The Vineyards

Because it’s the grapes which make the wine

The Vineyards

Estate & Grower Vineyards

The Old Mission Peninsula AVA is an American Viticultural Area, established by Chateau Grand Traverse and located in Grand Traverse County, Michigan. The area is now known for well-regarded Michigan wine. The Old Mission Peninsula extends northward from Traverse City into the Grand Traverse Bay of Lake Michigan, ending at Old Mission Point. The peninsula is 19 miles (31 km) long by 3 miles (5 km) wide at its widest point. The climate on the peninsula is moderated by the surrounding waters (500 feet deep), helping to prevent frost during the growing season.

Red Grape Varieties

Varietal Acreage
Owned
Acreage
Contracted
Total
Acreage
Gamay Noir 9.0 0.0 9.0
Pinot Noir 6.3 2.7 9.0
Merlot 2.2 3.2 5.4
Cabernet Franc 0.1 2.6 2.7
Other Reds 2.7 0.0 2.7
Cabernet Dorsa 1.1 0.0 1.1
Total Red 21.4 Acres 8.5 Acres 29.9 Acres

White Grape Varieties

Varietal Acreage
Owned
Acreage
Contracted
Total
Acreage
Riesling 78.5 54.3 132.0
Chardonnay 11.1 4.5 15.3
Pinot Gris 4.5 10.6 11.1
Pinot Blanc 1.8 2.0 3.8
Grüner Veltliner 2.3 1.5 3.7
Gewürztraminer 1.6 2.9 3.5
Muscat Ottonel 1.9 0.0 1.6
Other Whites 0.9 0.0 0.9
Total White 102.3 Acres 75.8 Acres 178.1 Acres

Geology & Climate

Soil: Loamy Sand/Glacial Till, pH of 7.2-8.0 pH

Elevation: 640-850 feet

Latitude: Chateau Grand Traverse vineyards lie directly on the 45° North Parallel.

Terrain: Vineyards are located primarily on southwest/west facing hillsides along the central ridge of the Old Mission Peninsula.

Heat Units: 5-Year Average = 2260 Degree Days (+50°F)

Growing Season: 145-160 days

Precipitation: 5-Year Average = 24.69“

Snowfall: 80.0“ Average

Vineyard Ages

21 acres: 35+ years

15 acres: 18-24 years

143 acres: 8-13 years

27 acres: 5 years or less

Yields

In a normal year, yields will exceed 700 tons, averaging an approximate 3.5 tons per acre.

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