Register to be with us next Tuesday, June 14 at 11 a.m. when we open the Oregon Wine Board’s (OWB) next all-industry Zoom meeting with special guests, Dr. Jeff Peterson and Jeremy Hart. Jeff will unveil the latest data from the Oregon wine labor and salary survey, and Jeremy will share information from somm.ai’s on-premise placement database relevant to Oregon.
Thanks to those who joined us May 25 for the second installment in our pair of Zoom sessions on the 2022 growing season. If you missed them or want to share the recordings, here is the link to the first one from April 27 that focused on assessing grapevines after the frost and freeze conditions. And here is the follow-up session.
During the May 25 Zoom, Dr. Patty Skinkis from OSU’s Oregon Wine Research Institute spoke to a question on nearly everyone’s mind: how will managers reliably estimate yields after the downright chilly and persistently wet spring we’ve had? Dr. Skinkis provided this peer-reviewed paper, co-authored by Dr. Katherine McLaughlin, based on seven years of data collection and measurement specific to Pinot noir.
Patty’s OSU colleague from SOREC in Central Point, Dr. Alec Levin, also offers this 44-minute video presentation on another topic that will be of interest to growers: the preliminary results of his trial on irrigation timing.
I don’t want to forget to point out one more time this seven-part collection of Oregon Wine Month webinars that have been produced to fantastic marketplace feedback. The first six sessions unspooled Oregon’s winegrowing regions one at a time. There’s some bonus material too, with a seventh session taking a look at the future of grape farming and winemaking practices across the state. Well done by all the featured speakers and by OWB’s David DeWitt and Bree Stock MW.
While I’m hesitant to bring up this next topic, it’s that time of year when we need to be aware of the potential for summer wildfires. The Napa Valley experienced one of its first of the season last Tuesday. It’s surprising to be touching on this subject so soon after we just endured more frost and snow in some parts of the state barely a month ago. Nevertheless, winery and vineyard owners will want to be familiar with the requirements in OSHA’s rule related to wildfire smoke. Register now for OSHA’s webinar next Thursday, June 16 at 10 a.m.
We’ll have more details soon on this next one, but save this date: Monday, June 27 at 1 p.m. for a Zoom session with a progress report on the multi-state, federal grant-funded research project on smoke exposed grapes. Presenters include Drs. Tom Collins, Elizabeth Tomasino, and Anita Oberholster.
And finally, thanks to all those who have offered input and suggestions for the new grant-funded consumer-facing website. As we promote it more vigorously in the weeks and months to come, now is a good time to make sure your association, neighborhood or wine trail events and activities are listed. Here is the link to tell us what you have planned in your area of the state.
P.S. If your industry association has an Education, Research, Communications or Marketing project in mind, remember OWB has budgeted for grant dollars to be awarded once per budget year to recognized non-profits. The application is fairly easy to complete, but the OWB’s fiscal year ends June 30. You can find more details on our website.
P.P.S. Here’s a fun read from Forbes on former OWB Director and celebrity innovator, Bertony Faustin.
Tom Danowski
President
Marketing
Update Your Winery and Event Listings on the New OregonWine.org
In April, OWB soft-launched its new consumer website centered around the True Character brand identity. We received excellent feedback from our industry members that has allowed us to continue to refine the site, and additional feedback can be submitted any time via our website toolkit. With tourism season kicking off, we encourage you to access your winery listing and make sure that all information is current and up to date. You can also submit events. Any technical questions or issues can be sent to neil@oregonwine.org.
Alaska Airlines Relaunches Promotion of Wines Fly Free Program
As we come out of the pandemic, Alaska Airlines has restarted the promotion of their Wine Flies Free program. As promotion of Wine Flies Free starts to ramp up, we ask that you:
Remind your tasting room staff about the Oregon Wine Flies Free program and how it works
Check your listing in the tasting room directory to make sure your status as a participating winery is correct
Wine Flies Free is a great sales tool for wine tourists and also provides an opportunity to educate customers on proper packaging of wine for air travel. If you have questions about the program, reach out to Jean Carlon at Alaska Airlines at jean.carlon@alaskaair.com.
Education
Biodynamic Viticulture 2.0 Seminar Taking Place Aug. 5
The Montinore Estate is hosting an all-day seminar that will offer practical information on effectively implementing Biodynamic practices to achieve results in our vineyards and wineries. Presentations from local and international speakers, panel discussions, and wine tasting will provide attendees insights into the “how to” of Biodynamic practices to produce better grapes and wine. The $100 attendance fee includes lunch, and the event is limited to 50 attendees. Please send inquiries to rudy@montinore.com.
Press and Media
Media Opportunities: Calls for Wine
Paul G on Wine
Paul G seeks Chardonnay and dry Riesling for a future post to be published on Paul G on Wine. Deadline is June 8. Learn moreWine & Spirits
Wine & Spirits seeks Oregon Chardonnay. Deadline is June 8. Learn moreVinePair
VinePair’s Buy This Booze column has sent an open call for late-June/early-July wine submissions and standalone wine reviews specifically focused on Oregon Sauvignon Blanc and Malbec. Learn more
Research
June 2022 Weather and Climate Forecast
Dr. Greg Jones recently published an updated weather and climate summary and forecast. This report looks back at May conditions and forecasts conditions for June, July, and August.
Northwest Center for Small Fruit Research’s Annual Conference Taking Place Nov. 14-16
Save the date! The NCSFR’s Annual Conference will be held from Monday, Nov. 14 to Wednesday, Nov. 16 at the Red Lion Columbia Center in Kennewick, WA. A room block is open for hotel reservations now, and more details will be posted later this month. Attendees can call (509) 783-0611, mention the conference, and get the room block rate.
Opportunities
Silicon Valley Bank Hosts Annual DtC Wine Survey Report Virtual Event on June 15
Register for a dynamic panel discussion about the 2022 SVB Annual DtC Wine Survey Report. This year’s survey results and insights help address what’s needed to drive consumer sales and achieve success in the year ahead. Business leaders from the wine industry will answer your questions and address the industry topics including:
• Digital strategies for customer acquisition
• Finding the sweet spot with wine clubs
• The resurgence of tasting rooms
Oregon Wine Board Seeking to Fill Two Positions
OWB is currently looking for a Manager of Insights & Industry Relations and a Communications Manager to join our team. See more details below and please share the job postings with anyone you know who might be qualified and interested.
Communications Manager
This position builds relationships and maintains contact with key media influencers across all platforms providing focused content that builds “Brand Oregon” in support of OWB’s strategic plan, among other responsibilities. Job postingManager of Insights & Industry Relations
This role is primarily responsible for supporting the administration of the OWB’s scientific and research program, managing communications and activities to drive industry engagement in OWB’s programming, directing market and industry research initiatives, and coordinating grant funding applications and required reporting. Job posting
Other News
OLCC Invites Wineries to Use Online Privilege Tax Portal
As the result of House Bill 2150, which was requested during the 2017 legislative session, OLCC’s Oregon Privilege Tax Online (OPTO) is a way for businesses who are required to file privilege taxes to submit their documentation and pay their fees through a web-based portal. Some license types are already reporting in the new system. OLCC will be onboarding wineries in the coming months. OLCC wants to work with the wine industry to make sure our partners are trained and prepared when the time comes to start reporting in the new online system. Learn more
Tom Danowski
President
