Join the Spring Kick-Off Hybrid Meeting: Empowering Michigan Winegrape Growers
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EmailThis meeting is designed to empower Michigan winegrape growers with innovative practices and networking opportunities.
Hosted by Parallel 45 Vines & Wines and in collaboration with Michigan State University Extension, the Spring Kick-Off Hybrid Meeting is scheduled for April 11, 2025, from 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. at the Northwest Michigan Horticulture Research Center, 6686 S Center Hwy, Traverse City, MI 49684. This event offers both in-person and virtual attendance options, ensuring accessibility for all.
Event highlights
Early spring frost risk management: Megan Rains from Lallemand Plant Care, Ontario, will share proactive strategies to mitigate frost risks, safeguarding your vineyard's productivity. Learn about the latest techniques and tools to protect your vines from unexpected early spring frosts.
Innovative pest management trials: Gain insights from Wilbur Ellis and Shady Lane Cellars on their recent trial results, exploring effective “soft pesticide” programs tailored for the Great Lakes region. Discover how these innovative approaches can help you manage pests while minimizing environmental impact.
Soil health and nutrient dynamics: Barret Wessel of Michigan State University will delve into the complexities of soil pH, cation exchange capacity and their impact on grapevine nutrient uptake. This session will provide practical guidance for optimizing soil health and ensuring your vines receive the nutrients they need.
Early-season vineyard practices: Maria Smith from Ohio State University will discuss strategies to enhance vineyard yield, fruit quality and overall vine health through effective early-season management. Learn about best practices for pruning, canopy management and other early-season tasks that set the stage for a successful harvest.
Acoustic monitoring for biodiversity: Sarah Grimes of Purdue University will present a flash talk on using acoustics to monitor the impacts of growing practices on bird habitat selection and biodiversity. This innovative approach offers a unique perspective on sustainable vineyard management and the importance of maintaining biodiversity.
Enhancing soil organic matter: Explore how improving soil organic matter can boost microbial activity with insights from Alexa Kipper of Organic Matters. This session will emphasize the benefits of organic practices in viticulture and provide practical tips for enhancing soil health.
New wine grape varieties: Soon Li Teh from the University of Minnesota will introduce new cold-hardy wine grape varieties, discussing their potential and wine tasting profiles. Expand your vineyard's possibilities with these exciting new varieties that are well-suited to Michigan's climate.
Social hour and networking
The day will conclude with a social hour—an excellent chance to connect with fellow growers, share experiences and sample a variety of wines. Attendees are encouraged to bring a bottle to share, fostering community and collaboration.
Registration details
Register now for the 2025 Spring Kick-Off Meeting
- Parallel 45 members: Free
- Virtual attendees: Free
- All other attendees: $15
For questions or additional information, please contact Tony Jacobson at tony@enocraft.com or Esmaeil Nasrollahiazar at nasroll2@msu.edu.
Don’t miss this opportunity to expand your knowledge, connect with fellow growers and industry experts, and prepare for a productive 2025 growing season. We look forward to your participation.
