Sunset jazz, Tapas Tours: Northern Michigan winery has summer fun in full swing

OLD MISSION PENINSULA, MI – When you’re a French-inspired chateau winery sitting up on a hill overlooking both arms of Grand Traverse Bay, you know you’ve got to have a summer event list to take advantage of those knockout views.

Chateau Chantal has a full schedule for the next few months. And everything is designed to showcase the award-winning wines, the food and their scenic location.

From the sought-after wine dinners to the fun Tapas Tours and the always-popular Jazz at Sunset, this winery and tasting room on Old Mission Peninsula knows how to keep guests coming through its big wooden doors during the high season.

“From signature Wine Dinners to lively Tapas Tours, there’s something happening nearly every day of the week,” Chateau Chantal staff said. “Guests can enjoy perfectly paired meals crafted by our in-house chef, tastings through our estate wines, and strolls through our vineyard grounds with a glass in hand.”

“A highlight of the season returns with our fan-favorite Jazz at Sunset series, blending world-class live jazz performances with panoramic sunset views every Thursday evening. Admission includes a reserved seat, a glass of wine, and an unmatched atmosphere.”

New this season, Chateau Chantal will be pouring non-alcoholic wine in addition to its well-known vintages. Fun mocktails are on the menu, too, along with charcuterie boards that are made to order and are perfect for those wine-tasters looking for a heartier snack.

Here are some of the highlights that we’ll be trying on our next trips Up North:

• Wine Dinners: Weekly chef-curated multi-course meals with wine pairings. The six-course dinners have lots of returning guests. They start at 6 p.m. with a tour of the vineyard or the wine cellar, then you move onto dinner at 6:30 p.m. In July & August, the dinners are offered every Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday.
• Tapas Tours: Guided wine and small plate experiences through the estate. The winery describes it this way: “Indulge in the perfect harmony of flavors as we pair a curated selection of our finest wines with an array of artisanal small bites thoughtfully crafted to complement and enhance the flavors of each while you embark on a captivating guided tour of our scenic winery.”
• Jazz at Sunset: Every Thursday through August, ticketed jazz concerts with wine and amazing views.
• Friday Night Live: Free music on the patio every Friday evening, 5 to 8 p.m.
• Sunday Funday: Free casual afternoon fun with local vendors. A dollar from every pour goes to a local charity. 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

For reservations, tickets and a full event schedule, visit https://www.chateauchantal.com/public-events/.

Ready to stay and play? We did the overnight experience recently at Chateau Chantal’s beautiful B&B. You can find out more about the guest amenities and pretty cool perks here.