesling | Gold |
2016 Silhouette | Gold |
2018 Block Twelve Riesling | Silver |
2016 Gamay Noir Reserve | Silver |
2017 Grüner Veltliner | Silver |
2017 Whole Cluster Riesling | Silver |
Taster’s Guild International Wine Competition
Wine | Award |
---|---|
2018 Block Twelve Riesling | Gold |
2016 Gamay Noir Reserve | Gold |
2018 Late Harvest Chardonnay | Silver |
2018 Dry Riesling | Silver |
2018 Late Harvest Riesling | Silver |
2018 Pinot Noir Limited | Silver |
2017 Grüner Veltliner | Bronze |
2018 Barrel Fermented Chardonnay | Bronze |
Dan Berger International Wine Competition
Wine | Award |
---|---|
2017 Gamay Noir Limited | Bronze |
2018 Block Twelve Riesling | Bronze |
San Francisco International Wine Competition
Wine | Award |
---|---|
2016 Gamay Noir Reserve | Silver |
2016 Cabernet Franc Reserve | Silver |
San Francisco Chronicle International Wine Competition
Wine | Award |
---|---|
2017 Dry Riesling | Double Gold |
2017 Semidry Riesling | Silver |
2016 Barrel Fermented Chardonnay | Silver |
2017 Block Twelve Riesling | Silver |
2017 Late Harvest Riesling | Bronze |
International Women’s Wine Competition
Wine | Award |
---|---|
2016 Barrel Fermented Chardonnay | Silver |
2017 Dry Riesling | Silver |
2017 Late Harvest Riesling | Silver |
2017 Whole Cluster Riesling | Silver |
2016 Etcetera White | Bronze |
2016 Ship of Fools | Bronze |
Pacific Rim International Wine Competition
Wine | Award |
---|---|
2017 Block Twelve Riesling | Gold |
2017 Dry Riesling | Silver |
2017 Etcetera White | Bronze |
2017 Pinot Noir Rosé Vin Gris | Bronze |
Finger Lakes International Wine Competition
Wine | Award |
---|---|
2016 Riesling Ice Wine | Double Gold |
2017 Dry Riesling | Silver |
2017 Gamay Noir Limited | Silver |
2017 Block Twelve Riesling | Bronze |
Taster’s Guild International Wine Competition
Wine | Award |
---|---|
2017 Etcetera Rosé | Gold |
2017 Dry Riesling | Gold |
2017 Gamay Noir Limited | Gold |
2017 Whole Cluster | Silver |
2016 Silhouette | Silver |
2017 Ship of Fools | Bronze |
LA International Wine Competition
Wine | Award |
---|---|
2017 Block Twelve Riesling | Best of Class |
2017 Block Twelve Riesling | Gold |
2017 Etcetera White | Gold |
Michigan Wine Competition
Wine | Award |
---|---|
2017 Block Twelve Riesling | Gold |
2017 Pinot Noir Limited | Gold |
2017 Pinot Noir Rosé Vin Gris | Gold |
2017 Barrel Fermented Chardonnay | Silver |
2017 Dry Riesling | Silver |
2017 Etcetera Rosé | Silver |
2017 Gamay Noir Limited | Silver |
2017 Pinot Grigio | Silver |
2017 Ship of Fools | Silver |
2016 Silhouette | Silver |
2017 Late Harvest Riesling | Bronze |
2017 Late Harvest Chardonnay | Bronze |
San Francisco Chronicle International Wine Competition
Wine | Award |
---|---|
2016 Block Twelve Riesling | Gold |
2016 Whole Cluster | Silver |
2016 Pinot Noir Rosé Vin Gris | Silver |
2016 Grü Vin Grüner Veltliner | Bronze |
2013 Cabernet Franc | Bronze |
International Eastern Wine Competition
Wine | Award |
---|---|
2016 Dry Riesling | Silver |
2016 Grü Vin Grüner Veltliner | Silver |
2016 Whole Cluster | Bronze |
Pacific Rim International Wine Competition
Wine | Award |
---|---|
2016 Dry Riesling | Gold |
2013 Gewürztraminer | Silver |
2016 Grü Vin Grüner Veltliner | Bronze |
2016 Whole Cluster | Bronze |
Dan Berger International Wine and Cider Competition
Wine | Award |
---|---|
2013 Gamay Noir Reserve | Best of Class |
2013 Gamay Noir Reserve | Triple Gold |
2016 Dry Riesling | Bronze |
Taster’s Guild International Wine Competition
Wine | Award |
---|---|
2016 Grü Vin Grüner Veltliner | Double Gold |
2016 Ship of Fools | Gold |
2016 Pinot Noir Rosé Vin Gris | Silver |
2016 Whole Cluster | Silver |
2013 Gamay Noir Reserve | Bronze |
2016 Dry Riesling | Bronze |
LA International Wine Competition
Wine | Award |
---|---|
2016 Late Harvest Riesling | Gold |
2016 Whole Cluster | Silver |
2016 Grü Vin Grüner Veltliner | Silver |
2016 Pinot Noir Rosé Vin Gris | Bronze |
Michigan Wine Competition
Wine | Award |
---|---|
2016 Riesling Ice Wine | Best of Class |
2016 Riesling Ice Wine | Double Gold |
2017 Semidry Riesling | Double Gold |
2013 Gamay Noir Reserve | Gold |
2016 Ship of Fools | Gold |
2017 Pinot Noir Rosé Vin Gris | Gold |
2017 Block Twelve Riesling | Gold |
2013 Cabernet Franc Reserve | Silver |
2016 Barrel Fermented Chardonnay | Silver |
2017 Pinot Grigio | Silver |
2013 Merlot Reserve | Bronze |
2016 Dry Riesling | Bronze |
2016 Whole Cluster | Bronze |
2017 Late Harvest Riesling | Bronze |
San Francisco International Wine Competition
Wine | Award |
---|---|
2013 Pinot Noir Reserve | Bronze |
2013 Merlot Reserve | Bronze |