Chateau Fontaine

Chateau Fontaine is one of the long-established names on Michigan’s Leelanau Peninsula AVA, with roots that go back to 1989, when Dan and Lucie Matthies began planting vines on their Lake Leelanau property. Chardonnay came first and still matters here, but it is far from a one-grape operation. The estate now spans three vineyards across 75 acres, with a mix that includes Pinot Gris, Riesling, Viognier, Auxerrois, Merlot, Pinot Noir, and Syrah — a reminder that this corner of northern Michigan can do more than the usual cold-climate greatest hits.

The winery opened its tasting room in 2000 and has built the kind of track record that keeps locals and repeat visitors coming back: broad selection, steady quality, and a family operation that has stayed involved across generations. In 2025, Doug Matthies and his wife Laura took over Chateau Fontaine after years of hands-on winemaking through French Road Cellars, keeping the winery firmly in family hands.

For visitors, Chateau Fontaine feels like a practical stop rather than a fussy one. The tasting room has been recently renovated, tastings are priced per pour, and guests can settle in with a glass and look out over the original vineyard planted by hand nearly 30 years ago. There is charcuterie, a house-favorite garlic, herb, and Chardonnay cheeseball, outdoor seating when the weather cooperates, and live music on Wednesdays and Sundays through October. Groups can usually keep it casual, though larger parties do better with a heads-up.