Grape growers to gather for Michigan Viticulture Field Day in Benton Harbor
The event will feature demonstrations of autonomous sprayers, precision viticulture equipment, sustainable vineyard practices and the latest grape-growing research.
Michigan State University is set to welcome grape growers, winemakers, researchers and industry professionals to the 37th Annual Michigan Viticulture Field Day on Wed., July 29, 2026, at the Southwest Michigan Research and Extension Center (SWMREC) in Benton Harbor.
The annual event brings together Michigan’s grape-growing community to explore the latest advances in vineyard management, technology and research. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn about sustainable viticulture practices, view demos of vineyard technologies and connect with industry experts.
Educational sessions will highlight new technologies for grape growers and ongoing sustainable viticulture research projects at MSU. Demonstrations will include autonomous and smart sprayer technologies, mechanical weed control systems, and there will be discussions on organic and regenerative viticulture and animal grazing practices.
A trade show featuring vendors from across the industry will showcase precision viticulture equipment and services. The day concludes with the event’s popular steak cookout and Michigan wine showcase, providing opportunities for fun, networking and community engagement.
The following day, July 30, MSU, in partnership with Lake Michigan College and the Michigan Grape Society, will host the 3rd Annual Michigan Enology Experience at the Welch Center on the Lake Michigan College campus.
The event will feature discussions on innovative winemaking technologies, a hands-on tasting workshop, guided tastings of experimental wines from Lake Michigan Vintners and other Southwest Michigan wineries, and a blind comparative tasting of Lake Michigan Shore wines against international counterparts.
Registration is now open for both events. Early-bird pricing is available through July 17, with tickets priced at $70 for Viticulture Field Day, $100 for the Enology Experience, or $150 for both events. Seating for the Enology Experience is limited, and early registration is encouraged.
For registration and additional information, visit: michigangrapesociety.simpletix.com.