Announcing 2024 Dirt to Glass conference: Elevating Michigan wine from the ground up, August 22-23 in Traverse City
Print
EmailDirt to Glass is an annual conference dedicated to advancing the Michigan grape and wine industry through education, collaboration and innovation.
Dirt to Glass™ is an annual conference dedicated to advancing the Michigan grape and wine industry through education, collaboration and innovation. Organized by Michigan State University AgBioResearch, Michigan State University Extension and Intentional Agriculture, the conference brings together industry leaders, academics and practitioners to explore the latest trends and developments in viticulture and winemaking. Visit Dirt to Glass for more information.
The highly anticipated third edition of the annual Michigan grape and wine conference is scheduled for Aug. 22-23, 2024, in Traverse City, Michigan. This two-day event is poised to set new industry standards, showcasing the highest level of world expertise in viticulture and winemaking.
Crafted by a collaborative planning committee comprising industry members, academics and extension specialists, Dirt to Glass 2024 is tailor-made for grape growers and wine producers across Michigan and neighboring states. Participants can anticipate a program filled with innovative insights and practical tools designed to advance their skills and ensure they remain ahead of industry trends. At the heart of Dirt to Glass is a steadfast commitment to nurturing an innovative community of growers, producers, winemakers, retailers and distributors from diverse backgrounds. The third annual conference offers unparalleled access to a distinguished lineup of speakers from across the world who will share invaluable insights on farming and economic sustainability, soil health, vineyard management, winemaking practices and more. Now in its third iteration, Dirt to Glass raises the bar with a promise of unmatched content and networking opportunities.
Registration for Dirt to Glass 2024 is now open. Given the overwhelming demand experienced last year, interested participants are urged to secure their spots promptly to avoid missing out on this unique opportunity. Register now for Dirt to Glass 2024.
The conference boasts an impressive lineup of speakers, including internationally renowned industry and academic members such as Klaus Gasser, sales and marketing director, Cantina Terlano Alto Adige, Italy; Matteo Gatti, Department of Sustainable Crop Production, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore Piacenza, Italy; Herb Quady, Quady Wines, Barrel 42, Applegate Vineyard Management, Applegate Valley, Oregon; and industry members of the Michigan grape industry and sector specialists.
During the Dirt to Glass 2024 conference, speakers will address a wide range of topics relevant to the grape and wine industry. One such discussion will focus on innovative marketing strategies, offering attendees insights into emerging trends that enable wineries to effectively promote their brands and engage consumers. This session aims to not only enhance wine quality but also elevate the recognition of wines produced by smaller industries.
Another critical topic to be explored is the advancement of sustainability practices in vineyard management. This session will delve into various sustainable vineyard practices, including cover cropping methods, regenerative agriculture and the adoption of innovative technologies aimed at reducing environmental impact. The goal is to consistently improve fruit and wine quality across vintages and farming methods while prioritizing environmental stewardship.
Additionally, attendees can anticipate a thorough examination of the role of terroir in winemaking. This discussion, coupled with guided wine tasting sessions, will immerse participants in the concept of terroir and its significant influence on wine style and quality. Speakers will underscore the diverse interplay of soils, climate and geography specific to different regions, emphasizing the critical importance of site selection and vineyard management techniques in crafting exceptional wines reflective of their terroir.
Dirt to Glass 2024 will be held at the Cathedral Barn at Historic Barns Park in Traverse City, Michigan. Day one will kick off at 8:30 a.m. with a comprehensive exploration of key wine production aspects and the future of the industry, followed by a curated walk-around tasting session and the Party on the Piazza. Day two will feature field visits to selected sites, offering participants hands-on experiences guided by industry experts.
For more information and to register, please visit the Dirt to Glass website.
