MTGWA President Dan Murphy officially welcomed her on board at the January2 board meeting. He announced she rose to the top of several well qualified candidates and her experience and knowledge in a number of key areas relating to Montana’s grape and wine industry meant she was a good fit to helping the group grow and gain greater acceptance and visibility among state residents and those who visit the state.

Nicole said in a farewell statement on her winery website that owning a winery in Montana had been a dream she held for many years and though sad to see that chapter in her life end, she was anxious to explore other challenges.

She owned Unleashed Winery for four years and those of us who attended the wine festival in Columbia Falls in 2023 will remember her booth where she offered tastes of the various wines Unleashed had produced and offered to the public. She said most of the grapes they worked with came from the Lodi area of California and recognized early that although Montana grapes make good wines, there just aren’t enough of them to go around. She said she clearly sees a place in Montana for wines made from Montana grapes and grapes grown in other areas.

President Murphy told his board that there was no grace period in Nicole’s position and he immediately charged her with being the Chair for the 2025 MTGWA conference to be held April 3-5 in Missoula. Nicole said she was more than eager to take on that challenge and looks forward to helping to state an event that will not only benefit members but the public as well. This year’s conference, she said, will be unique not only in that it will have a professional helping to direct the show, but that it will be held jointly with the Montana Berry Growers Association.

And the annual event will not be the only event on her plate. She hopes to help MTGWA state wine festivals around the state both singularly and in conjunction with other associations like brewers, food groups and possibly distillers.

“I see lots of potential opportunities for joint efforts in marketing and outreach that can benefit many businesses that cater to the full time residents of the state and those who visit and vacation here,” said Erickson.

Her work experience has covered a number of areas and she said she feels comfortable in helping redesign the website, an increased presence on social media, and engaging personally with Montanans. One of her goals, she stated, will be to try and visit as many MTGWA members as possible. She said she expects to be busy, but the structure of the position fits well with her professional goals of being involved in Montana businesses and continue to feed her entrepreneurial spirit.

And because the position is part-time, she said she will still be able to pursue various other personal projects and goals she has.

“I’m here to help and see membership grow for the Montana Grape and Wine Association,” said Erickson. “And I want to see membership value increased; helping members reach their goals and potential whether it be growing grapes or making wine or both. I have a strong knowledge of marketing and now I can put those skills to work to help MTGWA and the state’s ever growing wine industry.” Erickson noted as well that she sees a place for the MTGWA website to have information for the general public with interest in supporting Montana grapes and wines, but it’s important that membership also have access to exclusive items.

Erickson recognizes a lot of her work will be to help take a load of members who are busy in their businesses and lives to where they can’t spend the time necessary to advance. “I can help take a load off their plate so that their operations and this association can excel.”

Nicole welcomes ideas, comments, inquiries and just conversation with MTGWA members and can be reached nicole@unleashedwinery.com. She will be the main point of contact for communications with the association.