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3 0 V I N E YA R D & W I N E RY M A N A G E M E N T | N o v - D e c 2 016 w w w. v w m m e d i a . c o m Brys Estate Tr a v e r s e C i t y, M i c h i g a n Chateau Ste. Michelle W o o d i n v i l l e , W a s h i n g t o n Originally from the Detroit area, Walter and Eileen Brys visited Napa Valley in the 1970s and knew they wanted their own vineyard and winery someday — something that would take 30 years to become reality. They first moved to Texas with their three chil- dren, then retired to Florida before seeking vine- yard land. After searching nationwide, they landed back in Michigan in 1999, where they explored the Traverse City area and found its conditions were ideal for growing vinifera wine grapes. It was love at first sight when they saw what would become their property: a dilapidated cher- ry orchard with an 1890s farmhouse and several outbuildings. Renovations began in 2000. Today, visitors have multiple options for enjoying the property, from sampling current releases in the tasting room, taking a look into the barrel and cask rooms or enjoying the "Upper Deck," which features vineyard views and has a "Bridge Above the Vines" that stretches out above the 35+ vine- yard acres. April through August, a 90-minute private tour with winemaker Coenraad Stassen takes visitors into the vineyard, then into the winery where he explains the winemaking process. After the tour, the group is seated in the private cask room, where Stassen leads a tasting accompanied by charcute- rie and cheese. The "Secret Garden" (open June through Octo- ber) is a 12-acre oasis with 5,000+ lavender plants, berry fields, a cutting garden and a gift shop. In the fall, there's a pumpkin patch and spiked hot apple cider. Those who want to extend their visit (May through November) can reserve the guest cottage, a restored barn that's now a two-bedroom getaway. www.brysestate.com Washington State's founding winery was built on Seattle lumber baron Frederick Stimson's 1912 estate. In 1967, under winemaker Andre Tchelistcheff, a new line of premium vinifera wines was introduced as Ste. Michelle Vintners. Four years later, Ste. Michelle Vintners built a French-style winery chateau in Woodinville and changed its name to Chateau Ste. Michelle. Best known for its Reisling, the winery uses both production facilities; one for red wines and one for white. The tasting room is located where the white wines are made, but both kinds are available to taste. The Woodinville chateau is sur- rounded by 105 wooded acres, a trout pond and craftsman-style architecture — and don't forget the peacock. It hosts more than 300,000 people annually and is renowned for its grace and ease of hospitality. Visitors can embark on a complimentary tour and tasting or choose other options by appoint- ment. The wine shop features selections only available at the winery, as well as gourmet food and other items that are great for picnicking on the property. By appointment experiences include a library tasting featuring small bites paired with wine; the "ultimate" tour and tasting, which pairs high-end wines with cheeses, meats, fruits and sweets; seasonal garden tours (April through October) with the estate's master gar- dener; customized tours and more. The winery also hosts culinary and entertain- ment events including a summer concert series known for its stellar lineup of rock, jazz, blues and other performers, and is dedicated to sustainabil- ity and the surrounding community. www.ste-michelle.com