KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Students enrolled in Western Michigan University’s leadership and business strategy program have created a new brand of WMU-themed wine that will be launching this weekend.
According to an official press release, the brand “Bronconess” will debut in select restaurants and stores across the state on Saturday, Oct. 5th in conjunction with WMU’s 2019 Homecoming and Family Weekend.
The press release lists the following flavors that will be available:
- Bronconess Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2014: Deep red in color with a dark core. Fervent character with full black fruit flavors, sweet undertones and firm tannins. A high-quality reserve wine with a unique expression of its boutique, hillside origin.
- Bronconess Red Wine Blend 2015: Deep ruby red color. Its aroma reminds us of spicy notes delivered by Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon that are softened by the red fruits delivered by Malbec. It has a good structure, with sweet harmonic tannins and a balanced acidity that makes it easy to drink. It is a wine that easily accompanies meats and pasta.
- Bronconess Reserve White Blend 2015: Fresh and crisp with good acidity. Aromas of lemon, lime and melon with flavors that jump right out of the glass. Ideal with shrimp cocktail, whitefish or grilled chicken.
The press release notes that the wine was named Bronconess because it “captures the essence of how Broncos sustain their efforts when others might stop, and pursue ideas with courage and enthusiasm in the face of challenges.”
The wine is sourced from the Tremonte Vineyard in Chile, which was previously used for a study abroad course.
Students working under Drs. Derrick McIver and Doug Lepisto at WMU were responsible for helping create the brand when tasked with introducing a new brand into the marketplace.
“The wine is high-quality, and the profits are directed to scholarships for students in the leadership and business strategy program, but our work indicates that one of the reasons consumers will buy Bronconess wine is because the idea of Bronconess is a badge of identity for anyone who strongly affiliates with Western Michigan University,” Lepisto said.
Since the brand is “cause-driven,” profits from Bronconess revenue will be used to fund scholarships for leadership and business strategy students at WMU.
Some students are surprised at the success of the project.
“My first thought when presented with the challenge of developing the wine brand was that this was what I had been looking for,” senior Joe Newman said. “A top reason I transferred to WMU was because of the reputation of the business school, and after the first day of the course when this project was introduced, I could tell that I had made the right decision. I wavered slightly throughout the semester as we discovered new information and were challenged to make this project a reality, but I always kept a positive outlook. After our teams partnered with Meijer, I knew we had something special. This project and course completely changed my approach to problem solving.”
Following the brand launch, Bronconess will be available to purchase at the following locations:
- WMU events and venues
- University Roadhouse, 1332 W. Michigan Ave., Kalamazoo
- Drake’s Party Center, 4717 W. KL Ave., Kalamazoo
- Harding’s Market, 5161 W. Main St., Kalamazoo
- MEGA-BEV stores
- Meijer stores
- Munchie Mart, 3626 W. Michigan Ave., Kalamazoo
- Sunny Mart, 2020 E. Cork St., Kalamazoo
More information including updates of where to purchase Bronconess can be found online at https://www.bronconess.com/.
