let''s be friends
A women-owned, owner-led wine shop rooted in our love for thoughtful bottles, genuine community & connection, and creating a space where everyone
feels welcome.
Get to Know us
Alaina’s background is in marketing, but at her core, she’s always been about bringing people together. Good wine just happens to be one of the best ways to do that. She spent nearly a decade in tourism marketing in Aspen before making her way back to Michigan, where she spent eight years in the local wine industry before opening the shop. What she loves most is helping someone find that bottle they didn’t know they were looking for, or creating a moment that sticks with them long after they leave.
Her go-to pours tend to lean a little off the beaten path, Northern Rhone Syrah, Georgian Saperavi, Michigan Dry Riesling, always with a glass half full mindset.
Over the past five years, Alaina has gone deep into the world of wine, earning her WSET Level 4 certification. It’s a serious accomplishment, but more than anything, it reflects how much she cares about understanding wine from the ground up and making it feel approachable for everyone else. Whether it’s breaking down a region, talking through a grape, or getting into how a wine is made, she’s the one you want to ask.
She also leads everything behind the scenes when it comes to the brand, from marketing and PR to social and the website, making sure Lake District Wine Co. stays connected, current, and rooted in the community. She also handles our day-to-day accounting, wine club management, and alongside Kristy, she works closely with distributor partners to build a selection that feels intentional, approachable, and true to what the shop is all about.
WSET Level 4 Certified, DipWSET
Alaina Leech
Kristy brings more than a decade of wine industry experience and a lifetime in hospitality to Lake District Wine Co.. She has a natural way of making people feel welcome, and her energy has a talent for turning even the simplest tasting into something memorable. Whether she’s hosting an event or guiding guests through a lineup, Kristy creates experiences that are engaging, approachable, and filled with joy.
There’s almost always a glass of bubbly in Kristy’s hand. She’s a firm believer that sparkling wine belongs anywhere and everywhere.
Kristy’s deep roots in the local wine community are one of our greatest assets. She has built meaningful relationships with nearly every winery and restaurant in the area, and her respect for the region’s talent runs deep. She brings that connection into her work at the shop, curating tasting events with intention and collaborating closely with our distributor partners to ensure our shelves (and glasses) reflect quality, character, and a sense of place.
Kristy is committed to making Lake District Wine Co. a place where people feel comfortable exploring, learning, and celebrating what they love.
If you want someone who makes wine fun, welcoming, and just a little sparkly, she’s your girl.
WSET Level 3 Certified
Kristy McClellan
Betsy has been part of the Northern Michigan wine community for several years, building her experience in both vineyards and the retail and hospitality side of the industry. She previously worked with Mari Vineyards and is currently part of the team at BOS Wines, giving her a well-rounded perspective on everything from farming and production to sharing wine with guests.
She is a Certified Sommelier and holds her WSET Level 3 certification, reflecting her commitment to continually deepening her understanding of wine. Betsy brings both technical knowledge and real-world experience to the shop, and she has a natural ability to translate what’s in the glass in a way that feels approachable and engaging.
Behind the scenes at Lake District Wine Co., Betsy helps keep everything in line. She’s thoughtful, detail-driven, always learning, always asking questions, and loves guiding people toward something new.
Betsy Hiatt
WSET Level 3 certified
and certified sommelier
Wine is just the starting point. The real magic happens when people slow down and gather together.
Everyone is welcome here. Whether you’re brand new to wine or deeply obsessed, we meet you where you are.
We’re always tasting, learning, and asking questions. Wine is a lifelong study, and we love sharing that journey with our community.
