Your Oregon Wine Board of Directors met last week to further advance the work so many of you have contributed to as we create a five-year Strategic Plan for the OWB. For those who might wonder whether a nine-member Board can equitably represent the state’s varied interests, be aware that the Directors are growers andwinemakers themselves who manage global brands as well as emerging, early-stage family businesses. They bring their own perspectives along with your suggestions from the Columbia Gorge, the Rogue and Umpqua valleys, as well as both the northern and southern regions of the Willamette Valley.
The OWB management team is at work now merging the Board’s input with what many of you have expressed earlier. We’ll be coming to you in the new year to share our interpretations and invite your thoughts on how we can all work together to translate the insights into tools and programs that support your business plans. Please let us know when your association’s next meetings are scheduled. We’ll be there.
This quote from an industry member underscores a sentiment that has influenced our thinking and came up time and again during our plan development process: “The overall goal for the OWB, I would urge, is Brand Oregon, Brand Oregon, Brand Oregon.”
Message received.
Also at last week’s meeting, the Oregon Wine Board Directors elected the following executive officers for 2020: the Board Chair will be Robert Morus from Hood River with Kevin Chambers from Amity serving as Vice Chair. Donna Morris from Dundee is Treasurer and Eugenia Keegan from Newberg moves into the role of Chair Emerita.
As some of you are aware, what used to be known as Future Farmers of America has evolved into the National FFA Organization with over a half-million members in local chapters spread across our country. National FFA recognized five dynamic leaders during its “Celebration of Fifty Years of Women in FFA” earlier this fall. Umpqua Valley vineyard owner Elin Miller was among those chosen to receive a VIP Citation for “exceptional support of school-based agricultural education and FFA service” in front of about 65,000 attendees during the 92nd National FFA Convention & Expo in Indianapolis.
Another Oregon-based member of our extended wine community has also earned well-deserved acclaim. Dr. Vaughn Walton, a horticultural entomologist at Oregon State University, has been included on the prestigious list of the world’s most influential academic researchers of the past decade. Vaughn’s peers acknowledged his significant research influence and honored him for the production of multiple highly-cited papers that rank in the top 1% by global citations in his field. Dr. Walton has been an important advisor to our industry for years and has submitted successful applications for research projects to the OWB Research Committee. Our industry is currently funding Vaughn’s ongoing work to better understand the transmission of, and management practices for dealing with, grapevine red blotch virus.
Congratulations Elin and Vaughn.
Please remember also that the grape tonnage report and taxes are due by Dec. 31. You should soon be seeing a reminder postcard OLCC sent to growers and winery owners. If you do not receive one, click here for the Commission’s tax form.
Finally, the OWB Directors and managers send our warmest wishes to all for a safe and memorable holiday season along with a reminder to avoid disappointing those on your holiday shopping list who are hoping you’ll remember them with a ticket to the Oregon Wine Symposium. We come together again in Portland for the Symposium beginning on Tuesday, Feb. 11. Click here to register and get the advance-purchase discount by Jan. 15.
Tom Danowski
President
OREGON WINE SYMPOSIUM
Get the Dirt on Farming Techniques for Healthy Soils and Vines
It can be a balancing act managing vineyards for sustainable quality fruit production. The Viticulture track at the 2020 Oregon Wine Symposium will cover both protective and proactive techniques that enable you to preserve the health of your plants and soils while farming with an eye towards the future.
Se Habla Español: Live Spanish Interpretation at the Symposium
On Tuesday, Feb. 11, live Spanish interpretation will be provided for the General Sessions and the Viticulture track. Spanish interpretation tickets cost only $50 and include lunch and access to the trade show. Attendees are also invited and encouraged to join the Tuesday evening Soirée.
Get the Best Rates on Your Hotel Room for Symposium | Deadline: Jan. 20
When you come to Portland for Symposium in February, join us at the brand new Hyatt Regency. The hotel is just across the street from the Oregon Convention Center. Symposium attendees receive a discounted rate when booking before Monday, Jan. 20.
MARKETING
Register for Ambassador’s Tasting in Moscow | March 19 | Deadline: Dec. 20
Join OWB in Moscow in March for a very special wine tasting event at Spaso House, the official historic residence of the U.S. Ambassador to Russia. Wineries do not need to have representation in the market to join. There is no participation fee, but producers must pay for travel costs and supply wine.
Register for Vinexpo Hong Kong | May 26-28 | Deadline: Feb. 28
Join OWB in May at Vinexpo, the premier wine trade show in Asia. VinExpo attracts buyers and importers from Asia and around the world, and is a great opportunity for producers looking to grow their sales internationally.
RESEARCH
Stakeholder Meeting: Provide Input on Smoke Exposure Grant Proposal | Feb. 13
Elizabeth Tomasino (OSU), Tom Collins (WSU) and Anita Oberholster (UC Davis) are collaborating on a research grant proposal to address smoke impacts on grapes and wine. Please register to join them in Portland the day after Symposium so they can get your input on issues related to wildfire smoke.
New Research Report Published: Who is Oregon’s Winery Visitor?
The complete Oregon Winery Visitor Profile research report is now available. This first-of-its-kind study will provide insights and information to help regional wine associations, individual businesses and tourism groups improve their understanding of current visitors to their area and identify growth opportunities.
December 2019 Weather and Climate Forecast
On Dec. 5, Dr. Greg Jones of Linfield College published an updated weather and climate summary and forecast. This report looks back at November conditions and forecasts conditions for December, January and February.
OTHER NEWS
Assemblage Symposium: Women + Wine | Jan. 14-15
The first Assemblage Symposium will be held on Jan. 14-15 at Linfield College. This event, which includes hands-on workshops, seminars, keynote addresses and networking opportunities, is focused on the advancement, education and empowerment of women and diverse communities in wine. All are welcome and encouraged to attend.
