North Dakota Grape and Wine Conference Coming to Nome Jan. 30-31

The North Dakota Grape and Wine Association (NDGWA) will hold its 2026 Conference, Annual Meeting and People’s Choice Wine Competition in Nome on Jan. 30 and 31, organizers announced on Jan. 7. Registration is available through Eventbrite and the association supplied a contact email for questions. The People’s Choice tasting and competition is scheduled for the Friday evening session, giving the public an opportunity to sample and vote on regional wines.

The two-day program will include educational sessions on viticulture and enology, industry insights and a showcase of local vineyards and wineries. The conference also serves as NDGWA’s annual meeting where association business is conducted, offering growers and winemakers a forum to discuss priorities for the coming season. For Stutsman County residents who farm, operate tasting rooms or simply enjoy North Dakota wines, the conference provides timely information on cold-climate grape varieties, production techniques and market opportunities.

Cold-climate viticulture faces distinct economic and agronomic challenges, including short growing seasons and winter hardiness concerns. Events focused on enology and viticulture help producers improve crop viability and product quality, which can translate into stronger sales at tasting rooms, festivals and local retail outlets. For small producers in and around Stutsman County, the conference is a low-cost opportunity to access best practices, expand professional networks and raise the profile of their wines with consumers who attend the People’s Choice tasting.

Beyond production, the gathering has implications for agritourism and local economic development. Showcasing regional wines can attract additional visitors to tasting rooms and farm businesses, extending tourist spending on lodging, dining and retail. The networking component also helps growers and entrepreneurs identify partnership and distribution opportunities that can support long-term diversification of farm income.

Residents interested in attending should register through Eventbrite and may contact the NDGWA using the association email provided in the announcement for details on schedules and participation. The Jan. 30–31 conference will be one of the earliest statewide gatherings of the year for North Dakota’s small but growing wine community, setting priorities and sharing practical knowledge ahead of the 2026 growing season.