Ann Arbor-based Rave Associates and von Trapp Brewing celebrate industry accolades, growing partnership in Michigan

October 31, 2024

Family-owned beer and wine distributor highlights supplier partner’s milestone achievement

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Rave Associates, a leading family-owned beer and wine distributor in Ann Arbor, is thrilled to announce the recent accomplishments of one of its supplier partners, von Trapp Brewing. At the 2024 Great American Beer Festival® (GABF) Competition, von Trapp Brewing was awarded the prestigious ‘Brewery & Brewer of the Year’ title in the 15,001-100,000 barrel brewery category, along with a Gold Medal in the Munich-Style Helles category for their Helles Golden Lager.

 

“This is an incredible milestone for von Trapp Brewing and a testament to its team’s dedication and craftsmanship,” said Jim Warbritton, president of Rave Associates. “These achievements elevate the quality and variety of choices available to Michigan’s beer enthusiasts and help solidify Michigan’s standing as the Great Beer State.”

 

Since launching von Trapp Brewing in Michigan in 2023, Rave Associates has proudly worked to build the brand and expand its reach, supporting a shared vision for quality, innovation and community impact.

 

“We are dedicated to providing Michigan beer lovers with world-class options and expanding choices that enrich our state’s beer culture,” said Warbritton. “As we head into the holiday season, our team encourages everyone to discover and enjoy new beers, including von Trapp’s exceptional lagers.”

 

Rave Associates and von Trapp Brewing’s partnership reflects the commitment of Michigan’s beer and wine distributors to foster choice and competition by introducing a wide range of high-quality brands for retailers and consumers, enhancing Michigan’s reputation as a dynamic beer market.

 

About Rave Associates

This year, Rave Associates celebrates 50 years in business. The family-owned beer and wine distributor serves Southeastern Michigan, marketing its products directly to licensed accounts in Genesee, Jackson, Lenawee, Livingston, Oakland, Macomb, Monroe, Washtenaw and Wayne Counties. From its inception, Rave Associates has prided itself in representing only the finest products the industry has to offer. Rave's management staff pays particular attention to quality and uniqueness in selecting the products represented.

 

About von Trapp Brewing

Von Trapp Brewing is part of Trapp Family Lodge, a 2,600-acre resort owned and operated by the von Trapp family. The brewery was created in 2010 by the family that inspired “The Sound of Music.” Based in Stowe, Vermont, von Trapp Brewing specializes in authentic Austrian style lagers and are brewed with pure Vermont spring water sourced from the Trapp Family Lodge property, with inspiration from “A little of Austria, a lot of Vermont” ®.

Detroit News: Celebrating Michigan’s Family-Owned Beer and Wine Distributors

By Rebecca Stow • June 23, 2026
On June 23, National Family-Owned and Operated Businesses Day offers an opportunity to recognize the local companies that form the backbone of Michigan’s economy. Among them are the state’s beer and wine distributors—independent, family-owned businesses that have been serving their communities for decades. These are multigenerational operations rooted in Michigan communities, where leadership is often passed from one generation to the next. Their longevity reflects not only business success, but a deep commitment to the people and places they serve. When I began my work with the Michigan Beer and Wine Wholesalers Association two decades ago, the industry looked very different. Today, Michigan consumers enjoy an unprecedented variety of choices, supported by advanced logistics, compliance systems, and strong retail partnerships. That evolution has been driven in large part by family-owned distributors who continue to invest in their people, infrastructure and communities. Their local ownership gives them a unique understanding of the retailers and consumers they serve. It also means decisions are made with a long-term perspective—focused not just on growth, but on sustainability and community impact. Thoughtful alcohol policy helps ensure a fair and competitive marketplace, protects public health and safety, and allows businesses of all sizes to thrive. By maintaining strong relationships with lawmakers and industry partners, Michigan’s beer and wine distributors have helped modernize laws while preserving the structure and accountability of the proven three-tier system. As we recognize family-owned businesses across the state this June, it is worth celebrating the role Michigan’s beer and wine distributors have played for decades and will continue to play in the years ahead. Their strength lies not only in their ability to adapt, but in the values that have guided them from the beginning: local ownership, strong relationships, and a commitment to doing business the right way. Spencer Nevins is president of the Michigan Beer & Wine Wholesalers Association in Lansing.

Mid-Michigan beer distributor celebrates 65 years in business, three generations of family leadership

By Rebecca Stow • May 4, 2026
OWOSSO, Mich. – Main Beverage Company marks 65 years in business this year, celebrating three generations of family leadership and a legacy rooted in mid-Michigan.

Ypsilanti beer distributor partners on limited-edition release for Ann Arbor Summer Festival

By Rebecca Stow • April 14, 2026
YPSILANTI, Mich. – Local, family-owned beer distributor O&W Inc. in Ypsilanti is celebrating its collaboration with Michigan-based Griffin Claw Brewing Company to develop a limited-edition Session IPA for the upcoming Ann Arbor Summer Festival (A2SF).