You may have seen a news article a few months ago quoting the Chief Executive in charge of Napa Valley’s legendary Silver Oak Winery, David Duncan, who said: “Following Napa, the next hot area is Oregon.”
Based on the smoky, hot weather we all endured during the first 10 days of this month, I’ll be taking Duncan’s predictions pretty seriously from now on.
New Nielsen scanner store sales data for the year ended July 15 offer compelling evidence supporting Duncan’s observation about the surge of interest in Oregon wine: consumers continue to recognize quality and are willing to pay for it.
Past 12-Month Sales Trends
Total
U.S.
In
Oregon
Oregon Wine
+17.0 %
+8.4 %
Washington
+2.3 %
-0.9 %
California
+3.0 %
+1.9 %
Total Table Wine
+2.8 %
+2.1 %
Source: Nielsen
For reference, Oregon’s current national growth rate of +17% is even faster than the +14% achieved for the year ended last December. And the volume momentum for Oregon wines right here in our home market, trending at 4x the category’s growth rate, is worth reinforcing when making presentations to Oregon wholesalers, restaurateurs and retailers.
In other news, it was another outstanding showing for Oregon wineries presenting to nearly 400 wine professionals who gathered from around the world last week in Portland for the Society of Wine Educators 41st annual conference. Their enthusiastic feedback confirms the belief that there is no more powerful marketing tactic for Oregon’s wine industry than putting our growers and winemakers, and their wines, in front of key decision makers and influencers.
We wish those along, and near, the path of totality a safe and memorable eclipse experience next week.
Cheers,
Tom Danowski
President
EDUCATION
Breeding Grapes for a Changing World – European Hybrids
Valentin Blattner from the research station for ecology and grape breeding in Jura, Switzerland and Paul Troop, the wine grower at Salt Spring Vineyards and Winery in the Wine Islands of British Columbia will be at OSU Yamhill County Extension in McMinnville on Aug. 22. They’ll lead a workshop on grapevine breeding and the practical use of hybrids in high quality wine production regions. They will also have wine from Blattner’s varieties to taste and discuss. Register for this free workshop.
RESEARCH
Updated Summer 2017 Weather and Climate Summary and Forecast
On Jul. 6, Dr. Greg Jones published an updated Summer 2017 weather and climate summary and forecast. This report looks back at June conditions, provides an updated drought watch, and forecasts July, August and September 2017. Read the report.
CALLS FOR WINE
Paul Gregutt and Wine Enthusiast Magazine Seek Submissions
Wine Enthusiast is producing a “bookazine” focused on the Pacific Northwest. Writer Paul Gregutt has asked the industry for more wines to review, to alert him about any new releases, and to be kept informed on your wineries activities. View Paul’s complete request and submission details.
Delta Air Lines 2018-19 Wine Program
Delta Air Lines invites proposals for the 2018-2019 Delta Wine program for Wine in Delta One, First Class and Main Cabin. Please plan to join the conference call with the Delta Team on Fri., August 18 at 11am EST. All proposals are due by Fri., September 15. Review and download the full call details.
OPPORTUNITIES
Northwest Wine Radio Now Booking 2018
Northwest Wine Radio seeks winemakers for their winter 2018 schedule. Taping takes place on select Mondays in Seattle and participation is free. View the schedule and learn more.
Massachusetts Distributor Seeking New Oregon Producer Partners
Wine Cask Imports, a small importer/distributor in Massachusetts, is seeking to expand its Oregon portfolio. They have been in business for twelve years and their team of four knowledgeable salespeople focus on the high-population regions of Boston and the North and South Shores. Get more details and contact information.
Linfield College Launches New Wine Archive Website
The Oregon Wine History Archive (OWHA) was founded at Linfield College in 2011. This summer, a new, user-friendly website that houses the OWHA’s interviews, photos and scanned physical documents was launched. The OWHA is always seeking new materials. View the new site and learn about contributing.
Al MacDonald / LIVE Wine Studies Scholarship Fund
The Al MacDonald / LIVE Wine Studies Fund aims to provide assistance to first-generation students of color enrolled in the Wine Studies Program at Chemeketa Community College in Salem. Funds will be used to help defray tuition costs and other educational expenses. Donations will be generously matched up to the $5000 milestone by Al MacDonald, one of the founders of both LIVE and the Wine Studies Department at Chemeketa Community College. Learn more and make a donation.
Preliminary 2016 Grape Pricing Data Now Available
Thank you to all who completed the 2016 census form. The preliminary prices per ton for grapes at the regional and state levels from the 2016 Oregon Vineyard and Winery Census are now available, and the full census report will be published in August. See the preliminary pricing report.
List or Search Grapes for Sale on the Marketplace
If you are looking for a buyer for your grapes, or are interested in buying grapes, don’t forget to check out the Marketplace on the OWB’s industry website. In 2016, the Marketplace replaced the Grape Matching Service and, based on industry feedback, the Marketplace also includes listings for bulk wine, equipment and job opportunities. Post items for sale or visit the Marketplace to search items for sale.
Come Share Your Winery’s Story with the OWB Team
We’d like to get to know you. Wineries are invited to OWB’s office to share their wines and brand story with us at 3:30 p.m. on Fridays. This is a great opportunity for you to get to know our organization better, ask questions of us and share your suggestions. Learn more and sign up for a visit.
Leave a comment