Michigan State University Extension is planning the 36th Annual Michigan Viticulture Field Day for next month in Benton Harbor.
MSU Extension viticulture specialist Mike Reinke tells us Viticulture Field Day is a chance for grape growers from all over Michigan to learn the latest about their industry and new innovations expected. He’s anticipating about 100 growers to attend.
“To get together, connect with Michigan State University, look at some research that’s upcoming, connect with their colleagues, other growers, learn about some techniques, some of the new tools,” Reinke said.
Reinke says they’ll sometimes get growers and winemakers from other states as well. Speaking at the event will be Reinke and other experts from MSU. Topics will range from soil health to grape vine disease to new tech.
With some areas of the wine industry struggling right now, Reinke says Southwest Michigan remains strong.
“I would say Michigan’s wine industry has actually been doing pretty good. We have been insulated from a lot of those concerns because we focus on regionality and working with the wine drinkers of the Great Lakes region. So we’ve been doing pretty good.”
MSU Extension is teaming up with Lake Michigan College and the Michigan Grape Society for this year’s Viticulture Field Day. Reinke says new this year will be a second day of events, focused on Enology, to be held at Lake Michigan College. Enology is the specific field of winemaking.
The first day of Viticulture Field Day will be July 30 at the Southwest Michigan Research and Extension Center on Hillandale Road. The second day will be held at the Lake Michigan College Welch Center for Wine and Viticulture.
