Chateau Chantal Winery & Tasting Room, Traverse City

My boyfriend and I went here for the wine tastings, there was not a wait while we were there on a beautiful Saturday afternoon which was surprising to us. This winery was a bit more expensive for the amount of wine that we got compared to some of the others we went to. But the views on the patio were amazing and it was very nice to be able to relax and enjoy the views. We did get a good amount of wine per taste and the lady who helped us was very nice and had some great recommendations.

I had a great experience at Chateau Chantal earlier today (January 4, 2023)!! It was my first time there and the Tasting Room Manager, Hailey Green, couldn't have been nicer in greeting me, answering my questions about their wine selections (I was looking for sweeter wines), and directing me towards a few selections which I really liked!! The ambiance and decor of the place is really inviting, as well, and the views of the countryside are beautiful!! I will definitely be back again.

This is place is a paradise! It’s overwhelmingly beautiful and cute. They have seating areas in the backyard facing west with breathtaking views, indoors bar and little shop, as well as another outdoor area facing east. Spectacular wine selections especially their ice wine which is very expensive and sweet.

Chateau Chantal was on our advanced list of places to visit as it was mentioned in a number of books and articles that we had read. The location of this winery is the top selling point. Located back off the road you drive through the vineyards to make it back to the winery, inn, and tasting room. The winery is located on top of the hill with views of the bay on both sides. It is one of the best settings ever to sit and enjoy a glass of wine. So let's talk about the three stars. First off, this place is designed to crank people through their tasting area. When you walk in the door you have to stop and purchase your ticket before you even walk into the tasting room. The tasting is $10 for a three-wine tasting, or you can get a single glass of wine for the same amount. Then you stand in a queue with your ticket in hand to go to a tasting station. We had a nice young man working at the winery while attending the maritime college in Traverse City. He was helpful and set us up with our three tasters in a cool wine caddy so you can take your wines outside. I would definitely stick to the roses and whites here. Our favorite was the sparkling rose, and we purchased a bottle for a friend who we would be visiting later on the trip. The reds on the other hand were underwhelming. They were not very deep in their flavors and just were not something that I would choose to drink regularly. Then the staff starts throwing away box after box of wine bottles into a dumpster directly below where we were sitting. Do you know that sound of crashing glass that just makes you cringe? Do that over and over again and the setting is ruined. I wish we had been able to visit other wineries in the area to have more of a comparison, but this was not exactly what I was hoping for.

Our favorite winery! Staff is awesome, wine is great, property is beautiful!!! Membership is definitely the way to go, such great perks. We stayed in the b&b for the first time this winter, the best experience. Everyone should do it at least once.