MSU Extension Grapes

A grape and wine program for the entire industry

The 2026 Northwest Michigan Orchard and Vineyard Show returns Jan. 13–14, 2026, at the Grand Traverse Resort and Spa in Acme, Michigan. This year’s grape and wine program is thoughtfully designed to serve everyone involved in Michigan’s grape and wine industry—from vineyard crews and winemakers to tasting room staff, marketers and business leaders.

This event is organized by the Northwest Michigan Horticultural Research Foundation (NWMHRF) and made possible through strong collaboration with Parallel 45 Vines and Wines (P45) and the Michigan Wine Collaborative (MWC). All program elements are brought together through the educational leadership and coordination of Michigan State University (MSU) Extension, ensuring a balanced, science-based and industry-driven agenda.

Register for the 2026 Northwest Michigan Orchard and Vineyard Show

A program built for the whole team

The 2026 agenda reflects the diversity of roles that keep Michigan’s grape and wine industry moving forward. Over two days, attendees can engage with viticulture, enology and industry-focused sessions that address both production challenges and market opportunities.

Vineyard-focused sessions will feature nationally and internationally recognized experts. Fritz Westover, a nationally known viticulturist, will lead sessions on pruning and training systems that promote vineyard longevity. José Ramón Úrbez-Torres, PhD, (British Columbia) will share cutting-edge insights on grapevine trunk diseases, while Maria Smith from Ohio State University will discuss early-season practices that reduce pest and disease pressure. Together, these sessions provide practical, research-informed guidance tailored to cool-climate viticulture.

For those working in tasting rooms, sales and marketing, the program includes industry discussions focused on evolving consumer trends. Sessions will explore effective social media strategies, reaching younger wine drinkers, and why non-alcoholic options are becoming an important part of modern wine business models.

Winemakers and cellar staff will benefit from a dedicated enology session, with a strong focus on acid management. Topics range from fermentation strategies and non-Saccharomyces yeast use to sparkling wine production and comparative tastings, providing both technical depth and practical takeaways.

Hands-on learning and professional credits

A major highlight of the 2026 show is the outdoor pruning workshop led by Westover. This hands-on session will focus on pruning techniques and trunk disease management and offers an opportunity for direct, field-based learning. Separate registration will be required, and space will be limited.

Select sessions will be submitted for Michigan restricted use pesticide (RUP) credits supporting applicator certification while delivering relevant, applied education.

Agenda – grape and wine program

Tuesday, January 13, 2026 - Viticulture Session

8:00 a.m. – Registration Desk Opens MSU Extension, Moderator, Esmaeil Nasrollahiazar, MSU Extension
9:00-9:20 a.m. – 2024 MSU Extension Educational & Research Initiatives Report, Esmaeil Nasrollahiazar, MSU Extension
9:25-10:55 a.m. – Grapevine Pruning Techniques: Best Methods and Common Mistakes, Fritz Westover Virtual Viticulture Academy
10:55-11:20 a.m. – Vendor Break
11:25-11:55 a.m. – Cold Hardy Model Introduction, Esmaeil Nasrollahiazar, MSU Extension
12:00-1:00 p.m. – Lunch - (PA 232 Update - Bob Schutzki) NWMHRF
1:00-2:30 p.m. – Grapevine Pruning and Training to Promote Vineyard Longevity, Fritz Westover, Virtual Viticulture Academy
2:30-3:15 p.m. – Grapevine trunk diseases (GTDs) (ZOOM), José Ramón Úrbez-Torres, Summerland Research and Development Centre, BC, Canada
3:20-4:00 p.m. – From Pruning to Budbreak: Early Practices that Reduce Pest and Disease Pressure, Maria Smith, Ohio State University
4:00-5:00 p.m. – Michigan Wine Collaborative annual meeting and election (will be held in the main meeting room)
5:00-6:00 p.m. – Local beverage tasting and hors d’oeuvres social hours

Tuesday, January 13, 2026— Industry Discussion and Marketing Section 

Moderator: Brian Lillie
9:00-9:30 a.m. – Keynote Speaker and Welcome to OV Show, Welcome and 2024 MSU Extension Educational & Research Initiatives Report
9:30-10:30 a.m. – Social Media Marketing Top 3 Tips from Top Social Managers in Michigan To Grab Younger Wine Drinkers. Panel: Kyle Brownley, Chateau Chantal; Alaina Leech, Think Fresh Consulting; Jamele Favorite, Music in the Bottle Podcast
10:30-11:20 a.m. – Vendor Break
11:25 - 11:55 a.m. – MWC Sponsor Showcase Sponsors of Taste Michigan
11:55 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. – Lunch
1:00-1:30 p.m. – Vendor Break
1:35-2:30 p.m. – Why NA needs to be part of your plan. Panel: Mike Laing, Mawby; Mike Fifer, Imperial Beverage; Alex Wegehaupt, Abv Technology
2:35-3:45 p.m. – Johanniter and Monarch Tasting/Piwi Educational Opportunity, J.E.M. and Brian Hosmer
3:45-4:00 p.m. – Vendor Break
4:00-5:00 p.m. – Hybrid meeting, Michigan Wine Collaborative annual meeting and election (will hold in the main meeting room)

Wednesday, January 14, 2025—Enology Session

Moderator: P45
9:00-9:10 a.m. – Welcome from P45, Tony Jacobson, P45
9:15-9:55 a.m. – Non-Sacc for acid management, Gordon Specht, Lallemand
10:00-11:55 a.m. – Acid Management for Sparkling Wine From Vineyard to Disgorgement (w/Tasting), Jerome Barret (Zoom)
12:00-1:00 p.m. – Lunch
1:00-1:50 p.m. – Acid Management Panel Discussion, P45
1:55-2:10 p.m. – Industry Flash Talk, Tim Godfrey, Director, Winery & Viticulture Lake Michigan College
2:15-2:40 p.m. – Groundwater Discharge, Tess Van Gorder, Conservation and Regulatory Relations Specialist, Michigan Farm Bureau
2:40-3:00 p.m. – Vendor Break
3:05-3:55 p.m. – Balancing Acidity in Wines: Techniques and Strategies for Winemakers, Katie Cook, Scott Labs
4:00-5:30 p.m. – Educational Wine Tasting - Michigan vs. The World Featuring Sauvignon Blanc, P45

January 14, 2025—Pruning Workshop **Registration required**

Moderator: P45
9:00-9:10 a.m. – Welcome, Hot Beverages & Pastries, First Aid Kit, Peter Rigan, P45
9:15-10:30 a.m. – Pruning workshop and trunk disease management, Fritz Westover, Westover Viticulture
10:30-10:45 a.m. – Coffee Break
10:45 a.m. - 12 p.m. – Continuation: Pruning Workshop and Trunk Disease Management, Fritz Westover, Westover Viticulture

Mark your calendar

This is a program designed with intention—to bring together the full grape and wine community, foster collaboration and provide meaningful education across all sectors of the industry.

Register for the 2026 Northwest Michigan Orchard and Vineyard Show