By Roxanne Brown
Founder’s Grandson Keeps Lakeridge Winery’s Legacy Flowing
Christian Slupe
Before Lakeridge: I worked in public accounting as an auditor in Omaha, Nebraska for three years following college before coming on board with the winery in April 2022.
Community boards/committees I sit on: Vice Chair of the Viticulture Advisory Committee (VAC – State of Florida), VP of the Florida Wine and Grape Growers Association (FWGGA), board member of Lake County Tourist Development Council (TDC).
Lakeridge duties: Every day is different at the winery! I oversee operations and day-to-day activities. Additionally, I spend a good amount of time in the vineyard, solving problems, assisting any of my managers and ensuring all operations are running as smoothly and optimally as possible.
Why visit Lakeridge Winery?: Who doesn’t love free wine tours and tastings? Situated on 127 acres in the rolling hills of Clermont, Lakeridge is a third-generation, family-owned gem that has been a part of Lake County for over 35 years. We are proud to be the largest winery in the State of Florida and produce many award-winning wines.
Most rewarding part of my job: Seeing our customers smile, laugh and enjoy themselves. There is something about being a part of something that brings enjoyment to so many. My grandad started this winery with five acres planted in his backyard over 40 years ago, so to carry on that legacy and provide these experiences to our customers is amazing.
One of my biggest achievements: I feel honored being able to carry on the family legacy here at the winery. To date, Lakeridge has won over 1,000 awards on our wines, with more to come. We are truly dedicated to producing the best product possible for our customers.
Best advice I would give my younger self: Don’t get so caught up on the small things, and trust your instinct. It’s so much easier said than done, but sometimes we get wrapped up in things that, in the long run, really don’t matter. Slow down, enjoy and trust in yourself!
Outside of work: I enjoy spending time with my lovely wife, Jaisa, and dog, Millie, golfing, playing tennis or pickleball, and most of all, traveling.
Favorite wine pairings: Lakeridge Winery’s Napa Cabernet Sauvignon with any cut of red meat. Our Sparkling Pink Crescendo with popcorn (Trust me). Our Cream Sherry Dessert wine poured over any sort of white cake and ice cream.
Words to live by: “Hard work happens when no one is watching.”
Top song on my playlist: “Summer Wine” by Lee Hazlewood and Nancy Sinatra.
Photos: Nicole Hamel
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Originally from Nogales, Arizona, Roxanne worked in the customer service industry while writing independently for years. After moving to Florida in 1999, Roxanne eventually switched her career path to focus more on writing and went on to become an award-winning reporter for The Daily Commercial/South Lake Press newspapers for 16 years prior to coming on board with Akers Media as a staff writer in July 2020 – her dream job come true.
