She’s been a trailblazer at almost every step, and now Melanie Owen is doing it again. As one-half of the team that became the first woman-owned and operated winery in Michigan’s Great Southwest, she’s familiar with forging new ground, and now the Lake Michigan Shore Wine Trail has created a new elected position of leadership where she will be the first to serve.
The Lake Michigan Shore Wine Trail revealed today their creation of a new elected position in the leadership ranks. Beginning January 2018 Melanie Owen will be the first ever Vice President of the organization. In that new leadership position, which is an elected position with a term of two years, she will chair the advertising and marketing committee as well as preside over meetings if the President of the trail is unable to attend.
Upon completion of the two year term, she, as the Vice President, will automatically become President. Melanie is co-owner, with Lauren Kniebes, of Lazy Ballerina Winery, located in downtown St. Joseph.
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. Executive Director of the Wine Trail, Kathy Sturm says, “His service and dedication to the Lake Michigan Shore Wine Trail has gone above and beyond in the growth and success of this organization.” 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, serving loyal and new guests along the ever growing wine trail.
You can visit the Lake Michigan Shore Wine Trail for a listing of all twenty-two wineries for locations, hour, events and entertainment by clicking the link below.
Sturm invites everyone to join all 22 wineries at the annual Lake Michigan Shore Wine Festival on June 16th. New for 2018, the festival will be held at Warren Dunes State Park, in a day filled with wine tastings, food trucks and other pairings for your enjoyment while discussing the wines with the wine makers and winery owners. You will be entertained throughout the day with great regional music, the beautiful landscape of the Warren Dunes State Park and Lake Michigan. Here’s the link for the Wine Fest, as well as the link to the wineries of the Lake Michigan Shore Wine Trail:
