A Winter‘s Night at The Castle Offers an Indoor Winefest at Castle Farms

Feb. 23, 2005

When Linda Mueller and her husband Richard bought Castle Farms near Charlevoix four years ago they had a 10-year plan to restore the Castle to its original glory and look of 1918.
Today, they are nearly seven years ahead of schedule, not only the restoration, which is 90% complete (minus some exterior landscaping to be completed this spring), but they have even completed some of the original construction plans that were abandoned by the original owners.
Originally a working farm built by the Loeb family of the Sears & Roebuck company, The Castle over the years evolved into a rock concert facility. By the mid ‘90s after years of neglect and a lot of spilled beer from wild concert patrons, the Castle was in ruins. But the Muellers, who summer in Charlevoix, have had their eye on Castle Farms for the past 30 years with a desire to preserve the landmark for the enjoyment of future generations.
Now Linda is ready to present her completed dream to the public with “A Winter’s Night At The Castle” on Saturday, February 26. The event will consist of a wine tasting featuring 40 wines from the Leelanau Peninsula Vintners. Joe Short and his crew from Short’s Brewery in Bellaire will be on hand with four craft brews, and the staff at Grey Gables in Charlevoix will be serving assorted appetizer dishes.
“A Winter’s Night” will essentially be an indoor wine festival, formatted similar to the summer outdoor festivals, where patrons pay $10 (the first 500 get an event wine glass to keep) and receive a couple of tasting tickets. Additional tasting tickets will be available for $2 each to choose from pinot noirs, pale ales, peppered ahi tuna and a lot more inbetween.
Proceeds from the event will benefit the Women’s Ski Tour charities in the area. The Charlevoix Ski Tour takes place on Sunday and participants may pre-register on Saturday at Castle Farms.
In addition to the wine and food tasting event participants will have an opportunity to snowshoe the grounds with complimentary snowshoes. Another added bonus during the event are tours of the Castle given by general manager Alan Lovelace.
“Castle Farms was a model farm that Sears was so proud of that they put it on the back of their catalogue for several years,” Lovelace said. “This event is just our first step to embrace the agricultural roots of Castle Farms while showcasing to the community our ability to host cultural events.
“Castle Farms is an opportunity for most of us who will never have the likelihood to go to Europe or the chance to visit a French style chateau in their own backyard,” he added.
This will be the first of many events the restored Castle is planning. In 2004 during the renovation, they hosted an art fair and several weddings. Now that the restoration is complete Lovelace and his staff have already tripled the number of weddings for 2005 and have several plans for additional events, including a Fiber Festival in July, a street rod show in June and a couple of antique festivals. In the works are a Highland Games Festival, a Celtic Festival and even a farmer’s market.
In the meantime Lovelace, the Muellers and their staff are looking forward to showcasing the $6 million-plus invested in The Castle. They feel that “A Winter’s Night” is a great way for the public to experience the personality of the property.
“This landmark was preserved to benefit the Northern Michigan community and February 26 is going to be a great celebration. It really goes beyond the financial investment that has been made,” said Lovelace. “There is a time and passion investment here as well. Linda has traveled to French style chateaus over the past 30 years to develop ideas. She just got back from touring castles in Ireland, seeking out authentic landscaping and garden ideas.”
“A Winter’s Night At The Castle” starts at 2 p.m. on February 26, giving those who have evening plans an opportunity to participate in the afternoon. Strolling musicians will perform until 6 p.m. For those looking to make an evening out of it, Luther Gravy & The Soul Biscuits will take the stage around 6 p.m. for a night of dancing. Tickets may be purchased at the door. Get there at the start or drop in anytime for an evening to remember to benefit the chosen charities of The Charlevoix Ladies’ Tour. For additional information on “A Winter’s Night,” visit www.castlefarms.com or for the Ski Tour visit www.womenswintertour.com or call 231-237-0884


Hollywood Nights

This weekend is all about women, and not to be outdone is the Women’s Resource Center of Grand Traverse and their Extravaganza 2005 -- Hollywood Nights. The event takes place Saturday at the Grand Traverse Resort with an evening packed with activity, from dinner to dancing. Last year’s Extravaganza raised $126,000 for victims of domestic and sexual violence.
Back this year is the raffle for a Harley Davidson and the silent auction. New will be the Cavalcade of Stars that will feature a tribute group, bringing the allure of Hollywood to the Grand Traverse Resort by performing in the likenesses of Madonna, Elvis, Tina Turner, Reba McEntire, Roy Orbison, Elton John, Marilyn Monroe and more.
“I cannot think of a better way to support our community, while at the same time having a wonderful evening of gourmet food, outstanding entertainment and fun,” said Barb Benson, Extravaganza 2005 co-chair. “Make sure that you join us.”

For more information on Extravaganza 2005 -- Hollywood Nights, visit their website at www.womensresourcecenter.org or call (231) 941-1210.