The winery and vineyards of Chateau Chantal are located twelve miles north of Traverse City, Michigan on a ridge overlooking both the east and the west arms of Grand Traverse Bay. The Chateau has been designed to blend into the scenic environment and to offer high-quality lodging in keeping with the area's growing reputation for exceptional hospitality. Nearly every part of the property offers stunning views of Grand Traverse Bay, which is divided by the narrow, 20-mile long, Old Mission Peninsula. Chateau Chantal is able to grow vinifera wine grapes because of the influence of surrounding waters, convective air currents, good air drainage and protective snow depths during the winter. Because its geography and microclimate are sufficiently unique, the region has designated Old Mission Peninsula as an American Viticulture Area.
The Begin family, Robert, Nadine and daughter Marie-Chantal, opened the doors of friendly hospitality 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 has 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, we produce Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and other varietals.
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 home area of Detroit until a decision was made in 1972 to begin again as a businessman heading a 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. Married in 1974, the couple followed Robert’s dream of building a European style winery chateau. Upon completion and opening of the operation, it was clearly evident that the years spent in service to others had molded the Begins into the perfect hosts. Their caring and enthusiastic spirit shines through to every visitor and employee of the Chateau, creating the most special and memorable of visits.
What do you hope to accomplish with your wines?
Michigan wines have some perception hurdles to cross. Not everyone is willing to take a look at the fantastic wines being produced in their backyard, often opting for the traditional Californian and European wines. We are part of the multitude of Michigan wineries creating quality products that are proving themselves in international competitions, with wine writers and sommeliers, and of course, with our customers.
Who is on your “team”?
Our vineyard manager is my husband, Paul Dalese. He is a diesel mechanic by trade from Adelaide, Australia who has learned the viniculture ropes from our winemakers Mark Johnson and Brian Hosmer. We farm all our vineyards on Old Mission Peninsula ourselves, and have an on-site manager in our vineyard in Argentina, Osvoldo Ortiz.
We have a full time staff of about 18-20 people, with a total of about 100 employees that help out at various times of the year, from harvest, to the tasting room, and the Bed & Breakfast.
Mark B. Johnson is Vice President of the Company and also serves in the position of Winemaker. His responsibilities include overseeing the Company's grape growing and wine production and distribution marketing. Mr. Johnson received his B.A. degree in social work from Michigan State University in 1974. In 1983, he received a degree in Viticulture and Enology at the Federal Research Station and Institute, Geisenheim, Germany. From 1983 to 1993, Mr. Johnson was employed as a winemaker at Chateau Grand Traverse, a local winery. His employment with the Company began in 1993.
Brian Hosmer was hired as a Winemaker at Chateau Chantal in 2007. Hosmer was born in Flint, and is a graduate of Michigan State University in Resource Development, he switched his area of study to winemaking and viticulture after several teaching-assistant positions in France, Spain and Belgium -- where he learned to appreciate wine. Brian went through the two-year wine/viticulture program at MSU, and has a Master's degree.
Marie-Chantal Dalese is a marketing and management specialist with unique graduate education in the wine business. She is the daughter of the founder and namesake for the Chateau growing up on the Chateau estate. Her current position is that of Director of Marketing with Chateau Chantal and Secretary for the company. She previously worked with Connoisseur Wines, Inc as an Office Manager/Sales Representative/Marketing Assistant. Prior to that, she worked with Binny’s Beverage Depot in Chicago as a Wine Consultant and Chateau Chantal in various functions. Marie Chantal has a Bachelor of Science in Marketing & Management from DePaul University, Chicago and a Graduate diploma in Wine Marketing from the University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA Australia. She also completed the Roseworthy Wine Tasting Program in Adelaide.
How often do you come out with new products? Are you working on anything new?
At this point, we need to put the reins on new products! We have about 35 different wines, ports, and spirits that we produce. Our latest is an oak-aged brandy called Cinq à Sept, French for happy hour. We are currently working on harvesting the 2012 crop of wine grapes to create our 35 different products.
Are your products sold anywhere besides Chicago?
We are only distributed in Michigan and Illinois.
Where do you find the inspiration for the products/flavors you select for your portfolio?
We find our inspiration for the style of wines that we make from the grapes themselves. Every vintage year is different and produces variations in the grape’s sugar levels, acid levels, and flavor. We work with what nature provides us, letting the grapes dictate the style.
How do you plan to grow your portfolio?
Our portfolio is complete – we offer a range of wines and spirits from sparkling, dry, semi-dry, sweet and dessert. We have been doing more private label wine for other customers as a way to grow our offerings.
Of all the millions of products you could have specialized in, why wine?
Wine is fruit of the vine – work of human hands! Nothing connects you so well to the land, yet offers such joy to the human palate, and can be enjoyed as a daily luxury.
What is your favorite part of this job?
Wine industry folks are creative, fun, and unique characters to work with – I enjoy every day working in this multi-faceted business.
What is your least favorite part?
Regulation! Running a business that deals in alcohol means you need to get your legal, financial, and regulation skills in order.
What is your favorite story/anecdote that occurred along the way in creating your product?
Our private driveway, which is about a ½ mile long, is named “Rue de Vin,” road of wine, and there’s a good reason for this! When we first moved into the Chateau in 1993, we were making product about a mile down the road in a different warehouse. When it came time to move the tanks and wine into the new facility, it was decided to simply load the 1500 gallon stainless steel tank full of Riesling onto a flatbed truck and bring it up the hill…a very steep hill…in February…in Michigan. What started as a time saving idea, ended up as a greatly dented tank and 1500 gallons of Riesling spilling it’s christening wine all down the road. Hence, it truly, honestly is a road of wine!
No comments:
Post a Comment