KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Western Michigan University’s student-run wine brand Bronconess, which was launched a year ago in the Haworth College of Business, has collaborated with St. Julian Winery for its newest product: Bronconess Peach Bubbly.
Officials say the Bronconess brand uses a philanthropic enterprise model, with all proceeds going to student scholarships. To date, they’ve raised more than $35,000 in scholarship funds.
The partnership with St. Julian, Michigan’s oldest and largest winery, aims to maintain brand momentum and ensure future scholarship funding through the release of Bronconess Peach Bubbly, according to officials.
Officials add that the sparkling wine’s flavors come from tropical passion fruit and peach juices blended together.
The brand also continues to sell its three initial products, a white blend, red blend and cabernet sauvignon, in a variety of stores including Harding’s, Meijer and Trader Joe’s. A complete list of locations is available on the Bronconess website.
The name of the wine derives from how students working on the project envision the identity of WMU students and alumni.
“Bronconess is about a mindset of courage and enthusiasm in challenging situations,” student team leader Sylvan Benton said in a statement.
The Bronconess program offers students experience in everything from logistics to collaboration to marketing.
“In the leadership and business strategy program, we say experience is our best teacher,” associate professor of management and co-director of the Center for Principled Leadership and Business Strategy Dr. Derrick McIver said in a statement. “Bronconess provides a special opportunity for our students to learn by running a real wine brand. And when their learning benefits future students, the learning becomes that much more memorable and impactful.”
Readers can learn more about Bronconess and the St. Julian partnership in a podcast with student leaders.
Comments