Just as the cherry blossoms are hitting their peak around the region, Chateau Grand Traverse on the Old Mission Peninsula has shipped 360 cases of Traverse Bay Winery Cherry Wine to China. This is the sixth commercial wine order Chateau Grand Traverse has sent to China in recent years as part of its ongoing export marketing program.

“China is a very competitive wine market and to have repeat orders is very encouraging,” says Eddie O’Keefe, president of Chateau Grand Traverse. “Wineries from around the world are competing in this emerging market and we are finding a niche with our Cherry Wine since it is a unique and stand-alone product among the many wines being offered."

O'Keefe says based on what he's being told from the export broker, demand for the Cherry Wine is expected to grow in the coming year and Chateau Grand Traverse will boost its production accordingly.

Over the past two years, Chateau Grand Traverse has exported more than 1,800 cases of its wine to China. With diminished grape harvests in 2014 and 2015, O’Keefe feels that this is a very timely opportunity to expand its Cherry Wine marketing efforts to offset some of its production losses. “Cherries were not affected by the weather as much as grapes and we are pleased that there is a healthy supply to meet our needs,” O’Keefe adds.

The Traverse Bay Winery brand, released by Chateau Grand Traverse in 1991, also includes Cherry Riesling Wine, Cherry Sangria Wine and Spiced Cherry Wine – all made with locally grown cherries.