MWC members are warmly encouraged to attend and also invite potential members and/or sponsors! This is a great opportunity to connect with the membership and for those who are not yet MWC members to learn about the organization, network, share, and celebrate the upcoming vintage.

Member renewals occur September 15th so this is a perfect time to get excited for another year of MWC membership, projects, and events OR to join the organization and get the absolute most of out of MWC membership!!

We are looking forward to hosting gatherings more often around the state to allow our members to share space and ideas. Please reach out to EMILY if you are interested in hosting a MWC member gathering.

We are also asking our membership to aid us in recruiting new members during the Membership Drive. Now is the ideal time to join MWC as our membership cycle occurs annual from the start/renewal date of September 15th. Please help us in growing our community and strengthening the organization by inviting friend, neighbors, colleagues, vendors, and more to join or sponsor the Michigan Wine Collaborative TODAY! New recruits can join at:
mwc.wildapricot.org/join-us

MWC is teaming up with the Mott Community College Culinary Arts Institute (MCC) for its Grape Pink Out Escape Wine Tasting fundraiser, to benefit the American Cancer Society on October 3rd, and their Distinguished Chef Series on October 24th, featuring award-winning Chef Jimmy Lee Hill. The Grape Pink Out Escape Wine Tasting will be a wine tasting featuring small bites with all proceeds benefitting the American Cancer Society while the Distinguished Chef Series dinner will feature a four-course meal prepared by Chef Jimmy Lee Hill.

Attendance is expected to be between 70-100 guests per event. This will be a great opportunity to represent your winery as you raise brand awareness among the Southeast portion of the state.

MWC has teamed up with MCC to work together to source MWC winery members as partners and select wines to feature at these events. As we work together to coordinate our efforts we are also facilitating logistics and benefits for wineries participating. In addition to general marketing benefits for featuring your wine at the event we are exploring on site bottle sales and working with the MCC Culinary Arts Institute to secure placements on their wine list. Those who would be interested in providing wines for these two events or those with questions should reach out to Emily HERE! 

MWC members will be receiving follow up information to learn more about this event and how to participate in this partnership. We are looking forward to working with MCC on this impactful and exciting event. Keep an eye on your inboxes for more information.

Southern Smoke Foundation (SSF) supports food and beverage (F+B) industry workers in crisis nationwide through emergency relief grants and access to mental health services. They offer services through two core programs:

• Emergency Relief Fund (ERF): Grants for F+B workers experiencing crisis (natural disasters, medical emergencies, etc.).
• Behind You: Launched in 2020, the Behind You program provides no-cost mental health counseling to F+B workers in more than states.

Southern Smoke is excited to share that they have officially launched our ‘Behind You’ mental health program in Michigan. This program is in partnership with Michigan School of Psychology, providing access to up to 20 no-cost counseling sessions for eligible F+B workers in Michigan. 

Additional resources for you and your team to utilize can be found HERE!

As this is the pilot year of the program please understand that availability will be limited. If a waitlist becomes necessary, applicants will be kept updated on the timeline and share vetted outside resources to help connect with other service options.

Employers are not required to contribute to fundraising efforts in order for employees to participate in the program, and Southern Smoke services are confidential. Employees who meet the eligibility requirements below can apply today!

More about the Behind You program: 

• To qualify for this program, individuals must work in the food and beverage industry for at least 30 hours weekly (60 hours bi-weekly) for at least six months. Multiple roles within the industry are acceptable, provided they collectively meet the hourly requirement.

• Services are offered in-person and via telehealth.

• Provides access to quality, evidence-based counseling in partnership with Michigan School of Psychology.

• Every Behind You client will have the support of the training clinician, the licensed clinical supervisor, and the university clinical director.

• Even if you have never been in counseling or if you have not been able to budget for counseling at this time, Southern Smoke is here for you.

• Process is confidential, employment verified by paystubs and employer will not be notified.

Application and more information: southernsmoke.org/mental-health/

Tickets include a taste of the Winemaker’s curated selections and light bites.
*Please note this event will be held in Alpino’s Cellar space and is only accessed by stairs.