FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 3, 2026
Michigan Wine Collaborative Announces Inaugural GW Kent Assistant Winemaker of the Year Award
New award recognizes the dedicated professionals working behind the scenes to advance Michigan winemaking
Media Contact:
Emily Dockery
Executive Director
Michigan Wine Collaborative
info@michiganwinecollaborative.com
(269) 615-8739
The Michigan Wine Collaborative (MWC), in partnership with GW Kent, is proud to announce the inaugural GW Kent Assistant Winemaker of the Year Award, a new recognition program celebrating the talented individuals whose dedication, skill, and hard work contribute to the success of Michigan’s wineries and the continued advancement of the state’s wine industry.
While winemakers often receive recognition for the wines they produce, the contributions of assistant winemakers and other key cellar professionals can go largely unrecognized. From managing critical production processes and supporting harvest operations to maintaining quality standards and helping bring a winemaker’s vision to life, these individuals play an essential role in producing exceptional Michigan wines.
The GW Kent Assistant Winemaker of the Year Award was created to shine a spotlight on these often-unsung heroes of the cellar and recognize their commitment to excellence, teamwork, innovation, and the future of Michigan winemaking.
“Great wine doesn’t happen without a committed team from the vineyard to the bottle,” said Shawn Cotton, Regional Sales Manager at GW Kent. “As a long-time supplier to the beverage community, we are proud to partner with the Michigan Wine Collaborative to recognize these unsung cellar professionals whose hard work and technical expertise continue to make Michigan’s wine industry exciting and worthy of world recognition.”
Three outstanding individuals will be recognized through the program, with awards provided by GW Kent:
- First Place: $250
- Second Place: $150
- Third Place: $100
Michigan wineries are encouraged to nominate deserving assistant winemakers whose contributions have made a meaningful impact on their winery, colleagues, and the broader Michigan wine industry.
Nominations will be evaluated through a review process coordinated by the Michigan Wine Collaborative, with consideration given to professional contributions, technical skills, leadership, teamwork, and dedication to Michigan winemaking.
Nominations open November 3, 2026 and will be accepted through December 4, 2026.
Nomination materials and submission instructions will be available at: forms.gle/syfnwNwugfXzB6Wu9.
The inaugural award recipients will be announced and recognized during the Michigan Wine Collaborative Annual Meeting in January 2027, held in conjunction with the Northwest Orchard & Vineyard Show.
“Michigan’s wine industry is built on the dedication and expertise of people working at every level of production. This award is about recognizing the people who show up every day, put in the work, and help make Michigan wine what it is,” Dockery added. “This award provides an opportunity that encourages wineries to celebrate the talented individuals behind their success while inspiring the next generation of Michigan winemaking professionals.”
About the Michigan Wine Collaborative
The Michigan Wine Collaborative is a statewide nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting and advancing Michigan’s wine industry through education, collaboration, advocacy, and promotion. MWC brings together wineries, vineyards, industry partners, and supporters to strengthen Michigan wine and expand opportunities for its continued growth. Learn more at www.michiganwinecollaborative.com.
About GW Kent
GW Kent provides equipment, supplies, and solutions for wineries, breweries, distilleries, and other beverage producers. Through its commitment to quality and industry partnerships, GW Kent supports beverage professionals in bringing their products from production to market.
Learn more at www.gwkent.com.
For more information, contact us by reaching out to info@michiganwinecollaborative.com or send us a message on social media.