Michigan launches award for assistant winemakers
The Michigan Wine Collaborative and winery equipment supplier GW Kent have created the GW Kent Assistant Winemaker of the Year Award, with three cash prizes to be presented in January 2027.
Recognition for cellar professionals
The Michigan Wine Collaborative, or MWC, and GW Kent announced the inaugural GW Kent Assistant Winemaker of the Year Award on November 10, 2026. The program is intended to recognize assistant winemakers and other cellar professionals whose work supports Michigan wineries and the development of the state’s wine industry.1
The organizers said these employees contribute by managing production processes, supporting harvest operations, maintaining quality standards and helping winemakers carry out their plans. Shawn Cotton, regional sales manager at GW Kent, said strong wines depend on committed teams from the vineyard through bottling and highlighted cellar workers’ technical expertise.1
Three prizes and nomination criteria
GW Kent will provide awards to three recipients: $250 for first place, $150 for second place and $100 for third place. Michigan wineries are invited to nominate assistant winemakers who have had a meaningful effect on their winery, colleagues and the wider state wine sector.1
MWC will coordinate the review process. Candidates will be considered on their professional contributions, technical abilities, leadership, teamwork and commitment to Michigan winemaking. Nominations opened on November 9, 2026, and close on December 9, 2026; submission materials and instructions are available through the form identified in the announcement.1
Awards to be presented in January 2027
The first three recipients are scheduled to be announced and honored at the Michigan Wine Collaborative Annual Meeting in January 2027, held alongside the Northwest Orchard & Vineyard Show. MWC is a statewide nonprofit supporting Michigan wine through education, collaboration, advocacy and promotion, while GW Kent supplies equipment and other production solutions to wineries, breweries, distilleries and additional beverage businesses.1
Sources
Written by the Dionysus editors from the sources above.
