Dirt to Glass 2023: Unlocking the potential of Michigan’s grape and wine industry
Print
EmailThe Dirt to Glass conference on Aug. 24-25 brings international expertise to Traverse City, Michigan.
Michigan State University AgBioResearch, in collaboration with Michigan State University Extension and Intentional Agriculture, a Michigan-based non-profit organization, is proud to announce Dirt to Glass 2023. This two-day conference, taking place Aug. 24-25, 2023, in Traverse City, Michigan, aims to present the highest international standards of viticulture and winemaking. Designed for grape growers and wine producers across Michigan and neighboring states, Dirt to Glass 2023 offers advanced, practical information and tools to elevate their craft and stay ahead of industry trends.
The goal of Dirt to Glass 2023 is to cultivate a new and innovative community of growers and producers from all over Michigan and provide them with world-class education on viticulture and winemaking. Attendees will have exclusive access to an impressive lineup of speakers from across the globe who will share their knowledge on various topics including sustainability, soil health, vineyard management and winemaking practices, among others. With its second edition, Dirt to Glass sets the bar even higher by offering a level of programming that has never been seen before in the history of Michigan viticulture.
"We are thrilled for this year's conference," says Paolo Sabbatini, co-founder of Dirt to Glass and professor of viticulture at Michigan State University. "Our goal is to bring together growers and experts from across the globe to enhance the grape production and quality of Michigan wines. By connecting our local growers with international standards, we hope to take Michigan's viticulture and winemaking to new heights."
The guided wine tasting is a highly technical experience designed to deepen participants' understanding of the sensory aspects of wine impacted by environmental and cultivation factors. Led by a panel of expert tasters with broad market experience, attendees will learn to identify the impact of soil and climate on wine and gain insight into winemaking decisions driven by the condition of the grapes at harvest.
“The wine educational session is an invaluable learning opportunity for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of the relationship between good farming and world class wine,” says Amanda Danielson, advanced sommelier and co-founder of Dirt to Glass. “We hope to inspire growers and producers by exposing the quality potential of Michigan through the exploration of wines from world regions of a similar age.”
Ron Bates, director of MSU Extension’s agriculture and agribusiness programs, who attended the inaugural event in 2022, says, “The focus and quality of Dirt to Glass supports the mission of MSU Extension to advance agriculture through applied research. By bringing together academics at the forefront of viticultural research with industry leaders achieving practical success in the field, we are able to address the specific needs of this fast-growing contributor to the Michigan economy.”
Dirt To Glass 2023 is set to offer an exceptional experience for anyone interested in Michigan's developing grape and wine industry. The two-day event will feature educational sessions suitable for industry newcomers and veterans alike, including a field day showcasing vineyard management practices and the resulting wine quality. Along with informative sessions and curated tastings, attendees will have multiple opportunities to network with peers and experts from all facets of the industry.
For more information and to register, please visit the Dirt to Glass website.
