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Dirt to Glass Michigan Grape and Wine Conference
08/25/2022 - 08/26/2022
$150 – $300
Dirt to Glass 2022: Elevating Michigan Wine from the Ground Up is the first ever of its kind in Michigan! This year it will take place in Traverse City, Michigan on August 25-26 at Kirkbride Hall. The goal is to connect growers and producers from around the state each year and provide information to support the Michigan grape and wine industry in understanding the critical relationship between better farming and world class wine.
Each year, based on the results of an annual educational needs assessment survey, Dirt to Glass will choose a specific area in that cycle and invite highly recognized scientists and speakers to discuss the topic in great detail. This year’s conference will focus on soil identification, health and fertility, which are all crucial in the production of quality grapes and wines.
The rich programming of the first day will provide a comprehensive exploration of one of the most important aspects of wine production and the future of our industry. Day 1 of the conference will run from 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. and feature various knowledgeable speakers on soil health and feature tasting panels in the afternoon. There is a social hour being arranged for after the conference from 5:30-7:30 on Day 1, at the Piazza at the Village Commons. This will be a great time to connect with your colleagues in the wine grape industry and also meet new ones! Day 2 of the conference will run from 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. and be a Field Day of site visits to various vineyards on Old Mission Peninsula where participants will see actual soil pits and explore the concepts presented on Day 1 with our visiting experts. Day 2 participants will meet at a to-be-determined location and board shuttle buses for the vineyard site visits. Seating is extremely limited on Day 2 on a first come first serve basis, and only available to Day 1 participants. The cost $150 for each day, so $300 for both days. A discounted block of rooms at the Indigo Hotel in Traverse City is being offered on a first come first served basis. Details on accommodations are on the registration page, link below.
An outstanding lineup of speakers includes Doug Frost, Dr. Kevin Pogue, Dr. Bruno Basso, Madeline Triffon, Amanda Danielson, Diego Barison, Christie Lee Apple, David Bos, Thomas Houseman and Dr. Paolo Sabbatini. There will also be instructive Riesling and Pinot Noir wine tasting panels that will demonstrate the impact of soil and farming on a finished wine through the lens of two well-known varieties. The wine will be sourced from well-known growing regions for these grapes.
Five (5) Michigan Restricted Use Pesticide (RUP) applicator recertification credits for private and commercial fruit (1C) are available for Day 1, and four (4) for Day 2.
More details are being added by the planning team frequently! Advance registration is required. Don’t delay, as seating is limited! Registration closes at midnight on Sunday, July 10th. For more information and to register, visit: https://events.anr.msu.edu/DTG22/
The planning team:
Esmaeil Nasrollahiazar, MSU Extension Viticulture Specialist
Annette Kleinschmit, MSU Leelanau County Extension Office
Dr. Paolo Sabbatini, Department of Horticulture, Michigan State University
David Bos, Organic & Biodynamic Viticulturist and Consultant
Craig Cunningham, Michigan Viticulturist
Amanda Danielson, Advanced Sommelier, Wine Educator, Restaurateur
Thomas Houseman, Winemaker
Bryan Ulbrich, Winery Owner, Grower Relations
