Executive Winemaker and General Manager Kasey Wierzba plans to enhance the guest experience, foster strong company culture
Sutton’s Bay, MICH. (Aug. 16, 2022) –While many Michigan wineries may still be in recovery mode from the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Shady Lane Cellars is charging forward with exciting developments.
Winemaker Kasey Wierzba has been promoted to executive winemaker and general manager for the Leelanau Peninsula-based estate winery. Her new role expands from her original focus, handcrafting Shady Lane Cellar’s portfolio of sustainable wines, adding in management and oversight for all staff in the winery and vineyard.
“We are energized for the future,” Wierzba said. And her role isn’t the only one changing to better suit the needs and expertise of current staff.
Andy Fles retains his important role as Vineyard Manager and adds Facilities Manager to his responsibilities. Regional Sales Kim Simecek has officially added Vineyard Marketing Manager to her title at Shady Lane Cellars. Luke Hershey, who joined the staff four years ago, will take on Fulfillment, E-Commerce in addition to his Wine Club Manager duties. And Assistant Winemaker Madeline Vint, who joined the team in April, will add Quality Control Manager to her current responsibilities.
The promotions and adjustments were made official in early August. Wierzba’s intention is to elevate the overall guest experience at Shady Lane Cellars and to further solidify the foundation of this already strong and profitable business.
She is in the process of hiring a hospitality and event sales manager. And as busy Harvest Season approaches next month, Shady Lane Cellars will add paid seasonal interns to assist with the demands of winemaking.
“I want to encourage a company culture of home,” said Wierzba. “I want people to enjoy coming to work and to know they have the support of a solid team behind them.”
By doing so, Shady Lane Cellars prioritizes its guests, wine club members and customers on site and across the country.
Expect to see more events coming this fall in and around Shady Lane Cellars’ tasting room. Look for more ways to enjoy the vineyard experience coming soon.
For now, it’s an ideal time to join Shady Lane Cellars Wine Club. The club has grown exponentially – from just 100 members when it was established a few years ago to 500 members and counting today. Members enjoy inside access to discounts, events and Wine Club only programming throughout the year.
ABOUT SHADY LANE CELLARS
Located at 9580 E. Shady Lane in Suttons Bay, Mich., Shady Lane Cellars produces one of the largest percentages of estate-grown wine in its region. Offering hilltop views of the Leelanau Peninsula in northern Michigan, the winery and its staff create a comfortable approach to wine. The winery was founded in 1999. Since 2017 all Shady Lane Cellars wines are 100 percent estate-grown. In 2020, Shady Lane Cellars earned Sustainability in Practice – or SIP Certified – status. Visit www.shadylanecellars.com to join the wine club or learn more. Connect on Facebook or Instagram.
