Winery FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you charge for Wine Tasting?
Wine tastings include 5 samples of any of our wines for $10 per person. For more information about wine tastings, click here.
What is the best wine you make at Chateau Grand Traverse?
The best wine we make is the one you love most. Taste is personal—and that’s the fun of winery visits.
Whether you gravitate toward bright, refreshing Rieslings, elegant Michigan-grown Reds, or something with a little more texture and depth, our lineup is intentionally crafted to offer something for every palate. Our tasting staff is always happy to help guide you to the style that fits your preferences best.
What is the price range of your wines?
Our wines span a wide range to fit different tastes and occasions, with most bottles priced between $12 and $50. We also offer quantity discounts and special savings for Wine Club members.
From time to time, we release limited-production or collector selections that fall above this range due to their rarity, extended aging, or unique craftsmanship.
Do you offer anything else besides wine?
Absolutely. While wine is at the heart of what we do, our tasting room offers plenty of ways to enjoy your visit. We serve refreshing hard seltzer and a selection of non-alcoholic beverages, along with chef-prepared snacks and hearty shareable bites—perfect for pairing with your tasting or relaxing with friends on the patio.
We also host live music, special events, and seasonal entertainment throughout the year, creating an easygoing, festive atmosphere inside the winery and outdoors overlooking the vineyards. We recommend checking our Events & Entertainment Calendar to see what’s happening during your visit.
Plus, don’t forget to browse our curated collection of apparel, glassware, and specialty winery merchandise to take a little piece of Chateau Grand Traverse home with you.
Can I bring my kids to the winery?
Yes—families are welcome at Chateau Grand Traverse. We simply ask that children remain closely supervised at all times so everyone can enjoy a relaxed winery experience.
Please note that we do not have a playground or child-specific activities, so bringing along quiet entertainment can be helpful during your visit. Children are welcome inside the winery and may join tours with their family, but guests under 21 are not permitted to consume alcohol and must remain away from the tasting bar during pour service—even with parent permission.
Can we bring our pet to Chateau Grand Traverse?
We love meeting your four-legged travel companions! Well-behaved, leashed dogs are welcome to enjoy the outdoor areas of the winery, including the parking lot, grassy spaces, and our patio—as long as they remain under your control at all times and you clean up after them.
For health and safety reasons, dogs are not permitted inside the tasting room, on winery tours, or at the Inn. We appreciate your help in keeping the winery comfortable and enjoyable for all our guests—two- and four-legged alike.
Do you have any suggestions to make my wine tasting experience better?
Come curious and open-minded—that’s the best way to discover something new you’ll love. Our tasting staff is knowledgeable, approachable, and always happy to guide you toward styles that match your preferences or help you explore outside your comfort zone.
For the best sensory experience, arrive with a clean palate and try to avoid heavy perfume or cologne, mints, smoking, or very sweet or spicy foods right before tasting, as these can dull flavors and aromas.
Do you offer quantity discounts?
Yes! Quantity discounts are available and are always listed right on your tasting sheet so they’re easy to see while you sample.
Wine Club members enjoy even deeper savings and exclusive perks, which our staff is always happy to explain—or you can explore in our club brochures during your visit.
Do you have a wine club?
We do—and it’s one of the best ways to stay connected to the winery. Our Wine Clubs feature exclusive releases, preferred pricing on wines, special event access, and member-only perks throughout the year.
Whether you’re local or love having Northern Michigan delivered to your doorstep, there’s a club option to match your lifestyle.
Do you offer private labels?
At this time, we’re unable to offer custom or private label wines. Our production is focused on small-lot, estate winemaking and limited releases, which doesn’t allow for personalized bottlings.
That said, our team is always happy to help you select a bottle—or build a curated gift set—that feels perfectly tailored for special occasions, celebrations, or corporate gifting.
Are your facilities handicapped accessible?
Yes—we want all guests to feel comfortable and welcome when visiting Chateau Grand Traverse. We offer handicapped parking in both our upper and lower lots. For the easiest access, we recommend dropping off guests who need assistance near the upper tasting room entrance, as the lower lot requires a short uphill walk to reach the front door.
Inside, our main tasting room features an ADA-accessible tasting bar, and our on-site Inn is fully ADA compliant with accessible accommodations available. If you have specific needs or questions ahead of your visit, our team is always happy to help.
Do I need to make a reservation for a tour?
Yes—we offer a selection of curated private tasting and tour experiences designed for guests who want to go deeper into our wines, vineyards, and winemaking story. These aren’t large, scheduled walk-throughs—instead, our experiences are more intimate, reservation-based offerings that allow our team to give you truly personalized attention.
From vineyard walks and barrel room tastings to focused experiences like our House of Riesling tour, each curated activity is crafted to showcase both our wines and the unique character of the Old Mission Peninsula. Availability varies by season and demand, and reservations are required in advance.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Children are welcome to join our tours, and we always enjoy seeing families learn together. That said, our tours dive into vineyard facts, winemaking techniques, and tasting traditions—fascinating for most adults… and maybe a bit less thrilling for very young attention spans.
If your little ones love hearing about fermentation tanks and barrel aging, they might be future winemakers in the making. Otherwise, you may want to plan accordingly—or bring along some quiet entertainment to keep everyone happy during the experience.
Can I bring outside alcohol to Chateau Grand Traverse?
No. Outside alcohol is not permitted anywhere on our property due to Michigan Liquor Control regulations. Thank you for helping us keep everyone safe—and compliant.
Do you offer wine by the glass?
Yes! We offer wine and seltzer by the glass year-round, along with our tasting flight options. Glass pricing varies by selection.
To view current offerings and pricing for glasses and flights, click here to explore our tasting menu.
Do you have a restaurant on-site?
We don’t have a full restaurant, but we do offer a seasonal small-bites menu crafted by our Executive Chef, featuring shareable favorites like charcuterie boards, artisan cheeses, flatbreads, large Bavarian-style pretzels, marinated olives, and more—perfect for enjoying with a glass of wine on the patio or in the tasting room.
Do you allow guests to have picnics at your facilities?
Outside food isn’t permitted since we offer on-site dining options and operate within approved service areas under Michigan regulations. For everyone’s safety and compliance, picnicking on the property isn’t available at this time.
Is smoking allowed at Chateau Grand Traverse?
Chateau Grand Traverse is a smoke-free property. Smoking of any kind—including cigarettes, e-cigarettes, vaping devices, and cannabis/marijuana in any form—is not permitted anywhere on the grounds, including inside the winery, on patios, in the vineyards, or at the Inn.
Thank you for helping us maintain a comfortable environment for all guests.
Can I find your wine in stores or restaurants?
Yes! Our wines are featured in select restaurants, wine shops, and retail stores across Michigan and beyond.
To find a location near you that carries Chateau Grand Traverse wines, click here to use our Store & Restaurant Locator.
Do your wines contain sulfites?
Yes—like nearly all wines, our wines contain sulfites. Sulfites occur naturally during fermentation, and in some cases, our winemaking team adds very small amounts to help protect the wine. They act as both an antioxidant and a preservative, keeping flavors fresh and preventing unwanted fermentation or spoilage.
All fruit-based wines contain sulfites, and the amounts used in our wines are well below federal limits—generally around 180 parts per million, compared to the legal maximum of 300 ppm—ensuring stability while staying safe for most wine drinkers.
How many calories/carbohydrates are in a glass of wine?
On average, a 5-ounce glass of dry wine has about 125 calories and 3–5 grams of carbohydrates. Sweeter styles tend to be higher, coming in closer to 200–250 calories per glass with 12–16 grams of carbohydrates, depending on the wine.
