Staff

The Sterkenburg Family

Ryan and Kris Sterkenburg, with their children Samantha and Jacob, returned to Michigan and the Leelanau Peninsula after living in Wisconsin for several years. With their love for Northern Michigan's natural beauty, Kris and Ryan desired to create a future that combined agriculture, family and business. After careful planning, they knew that a vineyard and winery was a fit to what they had dreamed of. The entire family has worked together to fulfill what now looks like it has always set nestled in the Gill's Pier countryside.

 

 Laurie Conney, Operations

As a tenured Hospitality Manager, Laurie brings a range of experience to the Gill’s Pier Family.
With a background in food and beverage operations, event planning and customer service, her approach is best described as that of a hybrid manager.  Always the professional and champion of small business, Laurie relies on her blue collar roots to accomplish the task at hand.  We invite you to join us as we celebrate the New Year with the Gill’s Pier continued commitment to service and satisfaction.

 

Bryan Ulbrich - Winemaker

Kris and Ryan met Bryan Ulbrich when he was a winemaker at Peninsula Cellars on Old Mission peninsula, just across Grand Traverse Bay. Bryan is an award-winning winemaker and considered to be one of Michigan's most respected as well. He is often called an artisan and has a natural gift for the craft of winemaking. He is in close communication with growers and influences vineyard management for new wine ideas.

 

 

 

 

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