Dec 20, 2017

Lake Michigan Shore Wine Trail adjusts board makeup

The Lake Michigan Shore Wine Trail has a new elected position in the leadership roles.

Beginning January 2018 Melanie Owen will be the first ever vice president. This new leadership position, is an elected positions with a term of two year. Upon completion of the two-year term the VP will automatically become president.

The role of the vice president will be to chair the advertising and marketing committee and to preside over meetings, if the president is unable to attend.

Owen is co-owner of Lazy Ballerina Winery, located in St. Joseph, Michigan. The Lake Michigan Shore Wine Trail elected a new treasurer since its incorporation, when Joe Herman of Karma Vista Winery and Vineyard stepped down after 15 years.

Gunnar Olson of Baroda Founders Winery has been elected treasurer and will serve a three-year term. Tony Peterson of Contessa Wine Cellars and Scott Soethe of Lemon Creek Winery will serve out their terms as president and secretary, respectively.

The Lake Michigan Shore Wine Trail, established in 2002, is a not-for-profit organization that promotes the development of the outstanding wine producing and tourism industry in southwest Michigan. Its mission is to stimulate interest in wine in general and specifically the wines of the Lake Michigan Shore Wine Trail, and to assist local wineries in becoming industry leaders.

The Lake Michigan Shore Wine Trail is wrapping up a yearlong celebration commemorating 15 years as a wine trail, that culminates with the addition of the 22nd winery.

Visit the Lake Michigan Shore Wine Trail for a listing of all 22 wineries for locations, hour, events and entertainment. The wineries will take part in the annual Lake Michigan Shore Wine Festival on June 16.

New for 2018, the festival will be held at Warren Dunes State Park. It will feature wine tastings, food trucks and other pairings with the opportunity to discuss the wines with the winemakers and winery owners.