1-800-969-4009
15900 Rue de Vin
Traverse City, MI 49686
The Begin family, Robert, Nadine and daughter Marie-Chantal, opened the doors of this magnificent Old Mission Peninsula winery near Traverse City, Michigan, one of America’s up and coming wine regions in 1993 upon the completion of a French style three room B&B, winery and vineyard estates. As of July 2003, the B&B’s circle of friends had grown considerably when a 15,000 square foot expansion increased the total units available to eleven. Located on a 65-acre estate on Old Mission Peninsula, in one of the most scenic areas of the Great Lakes, the B&B provides a unique destination that combines vineyards and winery, a bed & breakfast, winding roads, fresh air and kind company. Views of East and West Grand Traverse Bays, Power Island, and rolling vineyards abound from each window. Focusing on Michigan wines, Chateau Chantal produces Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and other varietals. The area, originally famous for cherry orchards (and still is, with the National Cherry Festival taking place the first week of July each year), but due to the unique micro climate of this narrow peninsula jutting some 15 miles into Grand Traverse Bay, the moderated climate and sandy soils are perfect for growing many varietals of grapes!
Perhaps even more interesting than the magical story of winemaking is the history of the Chateau’s founding couple, Robert and Nadine. Their fascinating tale begins with two previous careers of service to others. As a Catholic diocesan priest for 12 years, Robert worked in his hometown of Detroit until 1972 when he went into the construction business. Nadine had taken a similar path by entering the Felician Sisters in 1950. After earning her Master’s Degree in Home Economics and teaching for 22 years, she too made a decision to seek a different life. The couple met and were married in 1974, they proceeded to follow Robert’s dream of building a European style winery chateau in on the Old Mission Peninsula. The years the couple spent in service to others made them naturally warm, welcoming, enthusiastic, spirited hosts. Staying at Chateau Chantal, or even visiting for a tasting or tour is a memorable experience!
Robert and Nadine Begin originally formed Begin Orchards and purchased 60 acres of cherry orchards on the estate property. Between 1984 and 1991, the Begins cleared much of this land, planted various grapes varieties and purchased additional land. In July 1990, Mr. Begin received a Special Use Permit from the Peninsula Township to operate the Chateau. In June 1991, the Company was incorporated and in 1993 construction of the Chateau was completed. July of 2003 saw the completion of the expansion which added eight B&B units to the original three, and a 2,000 sq. ft. Hospitality Room equipped for executive retreats and events.
Mark Johnson has been the winemaker at Chateau Chantal since we opened. Trained at the Geisenheim Research Institute in Germany, Mark has a dedicated passion for making classic cool climate wines from Northern Michigan. He also spends his time in Argentina, making our Malbec red wine from their vineyard in Mendoza.
The winery hosts cooking classes and an incredible “Sensory Tour,” which explores how sound, food pairings, and glass shape affect our perception of wine and our experience with wines. After enjoying the visit, Fred Bollaci has awarded Chateau Chantal the Golden Palate Certificate of Excellence, the first Golden Palate Winery in Michigan! When planning a visit to the Traverse City area, be sure to include Chateau Chantal for a tasting, or perhaps a night or two!
Fred Bollaci with Chantal!
For food pairing tasting, we tried wine with chocolate truffles, and toast with apricots soaked in Riesling atop bruschetta with raw cashew butter, among other things!
See you in #PureMichigan, and please be sure to tell the folks at Chateau Chantal that Fred Bollaci sent you. For special tours and inquiries, please ask for Christine Raymond, Director of Sales & Marketing.
