Congratulations to the seven wine industry organizations from around the state that were successful with their applications and found themselves on the receiving end of very good news from Travel Oregon following the latest round of Wine Country License Plate Matching Grant project reviews.
The total amount of money offered for those eight wine projects is $188,070, which equals about half of the funding Travel Oregon is portioning out this year. Our industry was led by the Rogue Valley Vintners, which walked away from the table with $86,080.
As a reminder, the Oregon Wine Board (OWB) is ready to provide a support letter anytime to any group submitting an application to other grant programs.
Congratulations as well to the organizers of Malbec in the City, which brought together 20 Oregon producers in Portland on April 30, pouring for over 250 attendees and raising money for Our Legacy Harvested.
Photo credit – Foundry 503
Malbec in the City was founded by veteran Oregon winemaker JP Valot, who worked with many other Malbec devotees to deliver the country’s first event dedicated solely to the staple variety of Argentina, which has found a new home here.
It reminds us that every iconic event now etched on our industry calendar, which contributes to Oregon’s ascendant wine reputation, started with a few passionate innovators coming together to get something brand new off the ground.
Finally, this is one of our last chances to urge you to participate in the 2022 Oregon Wine Industry Vineyard and Winery census. Here’s the link to the form. We are really in need of responses from Albarino, Chenin Blanc, Muller Thurgau, Sangiovese, and Viognier growers. Without sufficient data points, the University of Oregon researchers won’t be able to report reliably on those varieties.
We are seeing great census participation from industry members in the Umpqua and South Willamette regions this year but seem to be lagging a little so far in the Rogue and North Willamette Valleys. Any data provided goes directly to the research team and is held in confidence. The OWB only sees the final aggregated report.
Please let Bob Parker at the U of O know if you have any questions about the census or need extra time to contribute.
P.S. While OWB is not producing regular podcasts right now, our Trade Relations Manager David DeWitt jumped into an Instagram live chat earlier this month with the U.S. Bartenders Guild to discuss Oregon wine and Oregon Wine Month. Nearly 14,000 regular followers tuned in to this discussion highlighting Oregon wine for a new segment of the on-premise trade channel. David’s interview on Instagram is most easily viewed on a mobile device.
Tom Danowski
President
Marketing
OWB Marketing
Oregon Wine Month Sweepstakes and Pair It Forward Campaign
As we enter the final week of a momentous Oregon Wine Month, wineries and industry members are reminded that they can participate by promoting the sweepstakes page and participating in the #PairItForward social media campaign, which showcases wineries and their favorite food and wine pairings through short videos. Visit our Pair It Forward toolkit for more details and instructions on submitting a video.
Wine Industry Insights
SOVOS ShipCompliant The Future of Wine DtC Recording Now Available
The video recording of the webinar, The Future of Wine DtC: Data-Driven Trends and Strategies for Success, is now available. You can find the slides and audio presented during the webinar here.
IWSR Reports on Key Trends for Wine in 2023 and Beyond
IWSR analysis shows that long-term challenges persist but the influence of e-commerce is expected to continue to grow, and there are opportunities in the premium space, as well as in sparkling wines and alternative wines. Read More.
Education
Biodynamic Masterclass Open to Oregon Industry Members I July 27-29
Join international and domestic (including Oregon) wine producers and leaders in biodynamic viticulture for three days of masterclasses and tastings at the Quintessa estate in Napa Valley, California. Large and small biodynamic producers from around the world will share insights and knowledge. Biodiversity and terroir specialists will offer a perspective on viticulture in today’s changing environment. With a focus on practices and principles that build vineyard health and resilience, this immersive and conversational symposium is ideal for wine producers, consultants, viticulturists, sommeliers and wine educators. Register here.
Press and Media
Press Highlights
Wine Pair Reports on Global Cool-Climate Wineries Staking a Claim in Oregon
In her article, Shana Clarke talks about the growing interest in Oregon from international investors. Since David Lett of Eyrie Vineyards planted the first Pinot Noir in the Willamette Valley in 1965, winemakers from across the globe are now looking to Oregon as a place to set down roots.
Paul Gregutt is seeking sparkling wine samples for review on his site. Find out more.
VinePair Calls for Orange wines, Sauvignon Blanc, Grüner Veltliner
New York-based website VinePair is seeking wines for its Buy this Booze Column as well as standalone wine reviews for June and July. Find out more.
Forbes Seeks Oregon Saignée Rosé | Deadline June 15
Forbes wine columnist Joe Micallef is working on an Oregon Saignée Rosé story and is seeking samples. Find out more.
OWB Press Releases
There’s Still Plenty of Time to Enjoy Oregon Wine Month Events
Oregon Wine Month may be at the halfway point, but Oregon wine lovers still have time to take advantage of the plethora of events including wine tasting and learning this May. Here’s a sampling, divided into major winemaking regions. Read the press release.
Research
Viticulture & Enology
May 2023 Weather and Climate Forecast
Dr. Greg Jones recently published an updated weather and climate summary and forecast. This report looks back at April conditions and forecasts conditions for May, June, and July.
Industry Research
Participate in Oregon’s Winery and Vineyard Census | Extended Deadline May 31
This year marks 40 years since the first Oregon statewide census of vineyards and wineries. Help us continue the legacy by participating in the 2022 study. This year’s new feature will be production estimates for AVAs where we get sufficient participation. The data form can be accessed here. Questions about the study can be addressed to Bob Parker who leads the effort on behalf of the Institute for Policy Research and Engagement at UO. As in the past, individual data will be confidential and never shared with the Oregon Wine Board.
Opportunities
Travel Oregon Sustainable Tourism Professional Training | June 1 & 2
Join Southern Oregon University, Travel Southern Oregon, and Travel Oregon in the Rogue Valley for an immersive free program to help you get involved in sustainable tourism. Register here.
Other News
WVWA Webinar: Refillable Wine Bottles, the Future of Wine Packaging | Today at 1 p.m.
Revino is reviving the refillable glass bottle ecosystem in the PNW to help localize and secure bottle supply, offer bottle cost savings, and continue Oregon’s legacy of environmental stewardship. The company’s goal is to eliminate single-use packaging and transform sustainable packaging solutions across the food and beverage industry.
Click here to download Revino’s booklet and watch their video here. During this webinar, Keenan and Adam, the founders of Revino, will provide information on how to partner with them and updates on their progress and future development plans.
Register Now.
Tom Danowski
President
