Happy New Year industry colleagues!
As we are still in the month of setting intentions for a successful year ahead and as many of those intentions revolve around developing sound business structures, continued education, or learning something new. I will make it very simple for you to achieve all of these goals by registering today for the 2024 Oregon Wine Symposium.
The new one-and-a-half-day format includes the popular viticulture, enology, and sales tracks, as well as a new executive leadership track.
Tasting seminars have returned and will feature a Chardonnay leafing and a fining trial. Seats for this session are limited and participation requires an additional purchase, so please be sure to make that add-on should you wish to attend the enology tastings on Feb. 14.
Other seminars to note include:
a viticulture focus on regenerative organic vineyard systems with New Zealand expert Bart Arnst and Understanding Vineyard Soils and Nutrition.
The Executive track will feature not-to-be-missed subject matter experts in PR and Media Relations,
The State of Distribution in 2024
Utilizing AI in your business.
Tasting room and DTC Managers will have an opportunity to learn about the changing wine language landscape, the significance of Monitoring DTC metrics, and develop strategies for attracting millennials without alienating boomers.
The main stage will see the return of Dr. Jones’ climatology report and bring you a nationwide State of the Industry report as well as the Oregon Wine Industry Economic Impact report.
To join the statewide industry education committee and help to develop future symposia please email me directly [email protected]
Warmest regards,
Bree Stock, MW,
Director of Education,
Master of Wine
A note from the Oregon Liquor & Cannabis Commission (OLCC)This information was provided at the end of the e-mail OLCC sent out last month.
Since the Oregon Privilege Tax Online (OPTO) system updates have been completed, the waiver of penalties and interest will be ending on Jan. 20, 2024. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the waiver of penalties and interest, please let OLCC know as soon as possible. If you have an issue to report, or need assistance, please send an email to [email protected].
As always, OLCC and staff are here to do all we can to serve our stakeholders.
Marketing
OWB Marketing
Register for the Oregon Wine Month Webinar | Jan. 23 at 10 a.m.
Oregon Wine Month provides the opportunity for producers, wholesalers, and retailers to get involved in the promotion and celebration of Oregon wines before and during the month of May. The upcoming webinar will focus on resources made available by the Oregon Wine Board to create and amplify promotional efforts across all regions and sales channels, including 3-tier and DtC. While plans are still developing, we want to get this meeting on your calendar with plenty of advance notice. Register here.
Oregon Wine Country License Plate Matching Grant Planning Session I Jan. 30 at 10 a.m.
In preparation for the opening in March, OWB is hosting an information and planning session open to eligible regional associations and tourism organizations across the state. The agenda includes an update from Travel Oregon on changes to the grant process, a quick overview of OWB’s approach and previous projects, a discussion and brainstorming session for 2024-25 grant project ideas including collaborative opportunities, and a Q&A on how the program works. Register here.
Wine Industry Insights
Seven Fifty Daily Identifies Wine Trends for 2024
The year ahead will focus on soil health, labor, and innovations from the East Coast, while cooperation and consolidation reshape the industry. Learn more.
Wine America Offers a Collection of Resources to Promote the Positive Aspects of Wine
Wine America, the national wine industry association that encourages the growth and development of American wineries and winegrowing, has launched a new resource on their website: “The Magic of Wine,”. These resources aim to help all wineries and wine associations promote the positive attributes of wine. Read more.
Register for SVB State of the U.S. Wine Industry Virtual Event | Jan. 18 from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Don’t miss an opportunity to discuss the emerging trends impacting the wine industry. The panel of industry leaders will discuss their observations on the current business climate, offer their take on the evolution of the wine market, and share insights on what is needed for continued success. Register here.
Education
Register to Attend the Oregon Wine Symposium | Feb. 13 – 14
On Feb. 13 and 14, the Oregon Wine Symposium, the largest wine industry trade show and education seminar in the Northwest will unite experts from the scientific and wine business communities for one day-and-a-half at the Oregon Convention Center. Register here.
Register to Attend the Unified Wine & Grape Symposium | Jan. 23 – 25
Since the American Society for Enology and Viticulture and the California Association of Winegrape Growers joined forces to create the Unified Wine & Grape Symposium in 1995, it has become the largest wine and grape conference in the nation. As one of the industry’s premier gatherings, the Unified Symposium presents a vital platform to focus on the issues shaping today, while interfacing the topics and trends shaping the future of grape-growing and winemaking. Visit the event website.
Jancis Robinson Featured Cistom’s Eola-Amity Hills Cuvee in their “Wines of the Week”
Samantha Cole-Jhonson shares her go-to wine. Just like a go-to recipe, the one you pull out when you need something that always turns out right. Her list of go-to wines is relatively short because wines that always deliver – no matter the vintage, no matter the age, no matter the occasion – are exceedingly rare but one of the wines on this list is Cristom’s Cuvée Mt Jefferson Pinot Noir. Read more.
Read or Listen toTuesday Wine Industry News by Samantha Cole Johnson
Decanter Seeks American Merlot for May Issue | Deadline Jan. 31
In May, Decanter is doing a U.S.-focused issue that will include a panel tasting of Merlot. The wines will be tasted blind in London by UK-based experts. Wines need to arrive by Jan. 31 to be considered. Learn more.
Register for TEXSOM Awards | Deadline Feb. 2
TEXSOM Awards is now accepting wine submissions. Judging will take place at the Irving Convention Center, Feb. 17 -20, 2024. Wineries do not need to have distribution in Texas to submit entries. The OWB has partnered with FedEx to support this opportunity and can cover ground shipping of your wine entries. Please contact Trade Relations Manager David DeWitt or click here for shipping details and instructions.
VinePair is Accepting Submissions for Malbecs and Red Blends | Deadline Feb. 8 and 15
Interested wineries can send Malbecs and Red Blends to be considered for Vine Pair‘s buy this booze guide. Learn more
Research
Viticulture & Enology
January 2024 Weather and Climate Forecast
Dr. Greg Jones recently published an updated weather and climate summary and forecast. This report looks back at December conditions and forecasts conditions for January, February, and March 2024.
Submit a Request for Proposal for Viticulture and Enology-Funded Research | Deadline Jan. 31
Join the OWB Vit & Eno Research Committee | Deadline Feb. 25
OWB appoints an industry-wide Research Committee, which reviews applications and makes funding recommendations to the Board. OWB is looking for reviewers to join this Research Committee. Learn more about the criteria to join here. An orientation session for reviewers will be held via Zoom in February.
Opportunities
OWB Renews Partnership with Community Benchmark | Claim Your Account
On Nov. 30 2023, Community Benchmark hosted a webinar about their DtC data dashboard and presented their new AI-powered tool designed to automate how wineries monitor and boost sales. View recording. OWB has extended its partnership with Community Benchmark for another two years. Any Oregon winery not yet registered can still claim their account for just $199 for the two-year program. Claim an account.
Other News
Register for CabFranc-A-Palooza Wine Festival I Deadline Jan. 24
The 2nd Annual CabFranc-A-Palooza Wine Festival is a 3-day event that takes place in Livermore, CA on May 3-5, 2024. Last year, wineries from 7 states and 5 countries were featured, and over 500 guests attended. The event organizers are seeking Oregon producers to participate at no registration cost. Interested wineries should confirm participation by Jan. 2024 by emailing Matt Toomey at [email protected].
Participate in Travel Oregon 2024 Resident Survey | Feb. 1
Oregon residents, Travel Oregon wants to hear your perspective on tourism across the state as they work to improve the lives of all Oregonians. Fill out a short, anonymous survey by Feb. 1, 2024, and be entered to win up to $1,000 in Amazon gift cards. Your valuable feedback will be used to help encourage responsible travel practices and could shape the future of tourism in your community. Take Survey.
World of Pinot Noir | Feb. 29 – March 2
The event returns to the seaside Ritz-Carlton Bacara resort in Santa Barbara. The program includes tasting seminars, pairing dinners, and tastings showcasing more than 200 premier Pinot Noir producers from around the globe. Winery registration information and marketing opportunities are available here.
Bree Stock, MW,
Director of Education,
Master of Wine
