LATE HARVEST RIESLING

Few wines define a winery’s identity the way our Late Harvest Riesling defines Chateau Grand Traverse. Often imitated but never equaled, this wine has become the benchmark for late harvest whites in the Midwest—recognized as the #1 best-selling regional white wine in Michigan and consistently listed among the top ten best Late Harvest Rieslings in the country. It is the cornerstone of our House of Riesling and the wine that turned a quiet corner of Old Mission Peninsula into a destination for serious Riesling lovers.

Crafted from 100% Riesling grapes grown exclusively in Northern Michigan’s cool-climate vineyards, this wine is harvested later in the season to achieve higher natural sugar levels while preserving bright acidity. Long, sunny autumn days followed by crisp Lake Michigan nights create the perfect tension between ripeness and freshness—hallmarks of exceptional late harvest winemaking.

Fermented slowly at low temperatures in stainless steel, the wine retains both varietal purity and residual sugar, offering lush fruit character without becoming cloying. The result is a golden-straw colored wine with expressive aromas of baked apple, ripe pear, peach nectar, and a hint of honeycomb. The palate is luxurious yet vibrant—layering stone fruit, tropical notes, and citrus peel with an elegant sweetness that resolves in a clean, persistent finish.

Perfect on its own or as a companion to a wide range of cuisine, this wine is approachable, cellar-worthy, and reliably crowd-pleasing—an authentic expression of our region, our philosophy, and our passion for Riesling.

Terroir Insight:
Grown on the glacially carved slopes of Old Mission Peninsula, the fruit benefits from sandy loam soils, long daylight hours, and the moderating effect of Lake Michigan. These unique growing conditions slow ripening, preserve acidity, and encourage extended hang time—ideal for the nuanced sugar/acid balance required in late harvest wines. Unlike similar expressions from Germany’s Mosel or Washington’s Yakima Valley, this wine reflects Northern Michigan’s leaner structure and bracing minerality, offering a signature profile that is less syrupy and more refined.

Food Pairing Ideas: 

• Omnivore
  • Roasted duck with peach compote; Prosciutto-wrapped grilled pineapple
• Vegitarian
  • Brie and honey tart with thyme; Sweet potato and goat cheese gratin
• Vegan
  • Carrot-ginger soup with coconut milk; Baked pear with maple syrup and toasted almonds