Friends,
Another wild vintage is behind us! Our industry’s characteristic resilience, ingenuity, and communal spirit (plus a little mercy from Mother Nature) helped overcome challenges that included drought, frost, pandemic impacts, and economic headwinds.
Early in the year, many feared significant crop losses in vineyards around the state, but there was relief when it became clear that fruit quantity, as well as quality, would be high. The Oregon Wine Board (OWB) also had a positive year as we advanced research, education, and marketing initiatives and made significant strides in communication and collaboration with industry associations and independent stakeholders alike. I feel more confident than ever about the character and future of Oregon wine.
The coming year brings change to the board with all-star directors Jason Tosch (Stoller Family Estate), Dennis O’Donohue (Celtic Moon Vineyards), and Eugenia Keegan (Jackson Family Wines) completing their terms of service as we welcome new luminaries Gary Mortensen (Stoller Wine Group) and Dionne Irvine (Irvine & Roberts Vineyard). Governor-Elect Tina Kotek will be making the 3rd OWB appointment in early ’23, so please notify OWB or your industry association if you are interested in serving.
I’d like to offer heartfelt thanks to Eugenia, Jason, and Dennis for their dedication, leadership, and many contributions to Oregon Wine and to OWB; it was a sincere pleasure and honor to serve with each of you. Thanks as well Gary and Dionne for stepping up to bat, the industry appreciates you both and the board is fortunate to have your voices in the mix! OWB is also grateful to current directors: Tiquette Bramlett, who is stepping into the role of OWB Treasurer, and Dr. Greg Jones, who will be serving as Vice Chair in 2023.
In more good news, OWB and OWA have been working together to bring us the Oregon Wine Symposium we know and love. Symposium ’23 will be held in person on Feb. 14 and 15 at the Oregon Convention Center in Portland. We encourage you to register here at your soonest opportunity to receive the “early bird” rate. Please have a look at this year’s program and speakers!
OWB’s work on Oregon Wine Month (OWM) continues to evolve as we seek to ensure supporting media, marketing initiatives, and partnerships provide value and utility. Please enjoy using the Oregon Wine Month toolkit this year, OWM will truly benefit from your engagement! This a reminder to industry colleagues that OWB board meetings are open to the public and we encourage you to join us when you can. Please find OWB’s meeting schedule here. I also want to make sure everyone is aware of OWB’s Annual Business Plan ToolKit, where you can access resources such as OWB’s annual report, as well as provide feedback or share ideas with the OWB board and staff.
I’m looking forward to the year and I appreciate the opportunity to serve the industry. Please feel free to contact me at [email protected] with anything you’d like to share.
Happy holidays to all and cheers to Oregon!
Justin King
Oregon Wine Board Chair
Marketing
OWB Marketing
Oregon Winemakers and Growers Reflect on 2022 Harvest
In a new blog post on the OWB consumer website, winemakers and growers from across Oregon reflect on the 2022 harvest. The post, which is being shared with consumers via OWB’s website, social media, and newsletter, offers candid and insightful perspectives from different regions around the state.
Registration for OWB International Marketing Events is Now Open
If you are interested in growing your brand globally, consider participating in one of the many OWB international events. To view the calendar and to register, visit the International Marketing page.
Re-stock your tasting room: Order Complimentary Oregon Wine Touring Guides
OWB is down to the last batch of the 2021-22 edition and now is the perfect time to order copies. It is available for complimentary order and delivery to tasting rooms and tourism businesses throughout Oregon.
Wine Market Insights
Wine Business Monthly Reports on holiday Wine Trends
In an article, Wine Business Monthly reports on the perspectives of wines for the coming holiday season. This article is based on a presentation on the 2022 holiday trends and 2023 drinks preview hosted by Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America (WSWA). In the linked video, Danny Brager and Dale Stratton talk about Spirits and Wine trends, the dynamics of the segments, consumption trends, and perspectives.
Courier Reports on New Trends Shaping Wine
In the article Glass half full: the new trends shaping wine, the author highlights smaller, independent, and small-batch wine producers who find success in doing things their own way. Disruption in the wine industry is happening on every level, from packaging to wine as canned, organic, low or alcohol-free wines continue to rise but change is also seen in new winery models and partnerships.
Education
Unified Wine & Grape Symposium in Sacramento, CA | Jan. 24 – 26
The program features sessions and a two-day trade show. Speakers and conference schedules are available here. Registration information and program guide are available for download here.
Save on Oregon Wine Symposium Tickets with Early Bird Discounted Rates | Deadline Jan. 15
The largest, in-person, wine industry trade show and education seminar in the Northwest unites scientific and wine business specialists to share the latest learnings, best practices, and industry expertise. After two years of hybrid events, the 2023 Oregon Wine Symposium will reunite the Northwest wine industry for two days of learning, connecting, and growing together at the Oregon Convention Center. Register here for Early bird rates
Press & Media
Press Highlights
Oregon Wine Press Covers a winery’s commitment to raise awareness for Oregon Wines
In his article titled Oregon Grown, Greg Norton tells the story of Union Wine and their commitment to raise awareness of Oregon. Wine Business linked this article in their regional newsletter.
Media Opportunities & Calls for Wine
Wine Spectator Advertising Opportunity I Deadline Jan.9Wine Spectator is offering Oregon wineries the opportunity to be featured together in its March ’23 “Oregon report Issue”. The co-op page, designed by Wine Spectator will encourage readers to visit Oregon and buy Oregon wines. This ad and digital amplification have the potential to reach an audience of nearly 3 million readers who are high-frequency wine consumers. Read more.Oregon Wine Press Cellar Series schedule I Deadline Jan. 13The Global Pinot Noir Masters recognizes and rewards the finest Pinot Noirs on the world stage. If you have any questions, please contact [email protected].
Paul Gregutt Seeks “Overlooked” NW Wines of 2022
Now that the Top 100 lists are out and 2022 submitted releases have been scored, Paul G. is requesting your best overlooked wines. Any wines you hold in high regard that were ignored or slighted by the press would make a good submission. Click here for shipping instructions.
Research
December 2022 Weather and Climate Forecast
Dr. Greg Jones recently published an updated weather and climate summary and forecast. This report looks back at November conditions and forecasts conditions for December, January, and February.
The Northwest Center for Small Fruit Research (NCSFR) Publishes research priorities
NCSFR provides a forum for Northwest small fruits producers, processors, and wineries to address regional problems, set research funding priorities, and direct limited federal dollars to leverage state-funded programs to find real solutions for pressing small fruit agricultural problems. The new released 2022-2023 Research priorities are listed in this document.
Opportunities
The OWB Seeks Finance and Administration Director
This position is accountable for all bookkeeping, business analytics and financial forecasting/reporting as well as human resources and legal compliance. Interested candidates can view the role description on the OWB website.
Make a Donation for ¡Salud! end of year auction | Deadline Dec. 31
Make a gift in support of accessible and affordable healthcare for vineyard stewards and their entire families: spouses, children, grandparents, and siblings. All gifts made before Dec. 31 will be matched up to $15,000 thanks to Rollin & Corby Soles.
Make a nomination for the Oregon Wine Industry Award Vineyard Excellence category | Deadline Dec. 31.
This category honors “Vineyard professionals who demonstrate outstanding collaborative support under the supervision of vineyard directors and viticulturists. They exemplify remarkable technical knowledge, professionalism, and an outstanding work ethic.” Submit your nomination here.
Participate in the Oregon Wine Industry Salary Survey | Deadline Jan. 31
This survey, which started in 2017, collects data and identifies trends in salaries and wages for a broad spectrum of wine industry positions in Oregon. Past studies are available on our website. The findings of the 22-23 study will be presented in February at the Oregon Wine Symposium and available for use by vineyards, wineries, and tasting rooms in hiring and benchmarking. A webinar will follow in the spring to assist those interested in using the information for their business. Dr. Jeff Peterson of Vinum Docet, LLC. provided OWB with the survey link. Only he has access to the data respondents will provide. We encourage you to fill out the survey, it only takes 15-20 minutes to complete.
Become a “Women in Wine” Mentor | Deadline Jan. 4
Women in Wine is seeking mentors in the areas of viticulture & vineyard management, business planning/scaling, career development, financial background, distribution/sales, wine education, events, and leadership. The program is less than a 20-hour commitment over a six-month period. If you have any more questions you can learn more here or reach out directly at [email protected]
Participate in the Development of OWB 23-24 Budget | Webinar Jan. 10
During our all-industry forum, OWB VP of Operations and Finance Marie Chambers will present an early look at the draft OWB Budget for 2023-2024. To attend, register here.
You can still provide your ideas and feedback using the OWB’s Business Planning toolkit on our website. Scroll down to “Send Us Your Budget Planning Ideas” and you will see a few fields where you can submit your ideas and suggestions for activities or programs for consumers, trade, or industry.
Other News
The 43rd OIV Congress Adopts 35 New Resolutions
The Oenology commission passed 24 resolutions on enological practices, additives, and processing aids as well as new methods of analysis. The assembly also produced a new code of good wine-making practices intended to prevent or limit the alteration of wines by Brettanomyces bruxellensis.
The Health and Safety Unit updated several resolutions aiming at the reduction of potentially allergenic residues. The code of good practice for the fining of wines with fining agents of protein origin was updated. With regard to health, the commission has adopted recommendations for the dissemination of information on wine consumption.
The Viticulture Unit established the definition of functional biodiversity in the vineyard. The group of experts has been working on this resolution since 2018. Finally, the commission updated the recommendations on plant herbicide use.
Read the full resolutions here.
Get the .pdf here.
