Dear Friends,
We’re ten weeks away from the return of the Oregon Wine Symposium at the Convention Center in Portland on Feb 14-15. However, there are fewer than six weeks to go until the 20% early bird ticket discount expires on Jan. 15. We’re eager to see everyone again in person, so take a look at the program and plan on joining your friends and neighbors.
As we prepare for the Symposium, we notice that Industry Award nominations for one category in particular are lagging, perhaps due to late picks this year and the cellar demands placed on everyone until recently. So we’ll keep the window open for Vineyard Excellence Award candidates until the end of this month. 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.” Here are the names of past Vineyard Excellence Award honorees. This year’s nomination form for the vineyard category can be sent in anytime until Saturday, Dec. 31.
While the Symposium looms on our mid-term horizon, the Oregon Wine Board’s (OWB) Zoom room will feature some coming attractions over the next week that we want to spotlight again here:
A double feature is scheduled for this coming Thursday, Dec. 8. First at 11 a.m., Dr. Patty Skinkis and OWB’s Bree Stock MW will moderate a discussion that looks back on lessons learned during the extraordinary 2022 growing season. Register here. Then at 1 p.m. that same day, Travel Oregon Commission Chair Richard Boyles will discuss the ten-year strategic vision for Oregon tourism with CEO Todd Davidson. Sign up for that virtual session here.
Looking ahead to next Tuesday, Dec. 13, OWB’s all-industry Zoom meetings continue. Guest speakers include Josh Vlach, an ODA entomologist with information about the vine mealybug. Also with us will be Sam Tannahill from A to Z Wineworks and Staci Simonich, the Dean of OSU’s College of Agriculture, outlining the College’s 2023-24 priorities specific to the wine industry. We will conclude the program with some data insights from Cathy Huyghe at Enolytics.
Turning to research, we all owe a hearty high five to our Viticulture & Enology Research Committee for the careful consideration and thoughtful discussion that went into Oregon’s updated Request for Applications. It was posted online last week, and scientists from around the world will now review it as they develop 2023-24 project proposals. If you’re interested, you can request to join the Research Review Committee, which will meet again in April to evaluate and prioritize the recommended investments.
One additional point about V & E Research, along with a thank you to those who completed OWB’s survey asking for input on the work we do combining grant funds with tax dollars for industry programs. We saw in survey comments an interest in more information on the scientific research funded by OWB. That reminded us to again point out that our website includes the latest project progress reports and a total of 45 presentation recordings of the 2022 Oregon Wine Symposium including 20 sessions specific to V & E.
In closing, I’ll mention the successful master class for Toronto trade members that was held last month in partnership with the New Zealand Winegrowers. New Zealand co-funded this event, supplementing OWB’s allocation of USDA grant dollars. Canada is an especially important market for Oregon since our wineries sold nearly 72,000 cases there last year. This year’s educational seminar in Ontario was hosted by OWB’s Bree Stock MW along with New Zealand Master Sommelier Cam Douglas. We had trade attendance of about 55 buyers, who were introduced to 30+ Oregon wines from across the state. And a portion of attendee registration fees enabled us to support a charitable beneficiary, VinEquity, which assists a diverse range of aspiring wine professionals in advancing their careers.
P.S. Occasionally we are asked, “How many people read OWB’s Grapevine newsletter?” While we can’t be 100% certain, we know our newsletter goes out twice a month to over 2,100 subscribers, and its open rate hit a recent high of 47.1%.
Tom Danowski
President
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 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
BeverageLaw.com Explains the TTB Updates of its Industry Circular on Alcohol Social Media
In her post, TTB Speaks up on Social Media, Rebecca Stamey-White reminds readers what the old Industry Circular: 2013-01 said; and explains what has changed in the new Industry Circular: 2022-2, as well as offers opinions on what is missing.
The IWSR Analyses Trends in Premium Beverage Alcohol
This report includes the previously highlighted trend of Sparkling driving the premium wine category performance. It then analyses cost of living influence on consumer confidence, wich is starting to wane, across Europe, particularly in the UK. This sentiment contrasts with Asia Pacific where consumers remain relatively optimistic. In the US, while American consumers continue to be relatively positive, they are growing increasingly cautious across mid-to-lower-income groups with a significant minority of super-high spenders who continue to spend in super premium+ segments. Read the full release.
Education
Unified Wine & Grape Symposium in Sacramento, CA | Jan. 24 – 26, 2023
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.
Register for the Wine Symposium | Feb. 14 – 15 2023
The largest in-person wine industry trade show and education seminar in the Northwest unites experts from the scientific and wine business communities 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 at Earlybird rates
Press & Media
Press Highlights
KOIN News Covers the History of Wine in Oregon
In this Koin News interview, Rich Schmidt, director of the Oregon Wine History Archive at Linfield University states: “We have so many records if you wanted to do a deep dive into any part of agriculture, viticulture, wine business, or marketing (…).” The archive opened in 2011 but Oregon’s wine history goes back much further. An open house for the Oregon Wine History Archiveis scheduled for Wednesday, Dec. 7 at 3 p.m.
Thrillist Features Rogue Valley’s Troon Vineyard as a Biodynamic and Organic Wine
Following a trip organized by Travel Southern Oregon and Rogue Valley Vintners, Emily Saladino highlighted Troon Vineyards in her article TheDifference Between Organic, Biodynamic, and Natural Wines.
Media Opportunities: Calls for Wine
The Drinks Business 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) has published their 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
Conversation with Travel Oregon on 10-year Strategic Vision | Dec. 8 at 1 p.m.
Oregon Tourism Commission Chair Richard Boyles and Travel Oregon CEO Todd Davidson have accepted an invitation to the OWB Zoom room. As many of you are aware, Travel Oregon has invested in extended dialogue with its stakeholders and has produced a 10-year strategic vision that will direct the Commission’s work. Register for the session and you’ll have the opportunity to submit your questions in advance.
McMinnville Wine Classic Competition, open to all Oregon wine producers | Registration Deadline Dec. 9
McMinnville Wine Classic Competition is calling for registrations and submissions of wine for the 30th annual competition being held on Jan. 7, 2023. All net proceeds benefit St. James School in McMinnville. Judges Panel, competition details, and requirements can be found here and registration can be done on Enofile.
Include your events in Oregon Wine Press Annual Almanac | Deadline Dec. 16
Oregon Wine Press (OWP) is interested in relaying all our industry’s important events and milestones in its Almanac issue. Share, winery openings, anniversaries, awards, or achievements by sending an email to [email protected]. Major events can be added to the OWP calendar using this form.
Provide Input for the Development of OWB’s 23-24 Budget | Deadline Dec. 30.
While feedback can be provided at any time during the year, we want to call attention to this form in the OWB’s Business Planning toolkit. Scroll down to “How to Stay Involved” and you’ll see a few fields where you can submit your ideas and suggestions for activities or programs for consumers, trade, or industry.
Make a Nomination for the 2023 Oregon Wine Industry Awards | Extended Deadline Dec. 31
We are still accepting nominations for the Oregon Wine Industry Awards in the Vineyard Excellence category. 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.
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.
Tom Danowski
President
