Nancie joined St. Julian in 2002 and is recognized as Michigan’s first female winemaker. Although her love for wine started during her undergraduate studies as a part of Purdue University’s grape and wine research program, over the last 20+ years she has helped push the envelope of turning so many local crops into spectacular spirits she loves to make. She is seriously committed to St. Julian’s ability to produce Michigan-grown, Michigan-made world-class wines and spirits—so much so that she served as the Treasurer of the Michigan Craft Distillers Association for four years. Nancie earned her WSET Level 3 Award in Wine and both Levels 1 and 2 Awards in Wine and Spirits.

Nancie’s favorite wine and spirit: Ciao Bolle and Black Peppercorn Vodka

Kyle joined the winery in 2016 after graduating from Michigan State University. With a long history of southwest Michigan grape growing in his family, Kyle is committed to producing wines and spirits from fruits and crops grown here in Michigan. Kyle serves on the executive board of the Michigan Grape Society. Kyle earned his WSET Levels 1 and 2 Awards in Wine and Spirits both.

Kyle’s favorite wine or spirit: Braganini Reserve Sauvignon Blanc

Kayla began her journey at the winery in 2020 as a harvest intern, following her graduation from Albion College. A native of Michigan, she developed a passion for Michigan winemaking through hands-on experience at St. Julian. Now the assistant winemaker, Kayla manages the quality assurance lab and is responsible for monitoring all products throughout the winemaking process. She has earned WSET Levels 1 and 2 Awards in Wine.

Kayla’s favorite wine or spirit: Ciao Bolle

Bob has been with St. Julian since 1995, working to produce the best wine, cider, and spirits in the state of Michigan. Working for over 20 years with distiller Larry Gilbert, and more recently with well-known distiller and consultant Rick Wyble, Bob not only continues St. Julian’s excellence but has also been instrumental in crafting new and innovative spirits. His favorite spirit to make is whiskey. Bob earned WSET Levels 1 and 2 Awards in Wine and Spirits both.

Bob’s favorite wine or spirit: Port Barrel Aged Bourbon

Jackie joined St. Julian in 2018 and has been in the mixology business for over 20 + years! As Jackie takes great pride in crafting amazing cocktails using St. Julian wines and spirits and has been instrumental in the development of the Spirits Club. While her favorite spirit is St. Julian’s Bourbon, she has endless creative ways to enjoy all our spirits, existing and those yet to come! Visit her in the Union Pier tasting room to catch her in action. Her popular quarterly “Cocktail Class with Jackie” is always great fun. And as a Spirits Club member, you get her expertise on all the latest spirits!

Jackie’s favorite wine or spirit: Small Batch Straight Bourbon Whiskey