As the Michigan wine industry continues to advance, so does industry promotion, education and networking among the people who comprise that industry. In fact, the Michigan Grape & Wine Conference, which wrapped up early this month, celebrated another successful year of providing educational and networking activities for industry members. Vineyard managers, tasting room staff, proprietors, researchers, and marketers all found sessions appealing to their specialty.
The Conference took place from February 28th to March 2nd at the Radisson Plaza Hotel in Kalamazoo, and welcomed 300 attendees. High-quality session speakers and conference content were made possible by the generous support of Conference sponsors, including Meijer, which served as Grand Cru sponsor of the event.
Catherine Cooper, who serves as Senior Director of Community Partnerships & Giving for the Meijer supermarket chain delivered great news to grape growers and winemakers saying, “Meijer is more committed than ever to providing customers with locally produced goods.” She added, “We support educational sessions that will help elevate the entire industry and are pleased to be a part of this year’s Conference.”
Highlights in this year’s sessions included tasting trials of Flash Détente processed grapes, a marketing session on branding labels, and insights into consumer Vinotypes. Annual favorites including the winemakers tasting, a bus tour of area wineries, and an exhibition hall that also drew big numbers.
In addition to sessions on business management, viticulture, enology and marketing, the conference also provided Michigan Certified Alcohol Service Training (Mi-CAST). The three-part program includes Techniques in Alcohol Management, responsible server training, Customer Service Training and a Wine Fluency/Sensory Evaluation course. Twenty-six people were certified through that program.
New this year was a Closing Celebration, which included hard cider and beers produced by Michigan wineries, as the industry widens the tent. Karel Bush, Executive Director of the Michigan Grape & Wine Industry Council says, “With so many of the wineries expanding their businesses, we wanted to give them an opportunity to share product that isn’t typically highlighted at this event.”
The conference is designed to benefit both novice and experienced industry members. Nancie Oxley, winemaker and vice president of St. Julian Winery, is a regular attendee and serves on the Conference Planning Committee. She says of the event, “Whether it be a conference topic or networking with my winemaking peers, I always find great value in attending the Michigan Wine Conference.”
Lee Lutes, winemaker at Black Star Farms adds, “the Michigan Grape and Wine annual conference is a ‘must-attend’ for anyone growing grapes, making wine, or working in or around this dynamic industry. Not only do you get the opportunity to learn from some of the region’s best researchers, but the networking opportunities with the greater wine industry is invaluable to all who participate!”
Founded in 1985, The Michigan Grape and Wine Industry Council is housed within the Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development to provide for research, education and the promotion of the Michigan wine grape and wine industry, to stimulate economic development through value-added, sustainable agriculture. Michigan’s wine industry is responsible for more than $5.4 billion in economic impact. More information can be found at www.michiganwines.com.
