Search

Log in to Busch's MyWay

Chateau Grand Traverse

Thirty-six years ago, Edward O'Keefe, Jr., did the unthinkable. Against everyone's advice, this successful Detroit-area businessman packed up his family and moved them to the the 45th parallel on Old Mission Peninsula. Edward's dream was to open a winery, and in 1974, he and his family started Chateau Grand Traverse. He began to revolutionize the Michigan wine scene immediately by introducing European varietals, a feat which many had believed impossible. His persistence and vision made Chateau Grand Traverse one of the first commercial wineries in the state of Michigan.

Edward's sons are following in their father's footsteps. Shaun crafts the wines, while Eddie manages the winery's business, overseeing nationwide distribution and representing the wine industry on several national and international boards. They continue to cultivate many European varietals, including Riesling, Chardonnay, Gamay noir, Merlot, Pinot noir, Cabernet franc, Pinot gris, Pinot blanc, Pinot meunier and Gewurztraminer. In pursuit of their father's dream, they have achieved one of the largest Riesling productions this side of the Mississippi. Their portfolio of wines have received hundreds of awards along the way, but none have been more highly and frequently recognized than their Rieslings.

Chateau Grand Traverse, one of Michigan's largest wineries, has become a popular vacation destination for all seasons. Its wonderful wines, set against the natural beauty of Old Mission Peninsula, will continue to wow visitors for years to come.

Jeff Abraham
Busch's Beverage Consultant at our Ann Arbor-Green Road store.

Back to the Libations page