Chateau Chantal launches events business
Chateau Chantal recently received approval from Peninsula Township to host events for non-overnight guests. This has been a long process culminating in a Township zoning amendment allowing activities for certain groups. With this unique piece of legislation the Chateau was instrumental in crafting the platform for better utilization of the Chateau building—especially in off-season. In exchange for the privilege to host non-overnight guest events, the Company promises to buy additional grapes from Old Mission Peninsula beyond our estate farm. The end result is preservation of additional land in agriculture and preservation of the environment.
Specifically we can host:
- Events for non-profit organizations with Grand Traverse County activities
- Events promoting agriculture
- Cooking and wine seminars and schools
In the first 6 months of operation under this ordinance we have hosted 25 events adding to the profitability of our B&B.
Peninsula Township Passes Resolution supporting winery/farms
Under the leadership of Chateau Chantal, Peninsula Township passed a resolution supporting its winery farms. The essence of the resolution is:
The grape and wine industry has become established on the Old Mission Peninsula and is contributing to the vitality of the farm economy. These wineries are primarily family owned and exist to provide a valuable market for grapes grown on farms of the Peninsula. These wineries have gained recognition internationally for the unique quality and taste of our Old Mission wines enabling a healthy farm economy and enhanced regional economy and environment through farm preservation. This industry developed and depends on direct customer contact, tourism and superior reputation. Direct access to the customer in winery tasting rooms and direct shipping to customers are critical to their existence.
Click to view the full Resolution.
Land Purchase in Argentina
Argentina: The Company has entered into a five-year agreement with a partly owned corporation that was formed to purchase, cultivate and harvest a vineyard in Mendoza, Argentina. The agreement allows for the company to merge with Chateau Chantal between the fifth and sixth anniversary at a pre determined cap rate, and at the option of the Chateau. The objective will allow Chateau Chantal to offer its customers the deep red varieties it cannot grow in Michigan’s terroir The vineyard is 55 hectares (about 135 acres) with approximately 44 acres in Malbec and seven in Bonarda.
Other agreements have established a Branch in Argentina and a contracted team consisting of a manager, agronomist, enologist, field crew and nearby wine-making facility. Company winemaker Mark Johnson will direct our own style of wine making at the site beginning in our first harvest in March of 2005. We expect product for sale in Traverse City and elsewhere by the late spring of ’06.
This venture is by no means an indication of shifting focus. The Company has clearly committed more than 95% of its resources to growing vinifera grapes and making wine or sale in a context of superior hospitality on Old Mission Peninsula. It currently cultivates six farms on the Peninsula and continues to seek additional lands for farming.
Chateau Chantal adds Elite Peninsula Farm
The Company purchased the 85 acre Blue Water Farm located on Montague Road in the southern part of the Old Mission Peninsula. This farm, approximately six miles north of Traverse City includes 35 acres of land zoned residential with stunning views of East and West Grand Traverse Bays. The balance of the farm is zoned agricultural and currently includes 35 acres of cherries and 15 acres of grapes.
This farm has been a longterm supplier of grapes for the Chateau. This unique property has adequate acreage to provide a number of opportunities for the Company. The residential acreage is prime for sale to a developer or development by the Company. The agricultural acreage is one of the few sites near Traverse City with adequate acreage for development of a winery or winery chateau. We recently received Township approval to rezone a prime winery site on this farm located on a bluff overlooking West Bay to agricultural which would allow winery construction at that location.
Wine Legislation Updates
The best up-to-date information we can give you is best represented at this address....
www.winecam.org
The Supreme Court, American Wineries, & You
On May 16th, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of private wineries in the battle with wholesale distributors over the direct sale of wine to consumers. The High Court ruled that states whose vintners ship directly to consumers can no longer prevent out-of-state wineries from doing the same.
Now, it is up to the states to decide whether direct shipping is to be wholly interstate or banned completely. Michigan is one of these states.
We here at Chateau Chantal believe in free trade, growth, and progressive movement in the wine industry; therefore, we strongly support the decision made by the Supreme Court. And we need your help! State capitals are now the focus of the court's decision, and heavy lobbying is taking place for and against wine-direct shipping. Wineries across America have united and created a website designated to helping you, the consumer, to learn and take a part in the reformation of the wine industry's future.
http://www.freethegrapes.org/
This website has loads of information, and up-to-date press releases; as well as an online form you can send directly to your state legislators with the click of a button. We need all the help we can get, so please take a moment of your time and visit it today.
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