Every November, wine lovers across France gather to celebrate the arrival of the season’s first wine. This year, Chateau Grand Traverse offers our own interpretation of that tradition with the return of Gamay Nouveau. Crafted from estate-grown Gamay Noir, this vibrant expression of the 2026 harvest brings one of our longest-standing varietals back in a fresh and unexpected way.
Released just weeks after harvest, Gamay Nouveau captures a moment that can only exist once. Fresh, energetic, and exuberantly fruit-forward, it offers an early glimpse into the personality of the vintage before time and cellar aging leave their mark. Produced in exceptionally small quantities and available only once each year, it is among the most fleeting wines in our portfolio. The 2026 release also marks the first vintage under Winemaker Virginia Usher, who will join us for the evening to meet guests, pour alongside the team, and share what she sees ahead for Gamay at Chateau Grand Traverse.
For one night, the Chateau Grand Traverse Tasting Room will close to the public and transform into a private, French countryside-inspired celebration built around the first public pouring of the 2026 Gamay Noir Nouveau. Guests are invited to mingle throughout the space while Executive Chef Keil presents chef-attended culinary stations inspired by the flavors and convivial spirit of French wine country.
For a winery that has grown and produced Gamay Noir for more than five decades, the return of Nouveau feels both familiar and long overdue.
Your ticket includes
- First public tasting of the 2026 Gamay Nouveau
- Open wine bar featuring estate favorites and select library wines
- Rare library vintages of Gamay Noir and Gamay Noir Reserve
- Chef-attended culinary stations inspired by French harvest traditions
- Preferred pricing on Gamay Nouveau purchases during the event
Event Details:
Date: Thursday, November 19, 2026
Time: 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Location: Chateau Grand Traverse Tasting Room
Closed to the public for this private ticketed event.
Attire: Harvest Elegance. Jackets requested for gentlemen; elevated evening attire encouraged. No denim please.
Tickets: Limited Availability
- General Admission: $125
- Wine Club Members: $99 (Please contact the Tasting Room to activate member pricing)
A First Look at the 2026 Vintage
