Michigan wine industry leader dies

The president of St. Julian Winery in Paw Paw, Michigan, passed away unexpectedly on July 5, the winery reported on its Facebook page.

David Braganini, 65, of Lawton, Michigan, was president of the St. Julian Winery and was an active influence in the Michigan wine industry.

According to the obituary on the Adams Funeral Home website:

“The winery has been family owned and operated since 1921, but Dave is what made the company truly a family. His passion for our mission and love for his employees is what makes St. Julian what it is today.

Dave was born in Kalamazoo on May 22, 1951 to the late Apollo and Julia Braganini. He is survived by his loving daughter, Angela Braganini, his two sisters, Diana Statsman and Marianne (Douglas) Barthel and his two brothers, John (Debbie) Braganini and Thomas (Bernadette) Braganini.

David was preceded in death by his son, Gene Braganini. Dave was a 1973 graduate of Kings College where he earned his bachelor of science degree. He was an active figure in the Paw Paw community and the wine industry, he founded the Lake Michigan Wine Trail.”

Braganini served on the board of the regional economic development organization Southwest Michigan First and also on the boards of the South Haven/Van Buren Convention and Visitors Bureau, WineAmerica and the Michigan Wine Producer’s Association.

Funeral arrangements are being handled by Adams Funeral Home, 502 W., Michigan Ave, Paw Paw.