John Kroupa

Owner & Cidermaker

John Kroupa is the managing partner for Peninsula Cellars. John has been involved in the business since it started in 1994. Originally working in the vineyards and orchards as a child, John moved into the cellar after graduating with honors from Michigan State University in 1998 with a degree in Horticulture. After handling the lead winemaker responsibilities from 2007 to 2013, John now focuses on the hard cider program and managing the many diverse facets of the Kroupa family business. John lives with his wife and three children on Old Mission Peninsula.

Mike Altesleben

Winemaker

Mike joined the team at Peninsula Cellars in January 2020.  Originally from the Detroit area, he moved to Traverse City in 2010, in pursuit of his passion for wine.  Mike paid his dues in the vineyard to understand the unique terroir of Old Mission Peninsula. Eventually, he worked his way into the cellar and up the ranks to take on head wine making responsibilities.  Mike studied Viticulture at Michigan State University and Oenology at Washington State University. When he’s not in the cellar, he enjoys spending time with his family and friends, BBQing, and enjoying the outdoors.

Caitlin Hammond

Director of Operations

Caitlin joined Peninsula Cellars in 2013, after several years in the healthcare and human services field. Caitlin relocated to Traverse City after graduating from Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, MI. Caitlin plays a diverse role as a member of the Peninsula Cellars management team. You can find her anywhere from working in the cellar with the production team, to striking up conversations with guests at the tasting room. As the Director of Operations, Caitlin oversees several operational responsibilities both at the tasting room and the winery. She also works closely with the winery and vineyard crew assisting with harvest, production, bottling, and distribution. Caitlin is passionate about keeping all the wheels of both the winery and tasting room running smoothly. When she’s not working, she enjoys traveling with her husband Keith, relaxing with friends, and spending time with her beautiful daughter Harper.

Todd Morgan

Cider Maker

Todd came to Peninsula Cellars in 2019, bringing a decade of cidermaking and production management
along with him. Originally hailing from the DC area, Todd escaped to the Third Coast and started a new
career making cider. His talents and experience haven’t only gone into making our award winning
ciders, but he has also applied his design skills to our cider logo and labels. Todd lives with his dog and
three cats and has a passion for cooking and photography.