Meet VUE Charlevoix

Today we’d like to introduce you to VUE Charlevoix. They and their team shared their story with us below:

In December of 2018, business partners Chuck Schilling, Elizabeth Schilling and David Levy were having lunch and discussing the need for a wine bar in Downtown Charlevoix. Coincidentally, the existing location, 101 Bridge Street, serving as a women’s clothing store, was up for sale. Upon the first walk-through, we agreed it would be a perfect location as a quaint space directly on the Pine River Channel at the Bascule Bridge that showcases spectacular Lake Michigan Sunsets and views of Round Lake.

The space was purchased at the end of 2018, and after the three-year clothing store contract was up in 2021, the space was renovated through the Summer and opened in September of 2021. During the planning stages, our Charlevoix City Manager suggested the idea of outdoor seating, like a deck, overlooking the Channel. We researched the adjacent property and found that it was owned by the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT). We contacted their Gaylord offices, and after numerous Zoom meetings, we agreed on a plan forward to install a deck and an agreement for use between the VUE, the City of Charlevoix, and MDOT.

The participants from the City and the State could not have been more cooperative! We now have a gorgeous venue, with design support from KLK Partners, that features over 100 different wines from around the World. Old World and New World wine offerings, in all price levels, as well as charcuterie and small plates from our local supplier, Graze Catering.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The process was very reasonable, but our greatest challenge was in renovating an 1800s building that served as part of the Charlevoix Opra house at that time. There were challenges in the HVAC installation, and we received great support from several local companies. The deck that we built sits on MDOT property and that process, believe it or not, went very smooth.

The people involved from the City and State were a pleasure to deal with and we all wanted the outdoor space as we were in the midst of the pandemic during the planning stages. We purchased the liquor license in 2019 and the state liquor control board site approval authority agreed that the location along with the outdoor seating was a plus for the City.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Chuck Schilling is a retired executive from a large chemical conglomerate who lived in Germany and Japan and owns a couple of small businesses in Charlevoix. David Levy is a managing broker at Berkshire Hathaway in Charlevoix, serving the Northern Michigan real estate market for many years.

Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
When we first started, we hired Micki McGuire as our Sommelier.

She taught us all about wines and put together some terrific events, from Great Lakes underwater shipwreck photographers to wine paring events with numerous famous winemakers to Indigenous Peoples teaching their history of tribes and bands in Northern Michigan. Valerie Whaley is our manager, who is currently working on her Sommelier accreditation. Val is a wonderful manager and strong bartender who enjoys concocting new cocktails and serving great wines.

We also want to give a big thanks to our regular customers who have supported our brand new business, both locals and part timers in Charlevoix. Charlevoix City Manager, Mark Heydlauff, who worked with us throughout the process and steered us through the required approvals.

Pricing:

• $5.00 specials
• All levels of pricing for our delicious wines.

Contact Info:

• Website: Www.vuecharlevoix.com
• Instagram: @Vuecharlevoix
• Facebook: @Vuecharlevoix