Dirt to Glass Advances Michigan Wine Through Science and Innovation

May 12, 2026

Dirt to Glass 2026, Michigan’s premier grape and wine industry conference, returns to Traverse City on August 20–21 with the theme “Elevating Michigan Wine From the Ground Up”. The event brings together growers, winemakers, researchers, and national thought leaders for two days of practical insights and strategic collaboration aimed at strengthening Michigan’s wine industry.

A key highlight of this year’s program is Dr. Bruno Basso. Dr. Basso, a global expert in agroecosystem modeling, will connect vineyard sustainability to carbon farming efficiency, helping participants think about soil and carbon not only as values, but as operational levers that can be tracked and improved. The day then addresses two critical questions facing vineyards everywhere, and especially in humid cool-climate regions: how to improve efficiency without compromising quality and how to innovate responsibly. If day one defines the why and the what, day two is the how. On Aug. 21, participants move through field sessions that translate the major themes, soil function, vine architecture, precision decision tools and soil biology, into direct observations and hands-on learning at commercial sites. Field visits may occur in different orders as buses follow different routes, with all participants gathering for lunch and reconvening at the day’s end. 

Learn more and register at Traverse City Food & Wine.

Read the full article from MSU Extension.