PENINSULA TOWNSHIP -- Chateau Chantal's expansion plan is moving forward.

Tuesday night the Peninsula Township Board approved the $1.1 million expansion of the winery's cellar and tasting room.

The plans call for a 9,835 square foot expansion to the cellar, a 1,784 square foot tasting room addition, and 2,730 square foot patio space located on the roof of the cellar for seasonal use.

Jim Krupka, President and CEO said, “The expansion is needed to allow Chateau Chantal to continue our growth in processing grapes from the Peninsula and letting more people experience our fine wine we produce.” 

Originally built in 1993 and expanded in 2003, Chateau Chantal has steadily increased wine production since opening.  Chateau Chantal farms 70 acres of grapes on Old Mission Peninsula and is working with other farmers to plant and manage more vineyards. 

In addition, the company owns a 55 acre Malbec vineyard in Mendoza, Argentina to supplement their Old Mission production.  Robert Begin, founder and Chairman said, “This piece of Michigan geography is indeed a gift.  The more opportunities we can create for our guests to share its beauty, the more each of us will profit.”

Chateau Chantal has contracted with Peninsula Construction to build the expansion.  Ground break is planned for March 1^st with completion slated for September 2010. 

The winery and bed and breakfast facilities will remain open through the construction offering complimentary wine tastings, lodging and scheduled events.