Founded in 1921 by Mariano Meconi, St. Julian has evolved with the times for more than a century. From the beginning, the winery built a foundation rooted in resilience. Today, it stands as Michigan’s longest-operating producer. Throughout its history, St. Julian has continued to pioneer winemaking and spirit production, even in the face of constant challenges.
“We have survived Prohibition, wars, the Great Depression, the Great Recession, fires, family tragedies, a pandemic, and countless other obstacles over our 100-year timeline,” says John Braganini, President of St. Julian Winery. Even so, the company continues to move forward. As a result, St. Julian enters its next century positioned for growth. “Looking ahead, we have prepared the winery for an exciting journey.”
To mark this milestone, St. Julian is releasing six special-edition 2019 Cabernet Sauvignons. Notably, all six wines come from Mountain Road Estate Vineyard. At the outset, the wines share the same base. From there, each expression takes a unique path. Specifically, the first five wines age for 14 months in French oak barrels from different cooperages, producing distinct results.
- Element, aged in a CbyCADUS barrel, celebrates the vineyard’s landscape and natural elements.
- Iconic, aged in an Icône Elegance barrel from Seguin Moreau, highlights structure and balance. In particular, winemakers favor these barrels for high-end, full-bodied wines.
- Elevate, aged in a tight-grained Alain Fouquet barrel, enhances structure and aromatic expression.
- Expression, aged in a CADUS Sensorial barrel, delivers a round and full-bodied profile.
- Classique, aged in a Radoux Classique barrel, reflects an old-world Cabernet style. Rich dark cherry and black currant flavors mingle with baking spice notes from the slow oak toasting process.
- Finale serves as the ultimate tribute to the centennial. In essence, this masterful blend unites the first five wines in the series. Together, they celebrate the convergence of nature, science, and art in winemaking. Layer by layer, cherry, currant, and mulberry flavors emerge. Balanced by bright acidity and medium tannins, the wine delivers a fitting close to the series.
In limited quantities, St. Julian will release just 20 cases of each wine later this year. Exclusively, the wines will be available at St. Julian tasting rooms for $100 per bottle, or $85 for Wine Club members. In addition, the winery will offer 100 wooden boxed sets containing all six wines for $499, or $424 for Wine Club members.
Later this fall, St. Julian plans to host a Centennial Anniversary Celebration. As part of the event, guests will enjoy the official release of the Centennial Series. During the experience, attendees will learn how barrels function as a winemaker’s “spice rack.” At the same time, they will taste the influence of different barrel styles. Meanwhile, members of the Braganini family will join the celebration to honor 100 years of Michigan winemaking.
Looking ahead, St. Julian continues to plan for the next 100 years of wine, cider, and spirits in Michigan. Building on a 10-year growth plan introduced in 2016, the winery remains focused on long-term success. Central to this vision, St. Julian will undertake a $20 million expansion and modernization of its winemaking facility, which already ranks as the largest in the state. As a result, the company aims to reach annual production of 500,000 cases.
Beyond production, growth will continue in other areas. For example, St. Julian plans to open a new tasting room, bringing the total to seven locations. At the same time, the winery will expand its grower network. Specifically, new partnerships in the Leelanau Peninsula Appellation will strengthen the portfolio. In total, St. Julian expects to process 59 grape varietals in 2021, primarily sourced from the Lake Michigan Shore Appellation.
