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 Begin’s 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.
While Chateau Chantal was not incorporated until 1991, its history began in December 1983, when Robert and Nadine Begin
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.
Click here
to view our Bios page to learn about our winemaker
and other staff members.
Click here
to download a copy of a Chateau Chantal timeline
(PDF).
Who is the Winemaker?
Mark Johnson has been the winemaker at Chateau Chantal since we opened. Click here to read more about Mark.
How long has Chateau Chantal been open?
Chateau Chantal, a Michigan winery, planted their first vines in 1986 and opened the original building in 1993. In July of 2003, an expansion was completed bringing the total B&B units from three to eleven with the addition of a 2,000 square foot Hospitality Room.
