As the Midwest’s premier producer of Riesling, Chateau Grand Traverse has earned a place of distinction as The House of Riesling—a benchmark for expressive, cool-climate winemaking since 1974. Offered exclusively during the Traverse City Food & Wine Festival, this experience blends two of Chateau Grand Traverse’s most sought-after tours: The Art of Riesling and The Private Barrel Room Tasting. The sensory journey begins with an in-depth exploration of this signature varietal. Through guided tastings, vertical comparisons, and tank samples, you’ll uncover the nuance and range of Riesling as expressed through Northern Michigan terroir—paired with thoughtful seasonal bites to deepen the sensory connection.
Then, step into the inner sanctum of the winemaking process: the working barrel cellar. Here, surrounded by rows of aging oak, you’ll enjoy a seated, pre-fixe tasting led by a senior guide, featuring limited-release, reserve, and cellar-only wines that rarely see public pour.
The tour includes tank samples from the cellar, curated tasting of six estate wines and small bites pairings curated by the estate executive chef, as well as education about the vineyard site, aging, and winemaking craft.