We are just about to embark on our busy season of outbound international events, which kicks off with our annual trip to Japan and South Korea.
We have worked hard this year to develop an exciting roster of in-market events that go beyond the typical trade tasting, such as creating a dinner event in London in March and expanding Oregon-focused activities in Toronto during our April visit.
It’s impressive to see the swell of interest in our international programs this year, resulting in growing attendance at events in our primary markets. For those of you traveling, thank you for taking the time and resources to represent our region internationally. We hope our collective efforts produce expanded representation and sales of your wines.
Cheers,
Marie Chambers
GENERAL UPDATES
Oregon Pinot Camp International Nominations
The selection process for international 2017 Oregon Pinot Camp candidates is underway and OWB has extended the deadline for qualified nominations to Feb. 10. To submit your nominations, contact Margaret Bray with the following information:
Candidate name
Title
Reason for nomination
Short bio
You can submit as many nominations as you like but please review the candidate requirements before making your submission. OWB will take all candidates into consideration during the selection process.
Call For International Success Stories
As always, OWB needs your international success stories. Showing the USDA that Market Access Program funds are being used effectively and that activities are resulting in increased international sales and representation for Oregon wineries is essential for continued grant funding. If you have participated in any OWB-sponsored international activities, including inbound trade tours or outbound events that have resulted in securing representation or sales abroad contact Margaret Bray with your success story details.
SAQ Buyer Trip Recap
In October 2016, OWB hosted buyers from the monopoly in Quebec for a three-day tour of Oregon wineries from all parts of the Willamette Valley. As a result, the buyers left with a much greater understanding of Oregon and the quality of the wine being produced here. Upon their return to Quebec, the buyers made both specialty and general list purchases with the intent to continue growing their Oregon portfolio. OWB expects to see future tenders in 2017 and will communicate these opportunities when they are available.
Canadian Sommelier Multi-State Tour Recap
In October 2016, OWB hosted a group of 12 sommeliers from various regions in Canada including Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario and Quebec. This was the first time Oregon collaborated with California, New York and Washington on a successful inbound tour that visited all three West Coast states. After visiting California and attending a New York wine tasting there, the sommeliers spent a day and a half in Oregon, which included a Southern Oregon dinner and stops at wineries in the Willamette Valley before continuing on to Washington. This tour generated an increase in sales of Oregon wines in Canadian markets and generated additional placements on restaurant menus in the various provinces. The USDA funded this tour with a grant, and due to its success the USDA will be funding a second grant to replicate this tour with a focus on trade members from Denmark.
UPCOMING INTERNATIONAL EVENTS
Canada
Spring Toronto Tasting Set for April
Join the Oregon Wine Board for a spring event in Toronto, Ontario. Taking place on Apr. 11, this event is aimed at attracting top-level trade and media in the Ontario market. The main event will consist of an interactive walk-around tasting and salmon bake targeting more than 100 key trade, LCBO buyers and media. Additionally, there will be a structured seminar taking place before the tasting for 50 members of the trade. The LCBO will also be hosting a best practices seminar, so this is a great opportunity for wineries to hear tips and advice on entering the market directly from the buying monopoly. The deadline to register has been extended to Jan. 31. Click here for more information and to register.
Asia
Educational Events in China
The OWB and the Washington State Wine Commission have received a grant for an educational seminar in mainland China. This seminar will take place in Shanghai on Mar. 3 and will focus on media and trade. Debra Meiburg MW will host the seminar, which will include a food pairing component.
Asia Tour in February 2017
Once again the Oregon Wine Board and the Washington State Wine Commission will be hosting the annual trade tasting and educational seminars in Asia. The South Korea event will take place in Seoul on Feb. 6 followed by visits to Japan with events in Tokyo on Feb. 8 and Osaka on Feb. 9. Participating wineries include those that have been doing business in these markets successfully for several years and those who are looking to develop a new relationship with an importer.
Europe
Go West and Northwest Wine Tour in March 2017
The annual Europe Tour is set for mid-March with stops in London, Stockholm and Dusseldorf. Registration for these events is closed and OWB has a great group of participating wineries to represent Oregon to the world stage in these markets.
Held in conjunction with the Washington State Wine Commission, the London event on Mar. 13 features the largest group of participating wineries for a day-long trade tasting, an Oregon Chardonnay seminar and the first ever evening event – an interactive tasting for premium and ultra-premium wine trade and media.
As part of the Go West programming in partnership with the Washington State Wine Commission and the California Wine Institute, the Stockholm event on Mar. 15 consistently attracts many key trade and influencers from the market. Oregon wines will be highlighted in a seminar hosted by Geoff Kruth MS focusing on signature varieties.
The European Tour will conclude with ProWein Dusseldorf, Mar. 19-21. This wine and spirits trade fair has become the premier wine event worldwide.
Mexico
Educational Events in Mexico
The OWB and the Washington State Wine Commission have received a grant to hold educational seminars in Mexico. The Mexico events will take place in both Cabo San Lucas and Mexico City the week of May 22. The events will consist of educational tasting seminars focused on local media and trade. OWB has sourced wines from around the state to develop the best introductory seminar for the Mexican market.
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