St. Julian Winery & Distillery is proud to announce it has been named the 2026 Business Innovator of the Year by Market One, the economic development organization serving Cass and Van Buren counties. The award was presented during the sixth annual Market One Awards ceremony, held in Cassopolis, where local businesses, community leaders, and municipalities were recognized for their outstanding contributions to the region.
The Business Innovator of the Year Award recognizes an organization that demonstrates exceptional leadership, innovation, and adaptability while making a meaningful impact on the local economy and community.
Throughout the past year, St. Julian has continued to evolve with the changing wine and spirits industry by investing in new products, streamlining operations, and strengthening connections with customers. As consumer demand shifted toward premium, locally crafted beverages and authentic brand experiences, the winery responded by expanding its portfolio, elevating its tasting room experience, and enhancing its approach to production, distribution, e-commerce, and digital marketing.
“As Michigan’s oldest and largest winery, innovation has always been part of who we are,” shared Apollo Braganini II, President at St. Julian Winery & Distillery. “While we’re incredibly proud of our more than 100-year history, we’re equally focused on what’s next. This recognition reflects the dedication, creativity, and passion of our entire team as we continue finding new ways to serve our customers, support our communities, and strengthen Michigan’s wine and spirits industry.”
Rather than allowing industry challenges such as inflation, supply chain disruptions, and changing consumer purchasing behaviors to slow progress, St. Julian embraced them as opportunities to improve. Cross-functional teams collaborated to streamline operations, strengthen distribution partnerships, enhance direct-to-consumer communication, and create memorable experiences across its six tasting rooms.
The company also continued to foster a culture of innovation by empowering employees to contribute ideas, improve processes, and identify new opportunities for growth. This collaborative approach has allowed St. Julian to remain agile while maintaining the quality, craftsmanship, and family-owned values that have defined the company since 1921.
“We’re honored to receive this recognition from Market One,” continued Braganini. “Innovation isn’t limited to developing new wines or spirits. It’s about continually improving every part of our business while staying true to the values that have guided us for generations. We’re grateful to Market One for this honor and to our employees, customers, partners, and community for being part of our continued success.”
The 2026 Market One Awards celebrated businesses, communities, and civic leaders that are driving economic growth and innovation throughout Cass and Van Buren counties. More than 200 business and community leaders attended the annual awards ceremony.
Founded in 1921, St. Julian Winery & Distillery is Michigan’s oldest and largest winery and one of the state’s leading craft distilleries. Family owned for four generations, the company produces award-winning wines, spirits, ciders, and non-alcoholic beverages and welcomes guests currently at six tasting rooms across Michigan with a new tasting room being built in Gaylord.
