The announcement at the Oregon Wine Symposium last month about the next vineyard and winery report came later than we had hoped. I’m sorry about that.
Southern Oregon University’s Research Center surprised the industry late last fall with news that they would be unable to continue compiling and reporting this vital information. So we quickly found a cost-effective alternative: the statisticians and researchers at the University of Oregon. However, we have lost some time and need your help to get back on track.
We recognize how important accurate information is to many of you and have already heard from wine business owners urging that everyone be reminded of the need for timely replies to our survey invitation. Many growers across the state are anxious to set fall grape contract pricing and desperately need the 2017 benchmarks. Read more here about providing your 2017 data and the options designed to make it as easy as possible for you to do so.
For those who may have missed earlier notices on how to ensure they are complying with Oregon’s wine grape tax law, here is the next in a series of friendly reminders to growers selling fruit to out-of-state wineries. Oregon law, specifically Oregon Revised Statute 473.045, authorizes taxes in the amount of $12.50 per ton on wine grapes sold to any winery not licensed under ORS chapter 471. That group includes wineries in other states. OLCC is authorized to enforce the statute which can result in penalties plus interest on any overdue balances. The industry’s grape taxes are collected by the OLCC and distributed to the Oregon Wine Board for research, marketing and education programs. Your grape taxes, supplemented by new funding streams, are allowing the OWB to significantly expand and enrich its assortment of scientific and business research projects. Oregon wine grape growers are directed to report sales to out-of-state customers in column E of this form.
Now for some quick announcements:
You might recall the seminar at Symposium which previewed the Wine Board’s new Grape and Wine Profit Calculator. It has been built expressly for Oregon’s wine business decision makers. Click here to register for one of the introductory sessions which just got underway around the state. These sessions will illustrate how this educational resource can help you manage your business.
Winery owners and sales managers can share this link across their networks so distributors and buyers can register for the OWB’s free Oregon Wine Month Master Class Webinar on April 10, presented by Bree Boskov MW. It will prepare your business partners for success during Oregon Wine Month and beyond.
Click here to view the OWB’s recorded webinar from last week with information from LibDib’s Tanya Reisbeck and Oregon wine producer, Meg Murray about how LibDib’s new technology platform might deserve a look from wineries seeking creative new paths to market within the three-tier distribution structure. While the OWB does not endorse or recommend LibDib, winery managers deserve the chance to learn more and decide for themselves whether or not it can play a part in their business plan.
In closing, I think you’ll find this GuildSomm podcast about Oregon, which was produced with assistance from the OWB, a fun and informative way to spend an hour. It was made for professionals and enthusiasts studying for their wine certifications and credentials. It’s also an easy share with your co-workers, wine club members and customers. This introduction to Oregon’s vineyards and wineries is already the fourth most frequently downloaded podcast from GuildSomm’s library of over 60 which have been recorded for various regions over the years.
Cheers,
Tom Danowski
President
Oregon Wine Board
MARKETING
Watch the Oregon Wine Month Webinar Recording
Recorded in late Feb., the Oregon Wine Month webinar covers all program elements, addresses common questions and may help your winery make the most out of May’s statewide promotion. Watch the webinar now.
New 2018 Oregon Wine Touring Guide Available
The 2018 Oregon Wine Touring Guide is available now for complimentary order and delivery. This third edition of the guide is packed with new photography, editorial content and updated listings for more than 500 tasting rooms across the state. The 2018 guide is for wineries, hotels and other tourism related businesses. Order your case.
EDUCATION
April 4 Tractor Safety & Training Workshop
On April 4 David Jamarillo, Jackson Family Wines’ Environmental Health & Safety Manager, will lead a practical workshop for tractor and UTV safety training. This workshop is being hosted by the Wine Studies Program at Chemeketa Community College in partnership with the Oregon Wine Board. Sessions are available in both English and Spanish. Register now.
OWB Presents Three WISE Academy Sales Workshops in April
OWB is pleased to offer WISE Academy Seven Secrets of Sales sessions, which cover: leveraging your brand, understanding the buyers’ continuum, positive profiling, building rapport, buying signals, codifying your sales successes, wine club features & benefits, asking for the order & capturing data. Registration is open and the course will be offered April 16 and 18 in different locations. Choose your date.
OWB Grape & Wine Profit Calculator Workshop Registrations Open
Registration for the March 28 Grape & Wine Profit Calculator workshop is still available. The Profit Calculator tool was developed specifically for Oregon producers and is free to all Oregon producers. Built with the help of Oregon grape growers, winemakers, sales managers and data from the annual census report, this tool is a first for Oregon’s wine industry and was developed by OWB Education Manager, Bree Boskov MW, in conjunction with Tim Hanni MW and his wine business simulator program. Learn more and register.
RESEARCH
March 2018 Weather and Climate Forecast
On Mar. 5, Dr. Greg Jones of Linfield College published an updated weather and climate summary and forecast. This report looks back at February conditions, provides an updated drought watch, and forecasts conditions for March, April and May. Read the report.
Research Update: Clonal Evaluation of Grape Powdery Mildew Resistance in a Heritage Pinot Noir Clone
Dr. Ron Runnebaum, asst. professor, Dept. of Viticulture & Enology, UC Davis, has prepared an update on research he is leading into the evaluation of grape powdery mildew resistance in a heritage Pinot noir clone and comparative wine fermentation, chemical and sensory analysis. This project receives funding from the Oregon Wine Board as part of its viticulture and enology research grant program. Read Dr. Runnebaum’s update.
Participate in the Oregon Wine Industry Salary Survey
The OWB and Linfield College are joining forces to conduct the first Oregon-centric salary study of the wine industry. Please participate in this anonymous survey so that the data collected are as robust as possible. Learn more and get survey link.
CALLS FOR WINE
April Calls for Wine
Many new wine call opportunities await in April, especially for Rosé and Chardonnay. New opportunities include The Rose Competition, Westchester Magazine, Wine & Spirits, the Drunken Cyclist and more. Read about all opportunities and learn how to apply.
OPPORTUNITIES
Attend a Travel Oregon Tourism Listening Session
Travel Oregon, in partnership with Oregon’s seven regional destination management organizations (RDMOs), invites you to join one of 10 Oregon Tourism Listening Sessions across the state this spring. They want to hear from anyone who touches the tourism industry, including business owners, land managers, volunteers, nonprofits, policymakers and more, as we value all perspectives and opinions. Read more and register.
OTHER NEWS
2016 Economic Impact Report Released
OWB issued a press release last Monday about the newest economic impact figures compiled by Full Glass Research. The preliminary numbers in the economic impact study, last conducted in 2013, measure the economic contributions the Oregon wine industry makes to the state, and is revealing impressive growth from the work of Oregon vintners in 2016. Read the press release and full report.
Atticus Hotel Industry Open House April 4
The Atticus, Willamette Valley’s new hotel in the heart of Historic Downtown McMinnville, is throwing open its doors to the wine industry on Wednesday April 4. Come see what it looks like, and taste Chef John Gorham’s newest creation, Bless Your Heart Burger & Bar. Read more.
List or Search Grapes for Sale on the Marketplace
If you are looking for a buyer for your grapes, or are interested in buying grapes, don’t forget to check out the Marketplace on the OWB’s industry website. The Marketplace also includes listings for bulk wine, real estate, equipment and job opportunities. Post items for sale or visit the Marketplace to search items for sale.
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