2015 Previews for Midwest Wine Conferences
It’s that time of year again, and we’re not talking about the Holidays. Yes, Midwest wine fans, it’s time to check your snow tires and find your white rabbit ushanka, cause it’s Midwest Wine Conference season.
This year, it would be technically possible to attend all the Midwestern wine conferences, although the Michigan and Nebraska events overlap. Some wine conferences, like the Michigan and Midwest Conferences, have moved from February to March.
Four of the Conferences have changed locations for 2015:
The Wisconsin Fruit and Vegetable Show is moving to the Kalahari Resort in the Wisconsin Dells.
The Cold Climate Conference will be at the Hyatt Regency Minneapolis for the first time in 2015. The CCC has historically been in St. Paul.
The Iowa Wine Growers Conference is in Cedar Rapids this year.
18th Annual Nebraska Winery and Grape Growers Forum is in Omaha during March after being held in Kearney last year.
Here are the Midwest Wine Conferences in chronological order. Some Conferences have not released agendas or speaker’s yet, so please check back periodically. This article will be updated as more information becomes available.
29th Annual Kansas Grape Growers and Winemakers Association Conference, January 16 and 15, 2015, Topeka Ramada Inn West, Topeka
On the agenda:
Greg Fischer, Wild Blossom Meadery and Winery, Chicago, mead making
Hans Walter-Peterson, Cornell University, grape nutrition
See related story: Kansas Wine Conference 2014 Review and Photos
2015 Indiana Hort Congress, January 20-22, 2015, Whyndham Indianapolis West, Indianapolis
On the agenda:
2014 INDY International Wine Competition Best in Show Tasting
Tools for Winery Analysis Hanna Instruments
Indiana Winery and Vineyard Association 40th Anniversary Celebration and Reception (Ticket Required)
2015 Wisconsin Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Conference, January 25, 26 and 27, The Kalahari Resort, Wisconsin Dells
On the agenda:
Dr. Paolo Sabbatini from Michigan State University will on his hybrid research.
Dave Danzinger‘s work on vineyard machinery and mechanical harvesting.
See related story: Wisconsin Fruit and Vegetable Conference 2015 Review and Photos
Illinois Grape Growers and Vintners Association 2015 Conference and Trade Show, January 29-31, Crowne Plaza, Springfield.
On the agenda:
Clark Smith of Vinovation will be conduction seminars; Enological Oxygenation and Reduction Management and Cognitive Enology – Wine as Liquid Music.
Jim Law of Linden Vineyards and author of The Backyard Vintner on Terroir Driven Winemaking and Tough Choices in Viticulture
See related story: Illinois Wine Conference 2014 Review and Photos
Cold Climate Conference 2015, February 5-7, 2015, Hyatt Regency Hotel, Minneapolis
On the agenda:
Keith Brown, winemaker for Constellation Brands in Canada on Inniskillen’s success.
Danny Wood, Midwest Wine Press, on the creation and funding of state wine marketing programs.
Ethan Joseph from Vermont’s decorated and adored Shelburne Vineyard.
See related story: Midwest Wine Press Reviews Cold Climate Conference 2014
2105 Ohio Grape and Wine Conference, February 16-17, 2015, Crowne Plaza Dublin, Dublin, OH
On the agenda:
Tom Payette– Virginia winery consultant hosts a Monday enology workshop
Lisa Van de Water-Tuesday afternoon session focusing on ‘Six Blind Men and an Elephant: Integrating Microbial Processes and Avoiding Spoilage Microbes.”
Dr. Paolo Sabbatini– Michigan State researcher will discuss the impact of canopy management, crop load and vine balance on red wine grapes.
The 2015 IWGA Annual Conference, February 27-28, 2015, The Hotel at Kirkwood in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
On the agenda:
Mark Hart, Mt. Ashwabay Vineyard & Orchard, Dealing with cold injury & prevention
Michael Jones, Scott Labs, Common Questions Nagging Midwestern Winemakers
Joe Taylor, Sleepy Creek Vineyards & Sleepy Creek Studios, Using Humor to Sell Your Wine
2015 Michigan Grape and Wine Conference, March 4-6, 2015, Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center, East Lansing
On the agenda:
Dr. G. Stanley Howell, Michigan State University, keynote banquet speaker
Dr. Paolo Sabbatini, Michigan State University, Viticulture and Fruit Quality in Cabernet Franc
Jim Willwirth, Viticulture Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute (CCOVI) at Brock University, From Bubbles to Appassimento: Grape and Wine Production in Ontario
See related story: Michigan Wine Conference 2014 Photos and Mini Review
18th Annual Nebraska Winery and Grape Growers Forum and Trade Show, March 5-7, 2015, Omaha Marriott
On the agenda:
Workshops: Andy Allen, Arkansas Tech, Viticulture; Murli Dharmadhikari, Iowa State, Enology; Donnie Winchell, Ohio WIne Association, Promotion.
Jerry Lohr, J Lohr Winery, California, keynote speaker
Midwest Grape & Wine + Craft Brew Conference and Trade Show, St. Charles, Missouri , March 10-12, 2015.
On the agenda:
Dr. Peter Hofherr, St. James Winery, expectations and perceptions of Missouri’s Wine Trails
Clark Smith, winemaker, inventor, educator, author “Postmodern Winemaking”
Melba Allen, VESTA, Wine Sensory Workshop
See related story: 2014 Midwest Wine Conference Pours Beer First
Vitinord International Conference, Lied Lodge & Conference Center, November 11-15, 2015, Nebraska City, NE.
On the agenda:
Tony Aslpler, wine writer and wine columnist for the Toronto Star
Paul Huttner, chief meteorologist, Minnesota Public Radio
Homepage photo: Dave Reedstrom, Meleah Huxford and Russ Winter of Indian Island Winery at the 2014 Cold Climate Conference.
