As Michigan’s largest and longest-operating winery, St. Julian Winery also stands as the state’s most award-winning producer. Thousands of medals line the walls of its Paw Paw production facility. This spring, St. Julian added 15 more honors, including a Best of Class award at the 2021 International Women’s Wine Competition in Sonoma County, California.
Founded in 2007, the International Women’s Wine Competition highlights wines made and judged by women. St. Julian earned Best of Class and a Gold Medal for its 2020 Winemaker Series LaCrescent/Traminette, which scored 93 points. The winery also received a Gold Medal for its 2017 Braganini Reserve Cabernet Franc with 90 points. Judges awarded Silver Medals to the 2017 Braganini Reserve Meritage, 2017 Braganini Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, 2020 Braganini Reserve Late Harvest Vignoles, 2020 Braganini Reserve Mountain Road Riesling, and 2020 Braganini Reserve Sauvignon Blanc.
“Many women winemakers begin their careers in the lab, and I followed a similar path,” says Nancie Oxley, Vice President of Winemaking at St. Julian. “I did not want to limit myself to that role.” Oxley joined St. Julian in 2002 and took over winemaking leadership a decade ago. Since then, the winery has earned more medals than in the previous decade. “It is an honor to be recognized alongside world-class women winemakers,” she adds.
“Like many women in leadership roles at St. Julian, we worked hard to achieve success,” Oxley says. “We focus on quality, take initiative, and bring passion to our work.” She adds that St. Julian actively supports the next generation. “We encourage women, open doors, and mentor them as they build successful careers.”
Women have shaped St. Julian’s story since its founding. Avelia Meconi, wife of founder Mariano Meconi, played a key role when the company launched as Border City Wine Cellars in Canada in 1921. Today, St. Julian proudly supports a growing group of female leaders. The winery highlighted many of them in A Toast to the Women of St. Julian during Women’s History Month.
St. Julian also recently earned eight medals at the Experience Rosé Wine Competition. The event ranks as one of the largest rosé-focused competitions in the United States. Judges awarded Silver Medals to Outlook, 2020 Braganini Reserve Serious Rosé, and Social Butterfly. Bronze Medals went to 2020 Braganini Reserve Mountain Road Estate Rosé, Ramato, Winemaker Series Blaufränkisch Rosé, Winemaker Series Cinsaut Rosé, and Winemaker Series Merlot Rosé.
“Rosé wines have been a passion of mine for several years,” Oxley says. “Each vintage, we explore different varietals and styles.” She notes that the wines range from dry to sweet, skin-fermented, and even sparkling. “Rosé tastes great year-round, but it shines on a warm summer day.”
Earlier this year, St. Julian earned 13 medals at the International Eastern Wine Competition in Santa Rosa, California. The awards included two Best of Class Gold Medals. St. Julian was one of just 10 Michigan wineries invited to compete. Together, Michigan producers earned 72 medals, with St. Julian bringing home more honors than any other winery from the state.
