Editor’s note:

This is the second article on Sage Creek Winery in Memphis, Michigan, an enterprise started and operated by Munising natives Mike and Jeff Dausey. The first story was published in the Jan. 24 issue of The Beacon.

Sage Creek Winery is, at its heart, a family-run venture.

Mike Dausey credits his wife as the steady force behind the team’s success, providing unwavering support as they’ve built the winery from the ground up.

His daughters, Arianna and Livia, grew up helping at the winery, starting with bottling and labeling. Today, Arianna handles marketing while completing her degree at Wayne State University after earning her associate degree in business administration from Macomb Community College.

“It’s been amazing to see how far we’ve come,” she said. “We’re not just selling wine; we’re building something meaningful.”

Livia, now the full-time production manager, is pursuing an associate degree in business administration at Macomb Community College, with plans to transfer to Oakland University to complete a bachelor’s degree in operations management. She works alongside Jeff to manage every aspect of winemaking, from fermentations to quality control.

“It’s hard work, but it’s rewarding,” she said. “Every bottle we make feels like a little piece of who we are — our family, our roots and the values we grew up with.” A recent girls’ trip to Italy gave the Dausey sisters fresh inspiration for their winemaking process.

“It was fascinating to see the traditions there,” Livia said. “Italian winemaking respects the land, the grapes and every step of the process. We brought that mindset back with us.”

Arianna noted the contrast between the strict rules in European regions — where only local grapes can be used — and the creative freedom they have at Sage Creek.

“In places like Champagne and Tuscany, tradition defines everything,” Arianna said. “It made me appreciate how much room we have to experiment while still respecting the stories behind each grape.”

One takeaway from the trip was the understanding of terroir — how the natural environment influences flavor.

“We would love to incorporate Michigan-grown grapes more intentionally in the future,” Mike said. “It’s a challenge, but it’s worth exploring.”

Professor Paolo Sabbatini, a viticulture expert at Michigan State University, said Michigan’s cool climate offers ideal conditions for growing certain grape varieties known for vibrant acidity and complex flavors.

“Riesling, pinot gris and chardonnay thrive here,” Sabbatini said. “The cooler temperatures extend the growing season, allowing grapes to ripen slowly and develop their unique profiles.”

Sabbatini acknowledges the challenges of working with local grapes.

“The transition to sourcing and working with Michigan-grown grapes takes time and effort,” he said. “It’s about understanding the terroir — the soil, the climate and how they influence the grapes — and tailoring your winemaking to highlight those characteristics. When done well, the wine embodies a sense of place you can’t replicate anywhere else.”

Sage Creek’s success extends beyond its wines to its packaging, which captures the winery’s creativity and personality.

Deanne Graham, a sales specialist at Print All, has worked closely with the Dauseys to bring their vision to life. Two standout designs for her are the Lions label and the Grunt label.

“The Lions label was a game changer,” Graham said. “It was printed on car vinyl, which we’d never done before. It became a big movement for them.”

The Grunt label, featuring a patch-like background with refined borders and colors, also stands out.

“Those labels convey who they are — authentic, unique and approachable,” Graham said.

Jeff takes pride in those designs, seeing them as extensions of the winery’s identity.

“We wanted something that stood out,” he said. “The Lions label was special, and the Grunt label took a lot of fine-tuning to get right. The labels aren’t just packaging — they’re part of the experience.”

Graham notes Sage Creek’s growth and how production has evolved: “When we started, they were hand-labeling bottles with loose labels. Now we produce 1,000 labels on a roll so they can use an automated labeler. Orders have gone from 300 to 6,000 labels at a time. It’s been incredible to watch their growth.”

The Dauseys credit their upbringing for their resilience and work ethic.

“Growing up in Munising taught us resilience,” Mike said. “Our parents, Wayne and Kay Dausey, made daily sacrifices that showed us the value of hard work.”

Jeff agrees: “They shaped who we are.”

That small-town mindset has made Sage Creek more than just a business — it’s a hub for connection and community.

Bradd Maki, Mike’s best friend since childhood, has had a frontrow seat to Mike’s evolution in business.

“These guys know how to put in the work,” Maki said. “They’re not just building a business; they’re building a community. Every decision represents that.”

Sage Creek gives back in meaningful ways, from partnering with the American Legion for its Holiday Heroes program to hosting events like the Barking Lot Party, which supports local dog rescues.

“We’ve been lucky to get where we are,” Mike said. “But we don’t take it for granted. Giving back is part of who we are.”

Rachael Ott, a loyal, long-time customer, said, “Barking Lot Party speaks to me because I do a lot of work with local rescues in my own life. It’s wonderful to see how much the community comes together for these events. Every year, it gets bigger and better. It’s not just about the wine, but about making a meaningful impact.”

The future of Sage Creek is bright. Within the next six months, the Dauseys plan to begin distilling spirits, including bourbon, cognac and vodka, while exploring opportunities to brew beer.

They’re also eyeing expansion, with plans for a second tasting room in Howell and a long-term goal of establishing a presence in Munising.

“Munising is home,” Mike said. “It’s where we grew up, and we want to have something special there. Ideally, a spot on the water — something that feels true to the U.P.”

From the small-town charm of Munising to the bustling heart of Memphis, Michigan, the Dausey brothers’ story is one of grit, heart and vision. They’ve crafted more than wine — they’ve created a place where people come together, share stories and feel like family.

“We brought a little piece of the U.P. to Memphis,” Mike said with a smile. “And we’re just getting started.”

If you’re curious to get a taste of Sage Creek’s signature wines, swing by Hillside Party Store, where their bottles are available. To learn more about Sage Creek Winery, visit sagecreekwinery.com.