One of Northern Michigan’s most anticipated harvest traditions returns October 3 on Old Mission Peninsula
The vineyards are bursting with ripe grapes, the fall colors are beginning to emerge, and harvest season is in full swing at Chateau Chantal.
To celebrate one of the most exciting times of the year in Northern Michigan wine country, Chateau Chantal will host its annual Harvest Festival on Saturday, October 3, from noon to 4 p.m., featuring a free family-friendly grape stomp, local artisan market, vineyard tours, food and wine experiences, and a special celebration honoring founder Bob Begin’s 92nd birthday.
Set atop the scenic ridge of Old Mission Peninsula overlooking both East and West Grand Traverse Bays, the festival offers visitors a rare opportunity to experience harvest season at one of Michigan’s most iconic wineries.
“Harvest is the heartbeat of every winery,” said CEO Marie-Chantal Dalese. “It’s the culmination of a year’s worth of work in the vineyard, and we love inviting guests to celebrate alongside us. This year’s festival is especially meaningful as we honor our founder, Bob Begin, on his 92nd birthday.”
On this weekend's Behind the Mitten Show, we talk to Kyle Brownley, the marketing director at Chateau Chantal, a winery that Gonzo picked as one of Michigan's Best wineries way back in 2015. It is located on Old Mission Peninsula in Traverse City.
Kyle shares his enthusiasm for the annual Fall Festival on Oct. 3, and other fall events, including wine dinners and an interactive Murder Mystery Dinner on Friday, Oct. 30.
Learn more about the Oct. 3 fall festival at chateauchantal.com/harvest-festival.
LISTEN TO THE INTERVIEW BELOW:
A Celebration of Harvest, Wine & Community
The free Harvest Festival showcases the best of Northern Michigan agriculture, food, wine, art, and hospitality.
Festival Highlights
Public Vineyard & Cellar Tour 1 p.m.
Join CEO Marie-Chantal Dalese for an insider’s look at the winemaking process, from vineyard to bottle, including access to the winery cellar during peak harvest activity.
Grape Stomping For All Ages 2 p.m.
Channel your inner Lucille Ball and take part in one of the day’s most popular traditions by crushing grapes the old-fashioned way, barefoot and laughing alongside friends and family.
Cork Toss Championship 3 p.m.
Teams compete for the coveted Cork Toss title and Chateau Chantal gift card prizes.
All-Day Harvest Festival Attractions
Wine, Food & Fall Views
11 a.m. - 7 p.m.
The tasting room will feature wine flights, wines by the glass, seasonal cocktails, charcuterie boards, chef-prepared menu offerings, cozy indoor fireplaces, outdoor fire pits, and self-guided access to the winery’s open cellar.
Visitors can enjoy 25% off all 12-bottle wine purchases during the event.
Local Artisan Market
11 a.m. - 6 p.m.
The Harvest Art Fair will feature distinctive Michigan-made products, gifts, home décor, food items, and artwork from local artists and makers, including:
North Coast Golf Company
Lakes & Grapes
Lakuna Links
Le Macaron Traverse City
Leelanau Pottery Company
Kendall Wisniewski Art
DC Boat Shelves
MORRISMADE Handmade Home Goods
Why Knot Pretzels
Founder Bob Begin’s 92nd Birthday Open House
12 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Guests are invited inside founder Bob Begin’s apartment to enjoy breathtaking bay views, meet the visionary who founded Chateau Chantal, and watch a special presentation highlighting his remarkable life and legacy in Michigan wine tourism.
Fall Harvest Wine Dinners
Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays through November 6
Guests can experience the flavors of the season through Chateau Chantal’s acclaimed six-course wine dinners featuring locally inspired cuisine prepared by Executive Chef Randy Minish and expertly paired wines.
$115 per person, includes winery tour, six-course dinner, wine pairings, tax, and gratuity.
Reservations: www.chateauchantal.com/public-events
Murder in Wonderland
Interactive Murder Mystery Dinner Friday, October 30
Wonderland has never been so dangerous.
Guests become characters in a mysterious Alice in Wonderland-inspired adventure where clues, hidden secrets, and unexpected twists unfold throughout a multi-course dinner experience.
6:00 p.m. (doors open at 5:45 p.m.)
$85 per person, tax and gratuity included
Reservations: https://shorturl.at/kZVgc
