More Photos: Midwest Wine Conference 2013

Ben Singleton of St. Louis based Wine-Tapa. The concept is based on the 16th century Spanish method of stopping flies getting into glasses of sherry.

Bob and Debbie Waddell of Waddell Vineyard and Wine Cellars, Oklahoma. Hoping to open as a winery very soon after a long period getting all the right approvals in place. Streamlining this process would help local winemakers.

Rocky Mount, Missouri’s JoAnn Brooks and partner show off their Dispensa-Matic Label Dispensers.

Michael Kaiser of WineAmerica gave a legislative update talk. Michael says the biggest legislative challenge to US – including Midwest – wineries and vineyards, is the issue of agricultural labor and how to ensure those workers who are undocumented can get legal working papers.

Dan Brick of Michigan based Brick Packaging, shows off his oak barrels.

Michael Jones from California’s Scott Laboratories. Michael enjoys the adventurous, experimental spirit of the Midwest wine industry.

Time for another interesting viticulture lecture. Ed Hellman, Professor of Viticulture, Texas Tech University (far right) chats with colleagues.

Stephanie Franklin from Franklin Farms & Vineyard in Missouri. Stephanie’s homestead was settled by freed black slaves at the end of the Civil War under the ’40 acres and a mule’ program. She has the original land deed signed by Ulysses S. Grant. Stephanie and her husband intend expanding their acre of vines and opening a bed and breakfast.

Shannon Gunier of North Coast Winegrape Brokers based in California. Shannon says Midwest demand for Californian bulk wine has grown considerably in recent years.

Robert Lowery, Jeanne Hunt and their son James Lowery from Silver Leaf Vineyard, Missouri enjoy the Wine & Dine Gala .