By Andi Anderson
Dirt to Glass 2025, Michigan’s premier wine industry event, will take place August 21–22 in Traverse City. In its fourth year, the conference will focus on the theme “From Intention to Impact,” helping growers, winemakers and industry experts turn ideas into action.
Designed through input from industry members, the event addresses the most pressing issues in Michigan’s grape and wine sector. Topics include climate adaptation, soil science, varietal selection, and grower-winemaker collaboration.
With a strong emphasis on applied learning, the sessions combine local and national expertise to provide actionable insights.
Key sessions include:
- A retrospective look at the impact of past Dirt to Glass events.
- A keynote by Katie Nelson of Ste. Michelle Wine Estates, offering strategies for scalable, quality-focused wine programs.
- A joint discussion between Nelson and Bryan Ulbrich (Left Foot Charley) on pricing vs. quality.
Talks led by experts from Michigan State University, including Paolo Sabbatini and Bruno Basso, covering climate-resilient varietals, soil health, and agroecosystem modeling.
An interactive blind tasting, challenging participants to judge wines without brand or price cues.
Honest grower insights in “Growers Uncorked,” and a closing session capturing participant feedback to help guide the industry's next steps.
The conference is supported by a dedicated planning committee made up of professionals from across Michigan’s wine value chain, ensuring that programming is relevant, timely, and impactful.
From soil to cellar, Dirt to Glass 2025 empowers Michigan’s wine community to strengthen its identity, build resilience, and create a future grounded in science, collaboration, and shared purpose.
Photo Credit: pixabay-vinotecarium
Categories: Michigan, Education