The annual Dirt to Glass Conference is taking place Aug. 22-23, 2024, in Traverse City, Michigan. Organized by the Michigan State University (MSU) Department of Horticulture, AgBioResearch, Michigan State University Extension and Intentional Agriculture, this pivotal event serves as a vital platform for knowledge exchange, networking and showcasing innovative practices in viticulture and enology for Michigan growers and winemakers. The conference spans two days packed with valuable content.
Day 1: Comprehensive Learning and Networking Opportunities
The first day of the Dirt to Glass Conference opens with a welcome address by Quentin Tyler, director of MSU Extension and senior associate dean for outreach and engagement. Tyler's introduction will highlight the importance of the grape and wine industry to Michigan's economy and emphasize environmentally and economically sustainable agricultural practices.
Following the welcome address, Klaus Gasser, sales and marketing director at Cantina Terlano, will present "Building a Global Reputation." This session will explore strategies for elevating lesser-known wine regions through established standards and effective market outreach, providing attendees with actionable insights to enhance their brand's global presence.
Next, Herb Quady, owner of Quady Wines and 2023 Oregon Wine Business Person of the Year, will discuss "Rooted in Place," emphasizing the alignment of farming practices with the unique characteristics of the site. Quady's insights are invaluable for optimizing vineyard management to produce high-quality wines that reflect their terroir.
Later in the morning, Matteo Gatti, associate professor at Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, will present "Novel Approaches to Vineyard Floor Management." This presentation will highlight innovative techniques to increase efficiency and profitability in vineyard operations, making it essential for those interested in cutting-edge agricultural practices.
Derick Vogel of Folklor Wine & Cider will discuss "Intentional Hybrid Cultivar Selection," focusing on selecting hybrid cultivars that thrive in diverse conditions and produce high quality wines, offering practical guidance for vineyard managers and researchers to improve grape cultivation with the focus of improving fruit quality and consequently the resulting wines.
Vance Baird, chair of the Department of Horticulture at MSU, will discuss "Partnering for Intentional Growth," emphasizing the importance of partnerships and stakeholder engagement in driving growth in specialty crops, providing valuable insights for fostering collaboration within the industry.
The afternoon sessions begin with a "Critical Tasting Panel: The Multiple Personalities of Pinot Noir," moderated by Thomas Houseman, general manager of Radiant Sparkling Wine. This panel will explore the diverse expressions of Pinot Noir, offering attendees a deeper understanding of this complex varietal. Quady will cover "Sustaining a Market for Your Grapes," addressing how shared intentions and collaborative efforts can sustain a market for grapes, offering practical advice for grape growers and winemakers.
The day concludes with a panel discussion on "Market Outreach and Distribution," featuring industry experts including Madeline Triffon, master sommelier at Plum Market, and several influential buyers from different sectors around the state. This session will focus on effective strategies for market outreach and distribution, providing actionable insights to enhance marketing efforts.
Evening activities include an award presentation recognizing outstanding contributions to the grape and wine industry, followed by the "Party on the Piazza." This event offers a relaxed atmosphere for networking and celebration, with food, wine and cider, accompanied by a walk-around tasting of more than 100 wines from Michigan and around the world.
Day 2: Field Visits and Hands-On Learning
Day two will feature vineyard and winery field visits, offering practical insights and hands-on learning experiences. Participants will visit several key sites with several experts including Dave Bos of BOS wine, Marcel Lenz of Leelanau Cellars, Kasey Wierzba of Shady Lane Cellars and Creighton Gallagher of Rove Vineyards. MSU Extension expert Rufus Isaacs will also provide valuable input.
Each visit will focus on different aspects of vineyard management and winemaking, such as bio-protectant yeasts, balanced organic fertilization, innovative nutrient solutions, soil and cover crop management.
Importance of the Dirt to Glass Conference
The Dirt to Glass Conference is more than just a meeting; it is the annual convergence of expertise, innovation and community within Michigan's grape and wine industry. Dirt to Glass underscores the significance of the grape and wine industry to Michigan's economy and emphasizes sustainable practices that benefit the environment and future generations. By bringing together local and international experts, the conference facilitates the exchange of knowledge and fosters collaborations that drive the industry forward.
For more details on the agenda and to register for the event, visit the Dirt to Glass Conference website. There are still a few registration spots left for this conference.
We look forward to seeing you in Traverse City for this impactful event!
Source : msu.edu