It has been almost a year since I was hired as the Oregon Wine Board’s (OWB) Manager of Insights and Industry Relations and there has not been a dull moment!
Amongst the few hats that come with the title, one of my favorites is that of management team lead for the Viticulture and Enology Research committees. As I stepped into this exciting new role, the OWB Board of Directors appointed Dr. Greg Jones and Elizabeth Clark as the new Viticulture and Enology Research Committee Chair and Vice Chair, respectively. Greg Jones and I started together as “newbies” on this committee. Thankfully we did receive a lot of support from the committee’s Vice Chair, immediate past Chair Jason Tosch, and the seven other extremely knowledgeable and engaged steering committee members.
OWB is also deeply grateful to the 55 members of the research committee for their commitment and time. Both your dedication and involvement in advancing our industry’s research are outstanding! Learn about the requirements and expectations of research committee service here.
One of the key roles of the OWB research management lead is overseeing the review process for research projects that are submitted for funding. OWB’s research committee has just completed a review cycle. After receiving and evaluating 19 applications, the committee refined the list and recommended 6 projects that were approved for funding by the OWB Board of Directors in its April meeting. The list of selected projects for the fiscal year 2023 – 2024 is presented in the table below.
For those of you who are interested in how research proposals are evaluated, the steps of OWB review process are as follows:
Proposal Submission: From December through January, researchers are invited to submit proposals for consideration by our committee. These proposals are submitted in response to a Request For Application (RFA) issued by our organization and posted on a web portal hosted by UC Davis after approval by the Board of Directors.
Steering Committee screening: In early February, the steering committee conducts an initial review of each proposal to ensure the project meets the basic requirements set forth in the RFA and that they align with OWB strategic pillars (see slide below). A lead reviewer and a roster of reviewers are randomly assigned to each proposal. The committee ensures that reviewers are impartial and competent to assess the project.
Individual Reviews: From mid-February to mid-March, the proposals that passed the steering committee screening are sent to the assigned list of OWB research committee members. To ensure that each proposal is carefully evaluated and given fair consideration, each project is reviewed by at least six committee members selected randomly within their area of expertise in viticulture or enology. After training provided by OWB, the reviewers evaluate the proposal based on criteria such as scientific merit, relevance for our industry, fit with OWB strategic pillars, and outreach plan.
Summary Reviews In mid-March, evaluations for each proposal are entered by reviewers into the online portal and downloaded by OWB to be combined into lead reviewer packets. Based on reviewers’ evaluations, the lead reviewer produces a summary.
Committee Review: During the April full committee meeting, each lead reviewer presents their summary and recommendations to the full committee. A short list of projects recommended for funding is agreed upon.
Recommendation for Funding: During the OWB Board of Directors public meeting in April (view recording), the research committee chair makes a recommendation to the Board of Directors regarding which proposals should be funded.
Follow-up and Outreach: Once the Board approves funding for a project, I work closely with the researchers to request bi-annual progress reports and then ensure that the project is successfully completed. Progress reports are posted on the OWB Industry Website.
OWB is committed to ensuring that this review process is rigorous, fair, and transparent.
We do believe that by working together, we can make significant strides to support and advance Oregon’s statewide wine and wine grape industry. The Oregon wine industry is still young and its potential is yet to be revealed!
I am sincerely grateful to be trusted to be part of this adventure!
Thank you!
Céline Fauveau Schaff
Manager of Insights & Industry Relations
Marketing
OWB Marketing
Oregon Wine Month Sweepstakes and Pair It Forward Campaign
Oregon Wine Month officially launched on May 1 with a wave of momentum. In addition to amplifying the activities of wineries and events around the state, OWB is spearheading two cornerstone initiatives. The first is the annual Wine Month getaway sweepstakes, which this year features the Umpqua Valley alongside the Willamette Valley, Rogue Valley, and Portland Urban Wineries. While OWB is driving traffic to the sweepstakes page through digital ads and partnerships with Travel Oregon, the Oregonian, and Portland Monthly, wineries and regional associations are encouraged to share the sweepstakes with their own followers. The second initiative is the #PairItForward social media campaign, which showcases wineries and their favorite food and wine pairings through short videos. Visit our Pair It Forward toolkit for more details and instructions on submitting a video.
Wine Industry Insights
Seven Fifty Daily Advocates for Grape Crush Reports
This article covers some of the reasons why established and emerging regions alike rely on grape crush reports to demonstrate their economic impact to legislators and support data-based decision-making for long-term growth.
See opportunities to participate in data collection for Oregon.
Wine Industry Advisor Reports on TTB Proposals on Wine Labeling
Register for Sovos ShipCompliant Webinar: The Future of Wine DtC | May 18 at 10 a.m.
Get a deep dive into the latest stats and trends in direct-to-consumer (DtC), and how to leverage them in growing your business. The webinar will provide insights on successful wine clubs, E-commerce best practices, tasting room tactics, and shipping trends by region, varietal, average bottle price, and destination states. If you cannot attend, you can still register to receive a link to the recording.
Education
Register and Share Oregon Wine Month Educational Webinars
For Oregon Wine Month, OWB is hosting a series of educational webinars. Trade and industry members as well as consumers are invited to join OWB Director of Education Bree Stock MW as she takes a close look at the styles, varietals, and terroirs that make Oregon wines so diverse. These masterclasses take place Mondays at 11 a.m. For more information visit our website.
Webinar #3: Regional Reds | May 15, 11 a.m. Register
Webinar #4: Understanding Soils & Climate | May 22, 11 a.m. Register
Press and Media
Press Highlights
KOIN Promotes Oregon Wine Month
Last week, Oregon Wine Board Director of Marketing Neil Ferguson joined KOIN AM Extra to share some of the events and promotions taking place during Oregon Wine Month. Watch the recording.
The Financial Times Reports on Oregon’s Pioneer Spirit
In her article, Jancis Robinson praises the pioneer spirit that is still alive in Oregon. She tells the story of our vintners who share both winemaking secrets and equipment. “In Oregon, it is still possible for an ambitious aspiring winemaker to buy grapes and the odd barrel, and persuade a friendly winery owner to let them practice the art of winemaking in a corner of their cellar. They’ll probably give free advice too.”
Media Opportunities & Calls for Wine
Forbes Seeks Oregon Saignée Rosé | Deadline June 15
Forbes wine columnist Joe Micallef is working on an Oregon Saignée Rosé story and is seeking samples. Find out more.
Research
April 2023 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.
Opportunities
Participate in Oregon’s Winery and Vineyard Census | Extended Deadline May 31
This year marks 40 years since the first Oregon statewide census of vineyards and wineries. Help us continue the legacy by participating in the 2022 study. This year’s new feature will be production estimates for AVAs where we get sufficient participation. The data form can be accessed here. Questions about the study can be addressed to Bob Parker who leads the effort on behalf of the Institute for Policy Research and Engagement at UO. As in the past, individual data will be confidential and never shared with the Oregon Wine Board.
Participate in Silicon Valley Bank’s Direct-to-Consumer Wine Survey | Deadline May 17
This year’s survey takes approximately 15-20 minutes to complete. AVA-specific reports will be available if a statistically significant number of responses are received. Participate in the survey.
Participate in USDA Farm Labor Data Gathering
USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) will conduct its biannual Agricultural Labor Survey in April. The survey will collect information about hired labor from more than 2,000 farmers and ranchers. Survey participants can respond online at agcounts.usda.gov or by mail. NASS will publish survey results in the May 24 Farm Labor report.
Other News
Wine Industry Network Advisor Offers Insight on Ingredient Labeling
Wine ingredient labeling is already a reality in Europe and is coming to the U.S. soon. Michael Kaiser, WineAmerica’s Executive Vice President and Director of Government Affairs says “We just want the format to be as least invasive as possible.” Read, what producers need to know to get ready.
Bottle Books Webinar: Get ready for the new EU Labeling Regulations
The webinar answered questions such as What is mandatory with this new regulation? What are the advantages of e-labels? If you could not attend, you can download the presentation and view the recording.
Oregon Grape Quarantine: New Requirements for New Plantings
If you are planting grapevines this year, be aware of new rule changes that went into effect on Jan. 1, 2023. The Oregon Grape Quarantine now requires all plants purchased from outside the state to be certified. Learn more about this rule change here. If you are interested in having your out-of-state shipments tested by the Oregon Department of Agriculture for free, read the handout and complete the request form.