Simply the Best French Wine Tasting in Michigan

    CONNECT & DESIGN is an elegant garden party set on the lawn of spectacular Meadow Brook, welcoming nearly 300 guests every year. Offering a refined French wine tasting experience, CONNECT is set among a stunning display of rare automobiles.

    The evening provides an excellent networking opportunity with executives from several automotive OEMs and Tier suppliers, along with leading law and immigration firms, commercial realtors and more from the Michigan business community.

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    Fine French Wines, Rare Automobiles, and The Extraordinary Setting of Meadow Brook Hall!

    Taste extraordinary French wines while enjoying a string quartet and a panoramic view of Meadow Brook Hall and the sprawling lawn below. Network and establish relationships with prominent industry executives, the European American business community, and those enjoying exceptional wines.

    Woodberry Wine sommeliers will transport you to France with over 32 exquisite wines from regions such as the Rhone Valley, Bordeaux, Champagne, Loire, and Languedoc. Each year, we honor the career and accomplishments of a leader in the automotive industry, with a car display curated to reflect the legacy of our special guest.

    In 2024, we celebrated Robert A. “Bob” Lutz and his unparalleled legacy starting as a U.S. Marine fighter pilot, then with GM Opel, BMW, Ford, Chrysler, Exide, and finishing his career as Vice-Chairman Global Product Development, GM. With executive leadership across four major automotive manufacturers, the display was a celebration of Lutz’s remarkable contributions to the automotive industry.

    For The True Automotive and Design Enthusiasts!

    A Design forum featuring the global heads of design from the Detroit Three: General Motors, Ford Motor Company, and Stellantis. The forum explores future innovations, trends, and the evolving landscape of automotive design, offering unique insights into the direction of the industry.

    Past panelists included Kemal Curic, Global Design Director, Ford / Lincoln Advance EV; Ralph Gilles, Chief Design Officer, Stellantis; Tadge Juechter, Corvette Executive Chief Engineer, GM; Joel Piaskowski, Global Design Director, Ford Motor Company; Mike Simcoe, Vice-President of Global Design, GM; and Mark Trostle, Vice-President of Ram and Mopar Design, Stellantis.

    Showcase Your Luxury or Classic Car in Exclusive Courtyard Parking

    A special Courtyard Parking is available to guests who arrive in something very special, contemporary or classic, luxury or sports, and rare! Marques represented in 2024 were Ferrari, Aston Martin, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Corvette, Maserati, Rolls Royce, Alfa Romeo, Rivian, McLaren, and Packard, to name a few.

    Contact us to reserve your spot!
    Supporting Future Leaders: Le Detroit Scholarship and Silent Auction

    We believe that college and university students in business studies and French language studies provide the foundation for the future growth of French-American business relations. We created Le Detroit Scholarship to help fund an internship, work-study, or other educational experience in France for those students.

    Every year, we offer exclusive wine packages from Woodberry Wine, unique memorabilia from Detroit City Sport, and other extraordinary items during our silent auction. This is a fantastic opportunity to take home some incredible items while supporting a great cause!

    Testimonials

    I’m very grateful for Le Detroit Scholarship–it was such a big help when I went abroad! It actually inspired me to go into a career in international education, and I now work at a study abroad company. I’m an Assistant Program Manager so I work with students throughout their application process for their semester or summer abroad, and I absolutely love it!

    I am just very thankful to have been chosen. Studying abroad has always been an experience I wanted to have and that I did with the help of Le Detroit Scholarship. I learnt so much about French culture, language, and the joys and struggled of living abroad.

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    A Rare and Unforgettable French Wine Tasting Experience

    A personal and exclusive wine tasting held in the Christopher Wren Dining Room for just 30 guests. This event is a rare opportunity to experience some of the finest and rarest French wines, personally selected and presented by the owner of the vineyard. Each year, a different renowned region is presented.

    In 2023, the spotlight was on Bordeaux, making for an unforgettable tasting experience. BORDEAUX presented some of the most rare wines of Chateau Angludet, personally presented by the owner, James Sichel. Angludet is one of the oldest properties in the Médoc. It owes its name to the knight Bertrand of Angludet who built his home there in the 12th century. The vine was introduced at the beginning of the 17th century during the extension of the Gironde vineyard on the Medoc peninsula.

    2026 SPONSORS

    Interested in becoming a sponsor? Get in touch with us for 2026 sponsoring opportunities!

    Thank you to our In-Kind sponsors

    We are excited to announce the upcoming 2026 edition of CONNECT & DESIGN. We look forward to welcoming guests once again for another unforgettable evening of networking, design insights, and fine French wine. As always, we will honor the remarkable career and contributions of an exceptional automotive design leader, with a car display reflecting their achievements.

    REGISTRATION

    Meadow Brook Hall, built during the country place era, is a historic house museum and cultural center. Built in 1929 by Oakland University founder Matilda Dodge Wilson, Meadow Brook represents one of the finest examples of Tudor-revival style architecture in America and is especially renowned for its superb craftsmanship, remarkable grounds and grand scale.

    For any questions or additional information about CONNECT & DESIGN, please feel free to reach out to us. Simply fill out the contact form, and we will be in touch with you shortly!

    Contact us

    1 + 0 = ?

    We are a non-profit, non-political organization dedicated to the development of commercial relations between French and American businesses.

    c/o Wipfli
    2000 Town Center, Suite 1800
    Southfield, MI 48075

    + (248) 365-0535

    Or reach us via email:
    [email protected]

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