New general manager takes over at FairWinds Winery

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FairWinds Winery of Port Townsend has named Michelle Cavett as the winery’s new general manager.

Cavett is the eldest daughter of owners Micheal and Judy Cavett, who have operated the winery since 1993. 

Michelle Cavett is relocating to Port Townsend from the East Coast where she managed several Costco locations in Maryland, Massachusetts, and New Jersey. 

Cavett spent 27 years with Costco, 22 of them in the general manager capacity. She retired at 54 and has been at the helm of a New Jersey-based karate studio where she is a certified instructor and third-degree blackbelt. She served as president of the Long Hill Chamber of Commerce for three years and also owns a business consulting firm focusing on empowering women in business. 

A Washington native born in Pasco, she is excited to return to her home state.

“I’m especially happy to be back with my parents after being in retail all these years and missing holidays, birthdays, anniversaries, and other events due to my job responsibilities,” she said. 

“It’s great to have Michelle here, not only as our daughter, but as someone who has extensive managerial and marketing experience to enhance our brand and contribute to our community,” noted Michael Cavett.

His daughter’s transition to Port Townsend has been slowed by the pandemic, and she plans to be permanently established by April.

She has since been working with her parents on a plan to recover lost revenue from COVID and to revitalize the winery. 

While FairWinds Winery is currently open for online purchases and on weekends for curbside delivery, the business has ambitious plans to move forward.

“We are proud to be Jefferson County’s oldest established winery and we will be developing a venue for events, expanding the lavender farm, and growing our online presence,” Michelle Cavett said.