The Gilchrist team is composed of dedicated and passionate individuals whose expertise and commitment drive our success. Our vision is to create a magical experience for all at our farm and winery. From the vineyard specialists enhancing the soil, pruning and nurturing the grapes to the tasting room staff welcoming guests with warmth and hospitality, our team exemplifies professionalism and care.
Their collaboration and hard work form the foundation of our continued growth and excellence in every bottle we produce.
Job Listings
Current opportunities to join our team:
Marc Huntoon, MD co-owner, vineyard and farm oversight
Marc, a Michigan native, started his career after medical school with the US Navy on active duty in the Desert Storm era. After the Navy, he had an award winning 32-year career in academic Anesthesiology/Pain Medicine retiring in 2023 as a tenured professor.
Marc was involved with various aspects of farming as a youth in Mid-Michigan and in 2012 while living in Franklin TN, south of Nashville, planted his first small vineyard and took several classes on winemaking and growing vinifera grapes. He and Elizabeth searched for several years and ultimately decided that the growing viticultural area of the Leelanau Peninsula offered the best place to fulfill their dreams of starting their own vineyard/winery and being closer to family. They aspire to produce world class wines and nutrient-dense foods from their own produce supplemented by other local sources. They utilize regenerative farming with organic techniques to promote human health. Learn more about Marc and follow him on LinkedIn
elizabeth Huntoon, MS, MD co-owner, guest relations, wine club manager
Elizabeth, also a Michigan native, attended CMU earning BS and Master’s degrees. Later, while working in the Neuroscience department at Eastern Virginia School of Medicine (while Marc was on active duty), she decided to apply to medical school and was quickly accepted. She was a ballet dancer through grade and high school and an avid cross country and track runner throughout her life. She recalls eating the balance of her diet from the large family garden and desires to bring that farm-to-table experience to others. Gilchrist Farm is named after her mother’s family, and Elizabeth’s wants to honor her legacy. Elizabeth is involved in virtually every aspect of the farm and winery. She desires to make Gilchrist Farm a beckoning location for fun, health, and family. Her love is medical acupuncture as well as giving regular lectures on food as medicine, foraged foods, spices and other nutraceutical therapies.
Laurel Huntoon soil scientist
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Laurel is a graduate of Belmont University in Nashville, TN where she received her BBA in Economics and Business. Laurel was involved in our first vineyard and gardening efforts in Tennessee and did an internship with the US Dept. of Commerce during college focusing on the local distilled spirits communities, e.g. Jack Daniels. She moved to Leelanau County after her graduation to begin work in the wine industry, initially as a cellar technician and tasting room associate at local wineries. She began her extensive course of study in the Soil Food Web and oversees all aspects of our soil science program including, composting, vermiculture and organic amendments.
Andrew Petrini farm superintendent
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Andrew functions as our farm superintendent and helps with a wide range of activities, including pruning, composting, row mulching, tractor work, fertilization, assorted building and maintenance projects for the farm and tasting room. Previously he worked as a commercial builder, financial manager, and restauranteur and over the years has amassed a broad and practical array of talents.
Chef Josh job title
Chef Josh bio and LinkedIn/IG
Chef Lucas job title
Chef Lucas bio and LinkedIn/IG
Noelle Riley private events
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Noelle brings thoughtful care and local expertise to every celebration at Gilchrist Farm + Winery. With a background in journalism, she collaborates with chefs and vintners to design customized menus, pairing local wines with hyper-local produce. Attentive, organized, and tuned to the rhythms of our farm, she ensures each private event — weddings, corporate gatherings, or family milestones — feels seamless, personal, and rooted in place.
Erin Stradinger tasting room manager
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Erin runs the tasting room with quiet authority and keen guest intuition, pairing deep wine knowledge with warm, unobtrusive hospitality. Trained in hospitality, she curates seasonal flight selections, leads wine-paired events, explains tasting notes plainly, and manages staff, inventory, and the room’s atmosphere. She champions sustainability — cutting waste and promoting farm-to-table collaborations — and remembers repeat guests’ names and preferences, turning visitors into regulars.
April Uhlir brand manager
April is a designer and brand strategist who supports the farm’s marketing and online presence through ongoing collaboration. She brings a thoughtful, relationship-driven approach to help the team communicate clearly and grow with intention. She has contributed to the success of over 20 restaurant and hospitality concepts, including Bar Louie, and a range of independent businesses such as Printers Row Wine Shop. She asks you to kindly reach out with any feedback you may have about the Gilchrist Farm + Winery website: