Farm & Family
Our Story
Sustainability
As proud stewards of 75 breathtaking acres on Old Mission Peninsula, we work hard to preserve our land’s natural beauty through sustainable farming practices, our on-site 148.5kW solar array, and certified local culinary events. A Charge Point EV charger is available to guests. We use all natural compost instead of chemical fertilizers on all our farms – building the soil back each year to feed the vines, and wines, proper nutrients for quality wine. Our mission is to put forth the best our land has to offer while maintaining a minimal environmental impact.
The Team
Marie-Chantal Dalese
President & CEO
MC is a marketing and management specialist with a unique graduate education in the wine business. She is the daughter of the founders, Bob & Nadine Begin, and namesake for the Chateau. She formerly served as Director of Marketing with Chateau Chantal and Secretary for the company. She previously worked in distribution with the fine wine portfolio, Connoisseur Wines, and on the retail floor as a Wine Consultant at Binny’s Beverage Depot, both in Chicago. MC has a Bachelor of Science in Marketing & Management from DePaul University, Chicago and a Graduate Diploma in Wine Marketing from the University of Adelaide, Australia. She also completed the Roseworthy Wine Tasting Program in Adelaide and is a Certified Sommelier with the Court of Master Sommeliers. MC sits on the board of Wine America, Traverse City Tourism and MI Wine Producers Association. Wines of the world, and the study of their surrounding cultures, are her passion!
Brian Hosmer
Head Winemaker
Winemaking is conducted by Brian Hosmer, a Michigan State University graduate who has been making wine at Chateau Chantal since 2007. Brian found wine while working as a philosophy teacher in Europe and traveling in the great wine regions. The desire to bring that home with him drove him to begin studies towards a Master’s degree in Horticulture, focusing on winemaking at Michigan State University. Soon he was teaching again and working at the research winery. He then moved to Traverse City to work for Bel Lago winery and consulting for other wineries. In 2007 he moved Chateau Chantal as Winemaker. In his tenure, he has overseen the expansion and modernization of the winery facility. In the tradition of industry leadership and involvement at Chateau Chantal, he is the former President of Parallel 45 Vines and Wines, a professional organization for grape growers and wine makers. Additionally, he served on Michigan Grape and Wine Industry Council’s Research Education and Advisory and Project GREEN boards that review funding requests in the areas of Enology, Viticulture, and Agriculture.
Hailey Green
Tasting Room Manager
Joining Chateau Chantal in 2016, Hailey kicked off her wine career working as a Wine Guide in our tasting room. With a lifelong passion for wine, she began studying the subject before being of legal drinking age and even pursued wine tourism in Australia. In 2021, Hailey became the winery's youngest and first female to hold the title of Tasting Room Manager. Her expertise and enthusiasm shine through as she shares her knowledge with visitors, leaving them inspired and eager to explore the world of wine.
Ann Pettyjohn
Director of Hospitality
Ann began her career with Chateau Chantal as an intern in 2006. A native of Traverse City, Ann has over 15 years’ experience in the hospitality industry in Northern Michigan. She previously worked as the Executive Director for Mt. Holiday Ski & Recreation Area and helped the non-profit expand their year-round recreation opportunities, fundraising events, and youth education programs. Prior to that she was the Lifestyle Manager at Cordia Senior Living at the Grand Traverse Commons and was with Chateau Chantal as the Hospitality Manager and Events Coordinator for seven years. Ann has a Bachelor of Business in Hospitality Management from Northwood University.
Chris Mushall
Executive Chef
Chef Chris brings his Culinary experience to Chateau Chantal's diverse lineup. A graduate of Johnson & Wales University he brings with him 34 years of culinary experience from Michigan, South Carolina, Virginia, Arizona, and Europe. Having previously worked for Orient Express Hotels, Grand Traverse Resort and Spa, Lynchburg University, and the University of Michigan. Studying abroad Chef Chris gained critical experience at a variety of Trattoria's, Ratskellers and Hotels in Italy, Germany and Switzerland. Chef Chris also adds opening three unique restaurants in Virginia to his resume. Passionate about family, food and wine he and his son Nicolas moved back to Traverse City. Chef Chris loves utilizing, whenever possible; local, organic, ethically sourced, sustainable products from variety of farms and vendors. Experiencing the synergy between food and wine has become a driving passion. He enjoys breaking down presuppositions on both food, and wine and help showcase how each component can change potentially tasting and dining experience.
Kyle Brownley
Director of Marketing
Kyle started his Chateau Chantal journey in 2009 as a wine guide in the tasting room. In 2016 he was promoted to Director of Marketing, and has been championing the winery ever since. Kyle currently sits on the Old Mission Peninsula Wine Trail marketing committee, and the Traverse Wine Coast board.
Brian Lillie
Vice President of Hospitality Operations and Distribution
Brian started in the tasting room and front desk in 2005. He quickly moved into full time and was chosen to lead the bed and breakfast and events from 2007- 2017. After a string of strong success in the B&B, Brian was promoted to Director of Hospitality and Distribution in 2017. He is now Vice President of Hospitality Operations and Distribution, is a WSET Level 3 Wine Specialist, and serves as President of the Michigan Wine Collaborative.
Paul Dalese
Vineyard Manager
Paul has worked as the Chateau’s Vineyard Manager since 2009, overseeing up to 100 acres of grapevine. As an Australian in Northern Michigan, he’s still getting used to our winters! Trained as a Diesel Mechanic, he is a Master Mechanic that specializes in automatic transmissions in any diesel application. Paul learned viticulture on the job with founding winemaker, Mark Johnson. Over the years, he’s worked the vineyards through winter calamity and bumper seasons alike- no two seasons are ever the same!
Elizabeth Berger
Vice President of Finance and Operations
Liz has been working with Chateau Chantal since the business opened in 1993. Using her Bachelors Degree in Accounting and Masters in Business from Western Michigan University she has been involved in day to day operations, financial decisions, and the managerial gymnastics which keep CC running. You can see her humor and creativity in some of the wine names- Celebrate! (née Carpe Diem), Naughty Red/White, and Nice Red/White. She is a data geek, but also loves chatting with guests, promoting the pairing of wines & foods, and being intoxicated by the scenery in every season.
Sarah West
Accounting Manager
Sarah has been with Chateau Chantal as the Accounting Manager since June of 1998. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Ferris State University. Answering a blind ad in the local newspaper landed her a great career with Chateau Chantal where no year is ever the same.
