The Conversation: Traverse City Food & Wine | Mickey Graham, Traverse City Tourism

Discover why Traverse City has become one of the country's premier food and wine destinations as Christal sits down with Traverse City Tourism's Mickey Graham to preview Traverse City Food & Wine 2026.  Currently: The Conversation is brought to you by TVC Cherry Capital Airport - Your Northern Michigan Connection. Mickey shares how the festival was created to showcase what makes Northern Michigan unique—from award-winning wineries and acclaimed chefs to the local farms, orchards, fisheries, breweries, and distilleries that supply them. They discuss what organizers learned from the festival's successful debut, why Traverse City is uniquely positioned to host an event of this scale, and how the celebration has grown into a true community effort involving dozens of local partners. The conversation also highlights this year's biggest experiences, including chef dinners, tastings, educational events, and the signature Grand Tasting at the Open Space, while exploring the festival's impact on tourism, local businesses, and the region's growing culinary reputation. Whether you're planning to attend or simply curious about what makes Northern Michigan's food scene so special, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at the people, partnerships, and passion that make Traverse City Food & Wine unlike any other festival. The Conversation is a Compass Local podcast, produced by Pancake Boy Productions.