From identifying challenges in the vineyard to improving winemaking and marketing efforts, the sixth annual conference for the Montana Grape and Winery Association (MGWA) offers something for everyone again this year.

The group will convene at the Bitterroot River Inn at Hamilton for a three-day session, March 5-6, and kicks off with a wine tasting event Thursday evening where attendees can sample and rank Montana wines produced by members. Awards will be presented for the top entries at a banquet Friday evening.

The main sessions of the gathering kick off Friday morning with five presentations ranging from troubleshooting grapes to an update from the MSU Western Agricultural Research Center (WARC) in Corvallis on the health and vitality of Montana vineyards.

Speakers include Ben Banks, winemaker at Sovereign Estate, who will address winemaking techniques specific to Montana’s cold climate grape varietals. Darrin Michaels of Scott Labs will address managing oxygen in the winery and then Annie Clodd, an assistant professor at the University of Minnesota, will talk on best practices for cold climate grape production.

Dan Vogel, a sommelier at Glacier National Park will address capitalizing on the wine styles of Montana and Dr. Zach Miller, WARC, will provide an update on Montana’s cold climate grape research in viticulture and vineyard practices.

Rich Torquemada, president of the association, said this year’s convention will again be the highlight of the year for many members, as it broadens their knowledge and understanding of the Montana grape and wine industry.

“The event is open to the public through a registration system,” said Torquemada. “We encourage anyone interested in growing grapes, making wine or the Montana industry in general to look into attending. Our members are always anxious to share information and knowledge they’ve gained from years of growing grapes and making wine.”

Saturday’s events include the MGWA annual meeting and an afternoon field tour to area vineyards and wineries.

To register or learn more about the event, or to talk to members, go to MTGWA.com.