The simple question of “What can we do to help?” recently turned into a shower of donated gifts from members of the Lake Michigan Shore Wine Trail to front line personnel in the pandemic. It began with that simple question and thanks to the ensuing brainstorming session launched by St. Julian Winery and leaders and members of the Wine Trail, the project advanced rapidly. 
Figuring that after a hard day on the front line where nurses, aides, doctors and first responders need to relax a bit once off duty, a glass of wine in hand came to mind.
Nancie Oxley, Vice President and Wine Maker at St Julian Winery says, “What an amazing opportunity to give back to our communities. We are proud to participate in these efforts to recognize the essential workers on the medical frontlines who are faced with the threat of COVID-19 on a daily basis.”
Members of the Lake Michigan Shore Wine Trail wanted to figure out a way to show their appreciation and give back to the communities that are in the Lake Michigan Shore American Viticulture Area — or simply AVA.
The Lake Michigan Shore Wine Trail organization purchased 65 cases of wine from member wineries in a collaborative effort to show appreciation for those workers on the front lines. Kathy Sturm, Executive Director of the Wine Trail, says, “We hear about the struggles being felt by these dedicated nurses, doctors, aides, first responders and all who are tirelessly working to help those stricken by this pandemic,” and adds, “We just wanted to do our part to help out.”
St. Julian Winery & Distillery worked to coordinate the efforts of distributing all the wine and supplies of hand sanitizer manufactured at their facilities in Paw Paw. They arranged for the distribution through emergency agencies in Allegan, Van Buren, Kalamazoo and Berrien Counties.
The following wineries participated in the program and worked together to get the wine to those who are so deserving:
- 12 Corners Vineyards & Winery
- Baroda Founders Wine Cellar
- Cody Kresta Vineyard & Winery
- Cogdal Vineyard / Home of Little Man Winery
- Contessa Wine Cellars
- Domaine Berrien Cellars
- Fenn Valley Vineyards & Wine Cellar
- Hickory Creek Winery
- Karma Vista Vineyards & Winery
- Lake Michigan Vintners
- Lawton Ridge Winery
- Lemon Creek Winery
- St Julian Winery
- White Pine Winery.
The Lake Michigan Shore Wine Trail continues to support these artisanal wineries that are family run and contribute to the communities of Michigan’s Great Southwest. They urge the public to, in turn, support them by purchasing wine from them, either online or with curbside pickup. Sturm says, on behalf of all wineries along the Lake Michigan Shore Wine Trail, “We all look forward to being able to serve you at the wineries, when the restrictions are lifted. Stay Safe.”
