Dear Friends,
Here’s a quick roundup to skim over as wineries around the state prepare for the busy holiday weekend:
Tomorrow afternoon, May 25 at 2 p.m., the Oregon Wine Board (OWB) will open up the Zoom room again for an all-industry dialogue session on how this spring’s cool weather might affect the rest of the growing season. Speakers include Dr. Greg Jones and Dr. Patty Skinkis. Register in advance.
And mark your calendars for Tuesday, June 14 at 11 a.m. when we convene the next in OWB’s series of recurring, open meetings to take on topics of importance to the industry. At the June meeting, we’ll hear from Linfield University’s Dr. Jeff Peterson with summary findings from his latest update to the labor and salary survey. Then we hand the mic to Jeremy Hart, who will introduce more of us to somm.ai, a national database enabling wineries to track on-premise placements.
One of the priorities in OWB’s long-term strategic plan is to lead and support initiatives that expand availability and market penetration for our wines. The chart below is a snapshot of the annual levels for Oregon’s cumulative national, off-premise distribution. The number over each bar in the exhibit represents the sum of distribution percentages for all Oregon brands. The sample for this Nielsen report includes the major chain grocery stores as well as key independents and big boxes such as Total Wine, Kappy’s, Spec’s, ABC, BevMo, Bottle King, Binny’s, Beverage Depot, Yankee Spirits, wine.com, and many others. As you can see, the penetration level for Oregon is at an all-time high and has increased 38% from 2018 to 2021:
Source: Nielsen Total US. AOC + Liquor
Before we reach the end of Oregon Wine Month, don’t miss the chance to pick up discounted tickets this week to the “live and in-person” return of Women inWine, a daylong professional development and networking event starting at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, July 19. Willamette Valley Vineyards in Turner, OR near Salem is the place to be. See details and ticket pricing information.
And for those looking further ahead on their calendars to August, save Friday the 5th for an all-day seminar on Biodynamic Viticulture at Montinore Vineyards in Forest Grove. Presentations and wine tasting will provide insights, along with the “how-to” of Biodynamic practices to grow better grapes and wine. The $100 attendance fee includes lunch, but attendance is limited to 50 attendees. For more information, get in touch with [email protected].
If you have ideas or suggestions for OWB, remember our online feedback toolkit was designed with you in mind. Feel free to send the Board your thoughts.
Finally, the Oregon Wine Board is recruiting for a Communications Manager. Sarah Murdoch has held the role since 2017 and will continue serving the industry as a temporary contractor while we search for her full-time successor. Thank you Sarah for the many contributions you have made to strengthening Oregon’s vital relationships with journalists from around the world and with our partner agencies over the past five years.
Tom Danowski
President
Marketing
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. There was a recent article in Adweek and look for Wine Flies Free/Oregon Wine Month to be promoted on the Alaska Airlines social media networks on May 25. 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 [email protected].
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. Register now as the 50 spots are filling up swiftly!
OWB Seminar Growing Season and Frost Seminar Taking Place May 25
Join industry members at 2 p.m. on May 25 to discuss the 2022 growing season with a follow-up on the recent frost events that happened around Oregon.
Press and Media
Forbes Spotlights Oregon’s First Black Winemaker
Bertony Faustin of Abbey Creek is the focus of a Forbes article, which covers his history, winery and tasting room locations, and his rapid expansion into other states.
Daily Telegraph Proclaims Oregon “Heaven for Wine-lovers”
Oregon received the international spotlight from the UK’s Daily Telegraph in an article showing readers why the state is heaven for wine-lovers and providing a helpful travel guide featuring wineries around the state.
750Daily Turns to Oregon in Orange Wine Feature
Oregon has long been on the leading edge of orange wine, and Brianne Day is featured in a comprehensive article on 750Daily.
Research
May 2022 Weather and Climate Forecast
Dr. Greg Jones recently published an updated weather and climate summary and forecast. This report looks back at April conditions and forecasts conditions for May, June, and July.
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
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
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The Grapevine newsletter is distributed every two weeks to members of the Oregon wine community, including all winery and vineyard employees, regional associations, and wine industry academics. In addition, periodic special updates are sent to keep the industry informed of marketing programs, educational seminars and other opportunities relevant to winery and vineyard businesses.
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Tom Danowski
President
