He moved his family in the early 1980s to Old Mission Peninsula. It is popular for its views of rolling farmland and the turquoise waters of Grand Traverse Bay. After early losses, Chateau Chantal has been marginally profitable since 1997. But the profits have resulted mostly from selling land for condominiums, not the core business of winemaking and the inn. Begin acknowledges investing in his company would carry risk.
Bad weather can hurt grape harvests.
Wine sales could plummet in a recession. Still, he believes Chateau Chantal's long-term prospects are bright. The money's going into buildings and land that are doing nothing but appreciating out here. The Traverse City Record-Eagle. All rights reserved.