Mar 22, 2018

Michigan Grape & Wine Conference draws big crowd

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.

According to a report by Pat Moody of Moody on the Market, vineyard managers, tasting room staff, proprietors, researchers, and marketers all found sessions appealing to their specialty.

The conference took place from Feb. 28-March 2 at the Radisson Plaza Hotel in Kalamazoo, Michigan, 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.

For more on the conference report, visit here.