St. Julian Wine Company in Paw Paw has received a $100,000 state grant to increase its production.
Market Van Buren worked with the winery to seek the support from the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development for the installation of a new centrifuge.
In winemaking, a centrifuge is used to separate solid material from liquids. St. Julian says it currently produces about 1 million gallons of wine per year. The new equipment will enable it to increase its wine production by about 5%, expanding its bulk customer list.
The winery processes more fruit than it needs for its branded wines, so excess raw product is distributed to other wineries for use in their production.
The winery adds the new centrifuge will also reduce its production of solid waste, which will positively affect the village of Paw Paw’s sewer and water systems.
Market Van Buren says securing the grant for the winery was “an opportunity to support both our private and public sector investors.”
