The 2023 Dirt to Glass conference, set Aug. 24-25 in Traverse City, Mich., is tailored specifically for grape growers and wine producers across Michigan and neighboring states.

It will showcase the highest international standards of viticulture and winemaking, according to Michigan State University AgBioResearch, which is bringing the event in collaboration with Michigan State University Extension.

Dirt to Glass will offer advanced research innovations and practical information to empower growers and winemakers, equipping them with the innovative tools necessary to elevate their craft and stay ahead of industry trends, MSU says.

“At the heart of Dirt to Glass 2023 is the goal to cultivate a new and innovative community of growers and producers from all over Michigan, providing them with world-class education on viticulture and winemaking,” wrote professor Paolo Sabbatini, MSU Department of Horticulture; Amanda Danielson, Intentional Agriculture; and Annette Kleinschmit, MSU Extension.

The conference will feature a range of educational sessions, including a field day showcasing vineyard management practices and their effect on wine quality. Alongside these sessions and curated tastings, attendees will have multiple opportunities to network with industry peers, experts and MSU leaders from various domains.

Direct engagement

That includes a special meet-and-listen session, facilitating a unique opportunity for direct engagement between the MSU leaders of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources and the attendees. This 1.5-hour session is at the end of day one of the conference (Aug. 24) and will be moderated by Patrick Cudney, director of government and stakeholder relations and senior adviser to the dean and directors of CANR.

Conference attendees will gain insights into CANR's key research initiatives and discover how CANR is engaging students and educating residents on important industry issues. The session will commence with short introductions from the panelists, including Thomas D. Jeitschko, interim provost and executive vice president for academic affairs at MSU; Kelly Millenbah, dean of CANR; George Smith, director of AgBioResearch; and Quentin Tyler, director of MSU Extension.

This will be followed by a question-and-answer period, allowing for a focused discussion on industrywide concerns.

“Our aim is to bridge the gap between CANR administrators and the grape and wine industry, promoting collaboration and mutual understanding,” MSU wrote. “By fostering an environment where voices are heard and ideas are shared, we can collectively propel the industry forward and address the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.”

Source: MSU