Dear Friends,
The Oregon Wine Board (OWB) cares deeply about enhancing the reputation of Oregon wine. For me, as OWB Director of Communications, it means getting the media to share the magic and splendor of Oregon. Our state has even more to offer than its many terroirs and 23 AVAs: its people who lovingly tend the vineyards and winemakers who turn the fruit into something magical…our “perroir,” if you will. Media is interested in the stories of our people living in harmony with our land channeling the power and purpose of the place to create Oregon’s unique wines.
As a member of our industry, your story is woven into the grapevine of our state and it’s important that every winery takes part in Oregon’s Winery & Vineyard census leading to the annual Winery & Vineyard report. Your participation is essential to provide an accurate picture of the wine industry in Oregon. Your response not only provides crucial information to media but also policymakers and industry organizations who shape the future of our industry. Please reach out to Bob Parker at the University of Oregon if you haven’t yet received the survey form.
The following is OWB’s strategy for media engagement:
We will continue to work with and support wine writers with calls for wine, which generally result in scoring and tasting notes. My regular activities include being in consistent contact with all influential media such as Decanter, Jancis Robinson, Wine Advocate, Oregon Wine Press, and other food and tourism-focused outlets to ensure they get the best taste of the Pacific Northwest. Any calls for wines are always mentioned in this letter and can be found in the press section of our website. Last week we completed an eight-day comprehensive wine tasting with James Suckling’s team. Two members of the team technically tasted around 500 wines from our entire state.
OWB media relations efforts also consist of supporting wineries and AVA Associations to meet directly with media representatives through special events or deskside briefings.
Every year, OWB invites culinary and travel writers to experience the food-friendly wines of Oregon. We make sure to involve writers and bloggers who engage with a variety of audiences, including those who may be intimidated by technical wine tastings. We like to host media representatives during tourism shoulder seasons. Autumn is fascinating to experience harvest, see the fall foliage and ripening fruit. Winter, with wines in the cellar, is the ideal time of year to cozy up with warm people and a glass of wine.
We are not surprised to see Time Magazine has selected the Willamette Valley as one of the 50 best places to visit in 2023.
A rising focus for OWB is to enhance existing collaboration with our tourism Destination Marketing and Management Organizations (DMOs), as well as Regional Destination Marketing and Management Organizations (RDMOs), to identify when and how we can align our efforts for outcomes that benefit our AVAs with more inspiration to visit wineries, thus encouraging DtC sales and generating new fans of Oregon wine.
Finally, we noted a recent article from Meininger’s International describing the changing landscape of media. As stated in the article, the media is most interested in telling people’s stories, anniversaries to celebrate and events to elevate. Making your story easy to be told by having a readily available press kit increases your chances to be featured. Reach out, I am here to help get your story told: [email protected].
Cheers,
Linea Gagliano
Director of Communications
Marketing
OWB Marketing
Pair It Forward Campaign Celebrates Food and Wine
To celebrate Oregon Wine Month, OWB has launched a social media campaign called Pair It Forward (#pairitforward). This campaign uses short videos in which winemakers, chefs, or artisan food producers across the state talk about their favorite wine and food pairings. Visit the Pair It Forward toolkit for a detailed overview of the campaign, including instructions on how to film your video.
Order Your 2023-24 Oregon Wine Touring Guides
The 2023-24 edition of the Oregon Wine Touring Guide is now available. This guide is a magazine and digital book meant to inspire more visits to your tasting rooms by locals and out-of-towners alike. It makes a wonderful addition to any tasting room and wine club shipments. Wineries, restaurants and hotels are encouraged to order complimentary boxes in our Touring Guide Toolkit.
Wine Industry Insights
Read Wine Opinions Survey Results on Beverage Alcohol Consumers Aged 21 to 39
In the past 12 months, Wine Opinions has conducted quantitative research among frequent beverage alcohol consumers under the age of 40. The survey detail the wine behaviors in ages 21-39. Summary highlights of the surveys can be viewed or downloaded at this link.
Download SOVOS Ship Compliant Free eBook: DtC Alcohol Shipping Essentials
The free e-book details the basics of what you need to know about staying compliant and finding success in DtC alcohol shipping. Topics include licensing, age verification, volume limits, brand registrations, tax determination and reporting, and more.
Education
Register for Dr. Jeff Peterson’s Webinar on Salary Survey Findings | April 13 at 10 a.m.
Join sociologist Dr. Jeff Peterson for his last webinar providing an in-depth analysis and interpretation of the 2022 Oregon Wine Industry Labor and Salary survey. Dr. Peterson will provide insights and comparisons into regional cost of living, new and growing roles in the industry, and strategies to improve equitable salary solutions. Register here.
Register and Share Oregon Wine Month Educational webinars
For Oregon Wine Month, OWB is hosting a series of educational webinars. Trade and industry members are invited to join OWB Director of Education Bree Stock MW as she takes a close look at the styles, varietals, and terroirs that make Oregon wines so diverse. These masterclasses take place Mondays at 11 a.m. More information on our website.
Webinar #1: Sparkling Oregon | April 10, 11 a.m. | Register
Webinar #2: Regional Whites | April 24, 11 a.m. Register
Webinar #3: Regional Reds | May 15, 11 a.m. Register
Webinar #4: Understanding Soils & Climate | May 22, 11 a.m. Register
Press and Media
Press Highlights
TIME Selects Willamette Valley As One of the World’s Greatest Places
To compile their list of the World’s Greatest Places, TIME solicited nominations with an eye toward places offering new and exciting experiences. Increased interest in sustainability and authenticity are amongst the many reasons why the Willamette Valley has been selected.
jebdunnuck.com Reports on World of Pinot Noir 2023
R.H. Drexel shares her experience attending the 23rd edition of The World of Pinot Noir (WOPN). The enthusiasm and positive energy of Oregon winemakers convinced her to plan a visit to the Willamette Valley.
OPB Highlights Oregon Chardonnay
Superabundant, OPB’s video series, that highlights the food and ingredients that sustain the Pacific Northwest, will feature Oregon chardonnay.
Eater Portland Showcases Wine Events and Festivals
Jancy Wong delves into some of the many events that celebrate Oregon wine in May during Oregon Wine Month.
The Vintner Project Reports on The Ascent of Oregon Chardonnay
Karen Magner tells the story of Oregon Chardonnay, from clonal selection to industry collaboration and the variety gaining expert and media recognition.
Media Opportunities & Calls for Wine
TEXSOM International Wine Awards Accepting Wine Submissions | Deadline April 14
Judging for TEXSOM International Wine Awards (TIWA) will occur from April 30 through May 3, 2023, in Irving, Texas. Wineries do not have to have distribution in Texas to submit entries. OWB has partnered with FedEx to support this opportunity and can cover ground shipping for your wine entries. Shipping details and instructions are available on our website.
Research
March 2023 Weather and Climate Forecast
Dr. Greg Jones recently published an updated weather and climate summary and forecast. This report looks back at February conditions and forecasts conditions for March, April and May.
Register for Oregon Wine Research Institute (OWRI) Grape Day | April 4
This annual event will take place in person on April 4 at Oregon State University. It provides the most recent information from research projects relevant to the Oregon wine industry by researchers at Oregon State University’s OWRI and partners at the USDA-ARS. The focus this year is the grapevine red blotch virus. Learn more and register here.
Opportunities
Register for Malbec in the City | Deadline March 30
Malbec in the City!will bring together producers of wines made with Malbec grapes grown in Oregon. This consumer event will take place on Sunday, April 30 in Portland at the Castaway and will benefit Our Legacy Harvested. Wineries interested in participating can fill out this form.
Register for Chemeketa Wine Studies Course on Biodynamic Viticulture | Starts April 4
The course is aimed at those already working in the industry and who have at least an intermediate-level understanding of vineyard practices. Classes will be held on Tuesdays from April 4 to June 13 from 2 to 4:50 p.m. at the Chemeketa Eola campus in Salem. The cost is $350. To register and secure your spot, please email at [email protected].
Other News
Register for LIVE 2023 Annual Meeting | March 29 – 30
Day 1 will be held over Zoom and will include program updates and a board meeting. Day 2 will be in person at the Chehalem Cultural Center in Newberg. It will feature three presentations, including keynote speaker Jancis Robinson. All are welcome to attend. The full program and registration for each day can be found at www.liveannualmeeting.com.
Oregon Grape Quarantine: New Requirements for New Plantations
If you are planting grapevines this year, be aware of new rule changes that went into effect on Jan. 1, 2023. The Oregon Grape Quarantine now requires all plants purchased from outside the state to be certified. Learn more about this rule change here. If you are interested in having your out-of-state shipments tested by the Oregon Department of Agriculture for free, read the handout and complete the request form.
Linea Gagliano
Director of Communications
