About Us

Welcome to our wine learning center, where we believe that the art of winemaking is more than just a science; it is a sensory journey that tantalizes the palate and delights the soul. We are passionate about sharing our knowledge of the grape, the vine, and the land, to inspire a new generation of wine lovers and connoisseurs.

Our vision is to create a world-class institution that celebrates the history and culture of winemaking, while also pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the art of viticulture. We believe that wine is more than just a drink; it is a celebration of life, a reflection of our connection to the earth, and a representation of the human spirit.

At our school, we are dedicated to providing a holistic education that encompasses all aspects of the wine industry, from the vineyard to the cellar to the marketplace. We are committed to fostering a culture of excellence, where our students are challenged to push themselves to their limits and achieve their fullest potential.

Our faculty is comprised of industry experts, master sommeliers, and winemakers who are dedicated to passing on their knowledge and experience to the next generation of wine professionals. We believe that the art of winemaking is a lifelong journey, and we are committed to providing our students with the tools and resources they need to continue learning and growing throughout their careers.

We envision a world where every person can appreciate and understand the complexities and nuances of wine, and where the art of winemaking is celebrated and cherished as one of the greatest expressions of human creativity. Join us on this journey, and together we will create a brighter, more vibrant future for the world of wine.

Meet Heather

Heather Durham-Birley is one of the founders of the Traverse Wine Institute. A wine education expert, she is a certified nominated educator for WSET (wine and spirits education trust) and has her level 4 WSET Diploma. Heather has worked in various facets of the wine industry, including sales, management, service, production, marketing, tourism, and events.

She graduated with 1st class honors from Anglia Ruskin University (based in Chelmsford, England) with a Bachelor of Science. Heather also had the opportunity to be a wine tourism intern for a summer in the Sauternes region of Bordeaux, France. As well as teaching for the Traverse Wine Institute, she also coaches blind tasting in person and online, hosts wine events, and is passionate about creating memorable experiences for novices, enthusiasts, and experts alike. Heather believes wine is the perfect way to connect people to one another, through stories, food, and culture.

Besides wine, Heather loves to travel, dine al fresco, garden, and walk her Scottish terrier named Archie.

Meet McKenzie

McKenzie Gallagher is co-owner of Rove Estate Vineyard & Winery, and through her passion for wine education, co-founded the Traverse Wine Institute. Born and raised in Traverse City, MI, she has spent most of her life enjoying the natural beauty and elements of Northern Michigan. In 2005, she obtained her Bachelor of Art in Sociology through Oakland University and then later went on to obtain her master’s in Business Administration with a focus on Strategic Management through Davenport University in 2011. In 2018 she was the prestigious award recipient of Davenport University’s Outstanding Young Alumni award. The Outstanding Young Alumni award recognizes a young alumnus under the age of 40 who has accomplished early achievements and demonstrated innovative and responsible professional leadership and has successfully engaged in community service.  

She has proudly served on the Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail  and plays an active role in elevating the Michigan wine community. She is also one of the founding board members of the Traverse Wine Coast, a non-profit that’s primary focus is obtaining both national and international recognition for the Traverse City region (comprising both Old Mission Peninsula AVA and Leelanau Peninsula AVA) producing world class wines. 

In 2010, she and her husband Creighton had the opportunity to purchase 150 acres of their family’s cherry farm. It was at that time they realized that in order to keep on farming, they would need to transition their 5th generation cherry farm into a more sustainable and progressive value-added farming. In 2012 they transitioned one of their old cherry orchards into 15 acres of vineyards, and in 2016 they opened their winery, Rove Estate Vineyard & Winery. For the past fifteen years, she has dedicated herself to learning all aspects of farming and the wine industry. 

Since opening their doors in 2016, Rove Estate has received over 50 different awards and accolades in both national and international wine competitions. Her passion is wine education and creating an inclusive and approachable environment for guests to explore all aspects of  wine (from ground to glass). She has successfully developed and executed many wine educational workshops for winery guests to enrich and develop both their wine knowledge and palate, in a fun and interactive way!