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, and she’s always been passionate about bringing people together around the things they love — especially good wine. She spent nearly a decade in tourism marketing in Aspen, Colorado before moving back to Michigan, where she worked in the local wine industry for eight years prior to opening the shop. She loves helping guests discover a new favorite bottle or a memorable experience at Lake District Wine Co.
Her go-to pours are Austrian Grüner Veltliner, Georgian Saperavi, and Michigan Dry Riesling, always with a glass-half-full attitude.
For the past five years, Alaina has been fully immersed in the world of wine, earning her WSET Level 4 certification — an expert-level accomplishment that reflects her dedication to both education and hospitality. She’s your in-house resource for everything from regions and grape varieties to production methods and the inner workings of the wine business.
She also leads the shop’s marketing, PR, social media, and website, keeping the brand fresh, connected, and aligned with the heartbeat of the community. Alongside Kristy, she works closely with distributor partners to curate a selection of high-quality, approachable wines that truly reflect the spirit of Lake District Wine Co..
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.
