The Michigan Wine Collaborative (MWC) is the voice of the Michigan wine industry.
Our Mission: To enhance the sustainability and profitability of the Michigan wine industry by supporting wineries, growers and other businesses and individuals connected to the industry – today and for future generations.
We want you! Whether it’s supporting the industry as a dues-paying member or board member, a supplier/affiliate, a sponsor, or a volunteer, we need your help! Our goal is to support and promote the Michigan wine industry, but we can only accomplish this together. Please consider giving your time or a small donation. Every hour and penny helps! Join now, donate now, or become a corporate sponsor now.
Gina Shay, Business Development for Tonnellerie Cadus French oak barrels, The Oak Cooperage American oak barrels, and Clayver ceramic amphorae, is a certified sommelier and Certified Specialist of Wine with 18 years of experience serving wineries in cooler- and cold-climate emerging regions, serving the eastern U.S., Midwest U.S. Washington State, and Canada.
Brian Lillie is the Director of Hospitality and Distribution at Chateau Chantal Winery. He has been active in the Michigan Wine Industry since 2005. In 2013 he chaired the MiCast (Michigan Certified Alcohol Service Training) Program which received the 2015 Pure Michigan Governor’s Award for Innovative Tourism Collaboration Award in Education and Training. He served on the Michigan Grape and Wine Annual Conference Committees for 10 years and has led a session called “Tasting Great Wine Before the First Glass”.
As the head winemaker for Black Star Farms, Lee oversees winemaking operations for the two processing facilities on the Leelanau and Old Mission Peninsulas.
Brian and his wife Gwen represent the 3rd generation of family to be actively managing Fenn Valley Vineyards in Fennville, MI. Brian’s background in operations and management coupled with Fenn Valley’s vast experience allowed him to assume the title of Winemaker in 2015.
Benefits of joining the Michigan Wine Collaborative include
Staying on top of future trends in the wine industry is an important area of focus for the Michigan Wine Collaborative. Aided by grants from USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant program in 2014 – 2017, in partnership with the former Michigan Grape and Wine Industry Council and 5 Lakes Energy, the Michigan Wine Collaborative gathered key resource materials for the industry to explore the development of a Michigan Wine Industry Sustainability Program in 2017. Vineyard and winery owners, explore how to adopt and promote sustainability practices appropriate for your business and find resources for program development.
Michigan has 3 of the Top 10-ranked wineries in the entire Midwest- MLive Celebrate Michigan Wine Month- WILX Escape to Michigan Wine Country With These Scenic Stays- HOUR Detroit X MARKS THE SPOT FOR MICHIGAN WINES- Northern Express Michigan Wine Collaborative Announces Tickets for the 2023 Michigan Governor’s Cup…
The State of Michigan Officially Recgonizes May as Michigan Wine Month! The Michigan Wine Collaborative is honored to announce the State of Michigan has officially proclaimed May 2023 as Michigan Wine Month. We look forward to continuing the celebrations and momentum into June 2023 with the first ever Michigan…
Lock in your opportunity to get your brand, services, and products in front of the Michigan wine professionals and consumers at the first annual 2023 Michigan Governor’s Cup Award Gala & Dinner and Showcase Tasting Event this June in Lansing, Michigan. The mission of the Michigan Wine Collaborative (MWC) is…
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