Let me open this letter with a nudge to complete the annual vineyard and winery survey questionnaire. Please click here, or direct the appropriate person at your vineyard or winery to do so, and help us gather accurate data, including grape prices by region and variety, to insure a reliable report. Researchers are standing by now for your data.
If you have been tuned into news reports over the past couple weeks, you probably noticed our industry earning some favorable coverage. First came the latest Economic Impact Report which reflects total, statewide industry employment of nearly 30,000 and an Oregon wine economy valued at $5.6 Billion annually versus $3.3 Billion just a few years ago. Second, click here for a look at last week’s KGW-TV broadcast coverage of the sensational showing Oregon wines made in Wine & Spirits Magazine’s 29th annual ranking of the country’s most popular restaurant wines.
A final note about the media’s spotlight on our industry. The Oregon Wine Board has been actively monitoring reports and intervening with media around the state to offer clarifying information about the potential effects of fire smoke events near several Oregon vineyards last fall. We are also even more closely aligned now with Oregon State University research scientists and administrators to ensure that any comments made to media related to our wines are accurate and complete.
Let me close with some good news from the Oregon Winegrowers Association which worked successfully during the 2018 legislative session to advance House Bill 4088. The measure passed unanimously in both chambers and was signed into law by Gov. Brown last month. Here is a summary of how it helps every Oregon winery owner deal with what can be aggressive, high-pressure tactics used by some music performance rights representatives:
Those representatives must now register with Oregon’s Secretary of State each year and provide forms reflecting the payment rates associated with licensed music
Representatives must also provide, for free, a searchable online data base of all the performed material they are responsible for
Representatives are prohibited from using obscene, abusive or profane language when communicating with a business owner or her/his employees and are required to communicate with owners at their place of business during normal business hours
Finally, House Bill 4088 allows a court to impose a fine of up to $1,000 for each violation of the statute.
Click here for more information about supporting the Oregon Winegrowers Association which engages in work like this to help advance and defend Oregon’s wine businesses. The OWA receives no funding whatsoever from the grape taxes you pay to OLCC and the Oregon Wine Board.
Important P.S.: Don’t miss this chance to register for next week’s WISE Academy “Seven Secrets of Sales” sessions. OWB has arranged for industry members to pay less than 10% of the regular admission price
Cheers,
Tom Danowski
President
Oregon Wine Board
MARKETING
Oregon Wine Month is Three Weeks Away – Watch the Webinar Recording
Recorded in late Feb., the Oregon Wine Month webinar covers all program elements, addresses common questions and may help your winery make the most out of May’s statewide promotion. Watch the webinar now.
New 2018 Oregon Wine Touring Guide Available
The 2018 Oregon Wine Touring Guide is available now for complimentary order and delivery. This third edition of the guide is packed with new photography, editorial content and updated listings for more than 500 tasting rooms across the state. The 2018 guide is for wineries, hotels and other tourism related businesses. Order your case.
EDUCATION
OWB Presents Two WISE Academy Sales Workshops in April
OWB is pleased to offer WISE Academy 7 Secrets of Sales sessions at more than 90% off the regular admission price. Each workshop will cover: leveraging your brand, understanding the buyers’ continuum, positive profiling, building rapport, buying signals, codifying your sales successes, wine club features & benefits, asking for the order & capturing data. Registration is open and the course will be offered April 16 and 18 in different locations. Choose your date.
OWB Grape & Wine Profit Calculator Workshop Registrations Open
Registration for the March 28 Grape & Wine Profit Calculator workshop is still available. The Profit Calculator tool was developed specifically for Oregon producers and is free to all Oregon producers. Built with the help of Oregon grape growers, winemakers, sales managers and data from the annual census report, this tool is a first for Oregon’s wine industry and was developed by OWB Education Manager, Bree Boskov MW, in conjunction with Tim Hanni MW and his wine business simulator program. Learn more and register.
Rogue Farm Corps’ April Succession/Access Workshop Series
Are you a retiring or aspiring farmer? Rogue Farm Corps is offering a workshop series in four Oregon regions on succession planning and land access titled: “Changing Hands: Workshops on Farm Succession Planning and Access to Land.” The day-long workshops start with breakfast at 7:30am, the program begins at 8:30am and goes through 5:00pm with lunch and afternoon snacks included. Registration is just $20-$30, including meals. Learn more and register.
RESEARCH
April 2018 Weather and Climate Forecast
On Apr. 5, Dr. Greg Jones of Linfield College published an updated weather and climate summary and forecast. This report looks back at March conditions, provides an updated drought watch, and forecasts conditions for April, May and June. Read the report.
Participate in the 2017 Oregon Vineyard and Winery Census
Help our industry gather accurate data, including grape prices by region and variety, by completing the annual vineyard and winery census survey questionnaire or directing the appropriate person at your vineyard or winery to do so. Researchers are standing by now for your data. Begin the survey.
CALLS FOR WINE
April Calls for Wine
Many new wine call opportunities await in April, especially for Rosé and Chardonnay. New opportunities include The Rose Competition, Westchester Magazine, Wine & Spirits, the Drunken Cyclist and more. Read about all opportunities and learn how to apply.
OPPORTUNITIES
Attend a Travel Oregon Tourism Listening Session
Travel Oregon, in partnership with Oregon’s seven regional destination management organizations (RDMOs), invites you to join one of 10 Oregon Tourism Listening Sessions across the state this spring. They want to hear from anyone who touches the tourism industry, including business owners, land managers, volunteers, nonprofits, policymakers and more, as we value all perspectives and opinions. Read more and register.
OTHER NEWS
2016 Economic Impact Report Released
OWB issued a press release last Monday about the newest economic impact figures compiled by Full Glass Research. The preliminary numbers in the economic impact study, last conducted in 2013, measure the economic contributions the Oregon wine industry makes to the state, and is revealing impressive growth from the work of Oregon vintners in 2016. Read the press release and full 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. The Marketplace also includes listings for bulk wine, real estate, equipment and job opportunities. Post items for sale or visit the Marketplace to search items for sale.
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