MSU Extension Fruit & Nuts

The 2025 Northwest Michigan Orchard and Vineyard Show will be held Jan. 14-15, 2025, at the Grand Traverse Resort in Acme, Michigan. This event is a must-attend for professionals in the grape and wine industries, offering a unique opportunity to expand knowledge through comprehensive educational programs, engage in thought-provoking discussions, and network with industry peers. In collaboration with key industry partners, the event will cover essential topics impacting viticulture, enology and marketing, providing valuable insights for all attendees.

Registration details

Registration opens at 8 a.m. on Jan. 14. The fee for both days is $50 in advance and $55 at the door. Given the anticipated attendance, participants are encouraged to arrive early or register online to avoid long lines at the registration desk.

Sponsorship opportunities and event inquiries

The 2025 Northwest Michigan Orchard & Vineyard Show offers exciting sponsorship opportunities for businesses looking to increase their visibility within the grape and wine industries. Sponsors will gain valuable exposure through various event activities, including educational sessions, vendor exhibits and networking opportunities. If you're interested in becoming a sponsor or have any questions regarding sponsorship, please reach out to Jennifer Zelinski. For inquiries related to the grape section of the show, please contact Esmaeil Nasrollahiazar for more information.

Agenda highlights

Day 1: Tuesday, January 14, 2025 – Viticulture Session

9:00–9:15 a.m.: Welcome and 2024 MSU Extension Educational & Research Initiatives Report
Presented by Esmaeil Nasrollahiazar, Viticulture Extension Educator, MSU Extension.

9:20–9:55 a.m.: 2023 Annual Grape Pricing Survey Report
Presented by Tony Jacobson (Parallel 45 Vines & Wines) and Mike Reinke (MSU).
Insights into the latest grape pricing data, beneficial for growers and producers.

10:25–11:15 a.m.: Wine Grape Bud Hardiness, Winter Injury, and the Factors that Influence It
Presented by Harrison Wright, Kentville Research & Development Centre, Nova Scotia, Canada.
Discussing factors affecting bud hardiness and strategies for mitigating winter injury.

11:20–11:55 a.m.: Advancements in Spotted Lanternfly Management: Strategies and Insights
Presented by Jennifer Phillips Russo, Cornell Cooperative Extension.
An overview of current strategies for managing the invasive spotted lanternfly, a significant vineyard threat.

2:05–2:30 p.m.: How Is Climate Change Impacting Wine Grape Frost Risk?
Presented by Harrison Wright.
Exploring the impact of climate change on frost risk and providing management strategies for future vineyard practices.

2:35–3:05 p.m.: Red Blotch and Leaf Roll Viruses: Vinifera vs. Hybrids
Presented by Harrison Wright.
A discussion on how these viruses affect different grape varieties and their management.

3:10–3:40 p.m.: Introducing SAM Tool Version 2.0: Enhanced Vineyard Management for the 2025 Growing Season
Presented by Karen Chou, MSU.
An introduction to the updated SAM Tool, designed to assist growers in optimizing vineyard management.

4:00–5:00 p.m.: Michigan Wine Collaborative Annual Meeting and Election
A chance for members to engage in discussions and elect new board members.

5:00–6:00 p.m.: Local Beverage Tasting and Hors d’Oeuvres Social Hour
An informal networking event featuring local beverages and appetizers.

Day 1: Tuesday, January 14, 2025 – Industry Discussion and Marketing Session

Following the lunch break, this session will explore the evolving wine industry landscape, emphasizing collaboration and knowledge-sharing among professionals.

Moderator: Brian Lillie, Industry Leader in Wine Innovation and Collaboration

8:30–10:00 a.m.: Identifying Wine Flaws in Your Tasting Room
Presenter: Cristin Hosmer.
A hands-on workshop where participants will taste and identify common wine flaws, including oxidation, cork taint, and volatile acidity, and learn strategies for communicating and resolving these issues.

10:00–10:20 a.m.: Vendor Break
A networking opportunity to meet vendors, explore new products, and discuss services enhancing vineyard and winery operations.

10:25–11:55 a.m.: Wine Organizations Update
Presenters: Sherri Fenton (Traverse Wine Coast), Jenelle Jagmin (Craft Beverage Council), and Emily Dockery (Michigan Wine Collaborative).
An update on recent advancements in Michigan’s wine community, including funding opportunities, marketing initiatives, and strategic collaborations.

11:55 a.m.–1:00 p.m.: Lunch
An inclusive meal for networking and discussion of the day’s sessions, featuring local cuisine.

1:00–1:30 p.m.: Workforce Opportunities in Northwest Michigan
Presenter: Evelyn Szpliet, Networks NW.
Strategies for addressing labor shortages within the wine and agricultural sectors, focusing on workforce development and education.

2:35–3:45 p.m.: Exploration of Winemaking Styles in Cabernet Franc
Presenter: Lee Lutes, Winemaker.
A guided tasting of four styles of Michigan-grown Cabernet Franc, with discussions on vintage variations, terroir impact, aging potential, and winemaking techniques.

3:45–4:00 p.m.: Vendor Break
A final chance to network and explore vendor offerings before the day concludes.

4:05–5:05 p.m.: Hybrid Meeting: Michigan Wine Collaborative Annual Meeting and Election
A hybrid meeting format allowing stakeholders to participate either remotely or in person. Discussions will focus on the future of the Michigan Wine Collaborative, key policies, and elections for leadership roles.

Day 2: Wednesday, January 15, 2025 – Enology Session

9:15–9:55 a.m.: Phenolic Profiles in Hybrid and Vinifera Grape Varieties
Presented by Dr. Aude Watrelot, Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist in Enology, Iowa State University.
An examination of phenolic compositions in different grape varieties and their impact on wine quality.

10:00–10:30 a.m.: Do Fungicides Affect Fermentation?
Presented by Timothy Miles, MSU Department of Plant, Soil, and Microbial Sciences.
Exploring the potential effects of fungicide residues on the fermentation process.

11:00–11:55 a.m.: The Science of Tannins: From Vine to Wine
Presented by Dr. Aude Watrelot.
A deep dive into tannin chemistry and its role in wine structure and aging.

1:00–1:50 p.m.: Extended Maceration and Saignee
Presented by Jim Harbertson, Associate Professor of Enology, Washington State University.
Techniques for enhancing wine color and tannin profiles through extended maceration and saignee.

2:15–3:15 p.m.: Strategic Use of Heat for Red Wine Fermentation
Panel Discussion:
Experts will discuss temperature management during red wine fermentation, sharing insights on effective strategies.

3:50–4:25 p.m.: Exploring PiWi Wines
Presented by Eric Amberg.
An introduction to PiWi wines made from fungus-resistant grape varieties, with a tasting of test wines to highlight their potential in sustainable viticulture.

4:30–5:45 p.m.: Educational Wine Tasting – Michigan vs. The World Featuring Merlot
A comparative tasting session featuring Merlot wines from Michigan and other renowned regions, showcasing the influence of regional characteristics and winemaking styles.

We look forward to seeing you at this engaging event, designed to inform, inspire and connect all attendees in the viticulture and enology community!