History was made last Tuesday when Wine Enthusiast magazine’s contributing editor Paul Gregutt awarded a perfect 100 point score to the 2016 Estate Vineyard, Bonshaw Block Pinot Noir (Ribbon Ridge) made by the legendary Patricia Green. Read Paul’s comments here. This “powerfully woven” wine may well be Patty’s capstone achievement. It is Wine Enthusiast’s first 100-point Oregon Pinot Noir. Even after her passing, Patty’s winemaking talent continues to inspire her peers and elevate Oregon’s stature.
We’re a week away from Oregon Wine Month 2018, and the program continues to gain traction with the number of participating distributors tripling versus last year and promotional support activities planned across multiple sales channels in 38 states. One of our most enthusiastic Oregon Wine Month cheerleaders is Certified Sommelier Ganna Federova. Ganna visited us in February for the Oregon Wine Symposium to accept the OWB’s Oregon Wine A-List Wine Program of the Year award on behalf of City Winery. If you’re in need of Wine Month inspiration, take a quick look at the splash made by the 18 Oregon wineries Ganna has selected to feature in New York City.
But wait….there’s more to help you make Oregon Wine Month work for your business. Pass this Oregon Wine Master Class webinar link on across your networks to anyone who would benefit from learning a little more about Oregon, our wine regions, growers and winemakers. The presentation was delivered a couple weeks ago by Christina DeArment and Bree Boskov MW from the OWB to support key accounts, distributor sales organizations and winery hospitality staff members in their selling efforts during May and all year long.
Turning to news from our nation’s capital, the Oregon Winegrowers Association held its most recent Congressional wine tasting while members were in Washington, D.C. earlier this month for a productive series of meetings with policy makers. OWA growers and winemakers from Walla Walla, Hood River and the Willamette Valley flew in to discuss important items on the industry’s agenda with Oregon’s Senators and House members as well as with leaders from the USDA and TTB. The most pressing issue is of course the action OWA and WineAmerica urged lawmakers and regulators to take that would enable wineries storing finished wines offsite at bonded wine facilities to capture the full value of expanded federal excise tax credits embedded within last December’s new federal tax law. We will keep you updated as we learn more about what’s next on this. Click here in case you missed OWA’s March 9 alert on this topic.
I’ll close with a free offer: if you’ve been told you have a face for radio and are interested in broadcast exposure to achieve greater awareness for your wine brand across the Northwest, contact Brian Calvert. Brian’s program, “Northwest Wine Radio” airs in 14 regional markets, and he is offering time to those who move quickly and are willing to visit him for one of six open recording dates in his Seattle studio. Click here for details.
Cheers,
Tom Danowski
President
Oregon Wine Board
MARKETING
Oregon Wine Month is One Week Away – Watch the Webinar
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
Oregon Wine Master Class Webinar Available to Watch
On April 10, Bree Boskov MW of the OWB presented an Introduction to Oregon Wine Master Class as a kick off to Oregon Wine Month. Over 150 trade and educators registered from 10 countries. Watch the webinar now.
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 and dates remain for Redmond and Springfield. Learn more and register.
RESEARCH
OWRI Grapevine Red Blotch Disease Survey
The Oregon Wine Research Institute at Oregon State University is conducting a survey on Grapevine Red Blotch Disease to understand how widespread the disease is in Oregon and what educational information is needed by industry. The survey should not take more than a few minutes. Begin the survey.
OSU Agricultural Water Survey
Researchers at Oregon State University are reaching out to all produce growers in the state of Oregon to investigate water use practices in order to help farmers meet new federal requirements. A short survey has been created to better understand water practices on produce farms. Begin the survey.
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
Last call for media opportunities for April, including some new additions, including Sip Northwest Magazine’s summer issue. Read more 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
Travel Oregon Wine Country Plates Grants Awards Announced
Travel Oregon has announced that eight projects have been awarded a total of $184,200 in grant funding through the Oregon Wine Country Plates Matching Grants Program for the 2018-19 cycle. The OWB and the Willamette Valley Visitors Association were both awarded grants to pursue wine country visitor insights. Read more about all award recipients.
2016 Economic Impact Report Released
OWB issued a press release on March 19 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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