I’m excited to join the Oregon Wine Board as the Trade and Industry Relations Manager. For nearly two decades I’ve worked in distribution and for one of the Northwest’s largest suppliers, Ste Michelle Wine Estates. My background in sales, marketing, events, and management will enable me to develop partnerships and strategic communications that represent our dynamic growing regions statewide. Serving the wine industry has allowed me to travel to many of the world’s growing regions and achieve WSET2 certification.
I’ve been getting to know my new team at OWB and the various programs the organization is currently running.
Working closely with Oregon Wine Month 2022, we finished an initial sales sheet for chain retail to plant the seed for this important effort. We are already seeing success with commitments from Albertsons/Vons California in their May/June planning calendar. A robust program deck will roll out later next month and we’ll continue outreach to stakeholders to further amplify the program.
Additionally, the Oregon Wine Board will participate in TEXSOM this November in Dallas, educating trade professionals about Oregon’s unique wine culture. I will be joining Bree Stock MW, Director of Education, at TEXSOM to build on our earlier investments in this event and spread this important messaging to the national audience of multi-channel trade professionals and buyers. Market Expansion is the strategic pillar my work will be focused on.
I look forward to collaborating with our community to deliver impactful programs and content that best represents the Oregon Wine industry. It’s an honor to continue my career in the Oregon Wine industry, contributing to the success of our state. I’ll work hard to expand the market regionally and nationally with authenticity, emphasizing the state’s commitment to quality, tradition, and our innovative spirit.
While attending the University of Oregon (Michigan native), I began to enjoy wine. Visiting Oregon wineries cemented this passion along with our state’s fantastic food scene. After graduation, I spent a couple of years in Colorado, but was thrilled to move back to Oregon, specifically Portland in 2004. I reside in Northeast Portland with my family. When I am not working, I enjoy being active outdoors with friends and family. I am an avid skier and I pretend to golf. I appreciate the introduction and will be in touch.
David DeWitt
Manager Trade & Industry Relations
Marketing
Oregon Wine Month 2022 Webinar #1 | Nov. 10
Save the date for our first of two Oregon Wine Month 2022 webinars on Wednesday, November 10 at 11am. Complete registration details will be shared later this month.
Oregon Wine Press would like to include your winery’s open house in their 2021 Thanksgiving Weekend (and Pre-Thanksgiving Weekend) section of the November issue. To be included, submit this form by October 16. Contact Hilary Berg with questions.
Read our recent International Marketing newsletter
OWB’s latest newsletter about international marketing activities was published Aug. 10. It includes a recap of activities in international target markets over the last year and outlines the events planned for this upcoming cycle.
Research
OWB Annual Industry Satisfaction Survey | Deadline: Oct. 15
We invite all members of the Oregon Wine industry to share their perspectives in an anonymous survey about how well OWB is meeting expectations across each of our primary functional areas. Respond by Friday, October 15 for a chance to win free passes to the 2022 virtual Symposium
October 2021 Weather and Climate Forecast
Dr. Greg Jones recently published an updated weather and climate summary and forecast. This report looks back at September conditions and forecasts conditions for October, November, and December.
Silicon Valley Bank State of the Wine Industry Survey | Deadline: Oct. 15
Silicon Valley Bank’s annual survey of U.S. wineries is open through Oct. 15. The survey questions, which should take about 15 minutes to answer, can be previewed here. Respondents will receive full anonymous results, top level analysis, and relevant charts.
Opportunities
The Future of Oregon Tourism: Stakeholder Workshops
Travel Oregon and international tourism experts, Destination Think!, invite you to participate in one of seven regional, virtual workshops in October. Your input during these workshops will have direct impact on Oregon’s tourism vision for the future. See the complete schedule of workshops and learn more about the strategic planning process.
Applications are now open for vineyard stewards and employers to participate in the 2022 AHIVOY Wine Industry Professional training program. Application details and FAQs can be found on the AHIVOY website, and AHIVOY representatives are available to meet with vineyard stewards to answer any questions they may have about the program.
Other news
Oregon Wine Industry Forum | Next meetings: Oct. 12, Nov. 9, Dec. 14
The monthly Oregon Wine Industry Forum continues today at 11 a.m. Join us then or register for the final two meetings of 2021 to stay current on industry trends, connect with industry members across the state, and keep informed on OWB programming and opportunities.
Celebrating Hispanic Roots | Sept. 15 – Oct. 15
Oregon’s Hispanic Wineries unite for Celebrating Hispanic Roots, in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15-October 15. Each of the six participating wineries are offering special selections and 10% of ticket and bottle sales will be donated to Adelante Mujeres Empresas Small Business Development Program.
Make a nomination for the 2022 Oregon Wine Industry Awards | Deadline: Nov. 15
Nominations for the 2022 Oregon Wine Industry Awards are being accepted until Nov. 15. The awards recognize contributions to the industry in the categories of Lifetime Achievement, Founder, Outstanding Industry Leadership, Vineyard Excellence, and Industry Partner.
OWB’s COVID-19 Toolkit
OWB’s COVID-19 Toolkit includes the latest information on Governor Brown’s statewide mask mandate as well as information from Oregon OSHA. The latter includes a workplace advisory memo regarding employer enforcement of facial coverings in response to the reinstated mandate.
Press
Recent coverage by Eric Asimov in the NY Times
Recently, Eric Asimov’s NY Times column, The Pour, chronicled the Columbia Gorge AVA and four winemakers whom Asimov said are, “…making gorgeous, intriguing wines and turning the region into a vibrant winemaking hub.” Read the complete story.
Shortly thereafter, Oregon was treated to another hit Asimov column, this time featuring the Applegate Valley, including several producers and a bright spotlight on Troon Vineyard. Read the complete story.
Decanter publishes Christophe Baron retrospective
In Decanter’s premium edition, Charles Curtis MW offers a lighthearted retrospective of Christophe Baron’s projects in Eastern Oregon. Curtis writes, “Christophe Baron has been busy. The Champenois transplant to the Pacific Northwest has built a worldwide reputation for his winery Cayuse, in Oregon’s Walla Walla Valley, where he began planting in 1997 and launched his first vintage in 2000.” Read the complete story.
James Suckling publishes largest Oregon wine report to date
For this latest JamesSuckling.com Oregon report, published late August 2021, the tasting panel uncorked 806 bottles from twelve AVAs across the state. An incredible 93% of wines reviewed received 90 points or higher. Read the complete story.
