Michigan Winery Invited to Participate in New York International Riesling Wine Tasting

Chateau Grand Traverse, the oldest and one of the largest commercial wineries in Northern Michigan, will join top Riesling wine producers from all over the world in the prestigious 2008 Riesling Fellowship Tasting.

[USPRwire, Mon Dec 08 2008] The international event, now in its third year, is hosted by Wines of Germany, and will be held December 1st at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in New York City.

On the invitation list is a small but influential group of Riesling wineries who have been involved with the wine’s growth and success in the U.S. market.

“These are my industry peers and we are honored to be included in such a distinguished list of the world’s top Riesling producers,” noted Sean O’Keefe, Specialty Winemaker at Chateau Grand Traverse. “I’m very familiar with many of these wineries, and consider them to be among the very best and consistent Riesling producers in the world.

“It’s very rewarding to see our Michigan Riesling wines achieve the status my family has worked so hard for over the years.”

Joining the Old Mission Peninsula-based winery are distinguished Riesling producers from around the world, including France, South Africa, New Zealand, Germany, Austria and Australia.

Founded in 1974, Chateau Grand Traverse was the first commercial winery to plant Riesling grapes in Michigan. Over the years, it has gained national recognition for its Riesling varietals by winning gold medals in prestigious tasting events throughout the United States and abroad. Today, it offers up to seven Riesling style wines that represent the versatility of the Riesling grape and the unique regional taste and style of Michigan’s storied Old Mission Peninsula.

Chateau Grand Traverse wines are presently available in New York city at the renowned Aquavit Restaurant. Its products are also available throughout Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and California.

ABOUT CHATEAU GRAND TRAVERSE
Next year (2009), Chateau Grand Traverse will mark 35 years of winemaking in Michigan. Founded in 1974 by Ed O’Keefe Jr., the winery pioneered vinifera (Riesling) grape growing in the state. It has been producing classic European varietal wines under the Chateau Grand Traverse label since 1976. The winery is 100% family owned and operated, and combines an ongoing dedication to research with a strong commitment of classic winemaking traditions. Chateau Grand Traverse has 150 acres of estate vineyards. It also purchases grapes from an additional 50 acres of contract growers on Old Mission Peninsula, located in the northwest corner of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula. Its labels include Chateau Grand Traverse, Grand Traverse Select and Traverse Bay Winery.