Dear Friends,
I’ll keep this short as you prepare for the busy weekend.
First, if you’re curious to learn more about Travel Oregon’s strategic vision for the next decade and how it will be translated into actions, join us on Zoom, Thursday, Dec. 8 at 1 p.m. The Oregon Wine Board (OWB) will host Travel Oregon Commission Chair Richard Boyles and CEO Todd Davidson (pictured here on my right).
Second, when you return from the holiday we’d welcome your input on a short survey that OWB customarily fields at this time of year. It asks for your feedback on how OWB invests the dollars you entrust us with for Research, Promotion, and Education.
Third, while that questionnaire is one marker signaling the beginning of our next OWB budget cycle, Wine Board Directors and our management team also welcome your specific budget-related requests. They can be expressed using the form on this page, which provides the opportunity to add the necessary details to an idea or suggestion that may be on your mind. Just scroll down to “Send Us Your Budget Planning Ideas”.
And for business owners looking ahead to 2023, here is a list of USDA grant-funded international events OWB has scheduled for the first half of next year. Let us know if you’d like the registration information for specific events, however be aware that space is sometimes limited.
Finally, in fulfilling the Knowledge and Insights commitment in our business plan, we have expanded the scope of the marketing section in this newsletter (see below). Periodically, we will highlight relevant links to new market or industry research. We welcome your feedback on this new section.
P.S. Save the Date: Thursday, Dec. 8 at 11 a.m. OSU’s Dr. Patty Skinkis and OWB’s Bree Stock MW will host a Zoom session on Yield Abundance: A Reflection on the 2022 season. Register now.
As we look ahead to the weekend and move closer to the end of an historic year for Oregon growers and winemakers, all of us at OWB wish you and your families a safe and satisfying holiday.
Tom Danowski
President
Marketing
OWB Marketing
Registration for International Marketing Events Now Open
If you are interested in growing your brand globally, consider participating in one of the many OWB events planned around the world. To view the calendar and or more information and to register, visit the International Marketing page. Registration links are included in the calendar.
Oregon Wine Month 2023 Sell Sheets Available Now
OWB is hard at work to deliver another strong campaign this coming spring. Industry members are invited to download and share the initial sell sheets. Promotional period specific and evergreen version.
Reminder: Order Your Complimentary Oregon Wine Touring Guides
As planning continues for the 2023 edition of the Oregon Wine Touring Guide, OWB is down to the last batch of 2020-22 editions and now is the perfect time to order copies. It is available for complimentary order and delivery to tasting rooms and tourism businesses throughout Oregon.
Wine Market Insights
Wine Intelligence Reviews Sustainability in Wine Industry
In the article, Can Sustainable wine survive a cost of living crisis?, Wine Intelligence reviews the importance of sustainability for current and future wine consumers in the short and long term.
Wine Opinions Spotlights Wine Social Media Usage The latest issue of the Wine Opinions newsletter looked at the wine-related social media habits of high-frequency wine drinkers. Of interest is a chart showing the percentages of those over 40 and under 40 using Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter to follow their favorite wineries, restaurants, wine regions, critics, and more. View or download the newsletter (and previous issues) here.
Education
Unified Wine & Grape Symposium in Sacramento, CA | Jan. 24 – 26, 2023
The program features sessions and a two-day trade show. Speakers and conference schedules are available here. Registration information and program guide are available for download here.
The largest in-person wine industry trade show and education seminar in the Northwest unites experts from the scientific and wine business communities to share the latest learnings, best practices, and industry expertise. After two years of hybrid events, the 2023 Oregon Wine Symposium will reunite the Northwest wine industry for two days of learning, connecting, and growing together at the Oregon Convention Center. Register at Earlybird rates
Press & Media
Press Highlights
Hemispheres Magazine Highlights Willamette Valley Wine
In Three Perfect Days in Portland, Nicholas DeRenzo showcases the proximity to the Willamette Valley, stating, “A trip to Oregon wouldn’t be complete without a stop in the Willamette Valley…”
Media Opportunities: Calls for Wine
Honest Cooking I Deadline Nov. 25 Honest Cookingextended the deadline for their special winter wines issue to Nov. 25.
The Drinks Business I Deadline Jan. 13The Global Pinot Noir Masters recognizes and rewards the finest Pinot Noirs on the world stage. If you have any questions, please contact enter@theglobalmasters.co.uk.
Sean Sullivan Introduces the Northwest Wine Report
Writer and critic Sean Sullivan, formerly of the Wine Enthusiast, has rebranded his site from Washington Wine Report to Northwest Wine Report. The site will now be covering all things wine in Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and British Columbia. Read plans for the site here and see details about sending your wines to Sullivan for review here.
Research
November 2022 Weather and Climate Forecast
Dr. Greg Jones recently published an updated weather and climate summary and forecast. This report looks back at October conditions and forecasts conditions for November, December, and January.
2022 Specialty Crop Research Initiative (SCRI) Awards
USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) announced its $70 million investment in 25 SCRI awards. Selected projects address key challenges of national, regional, and multistate importance in sustaining all components of food and agriculture, including conventional and organic food production systems. Among the 25 winning projects, two are for grape research. NIFA also has released its request for applications (RFA) for the 2023 SCRI program.
Opportunities
Make a Nomination for the 2023 Oregon Wine Industry Awards | Extended Deadline Nov. 25
The Oregon Wine Industry Awards recognize contributions to the industry in the categories of Lifetime Achievement, Founder, Outstanding Industry Leadership, Vineyard Excellence, and Industry Partner.
Tell Us How We Are Doing | Deadline Dec. 2.
OWB is reviewing and updating its Industry’s strategic roadmap. We invite all members of the Oregon wine industry to share their perspectives in an anonymous survey about how OWB is meeting industry expectations in our functional areas: Viticulture & Enology Research, Marketing & Media Relations, and Industry Education. Click here to take the survey.
Conversation with Travel Oregon on 10-year Strategic Vision | Dec. 8 at 1 p.m.
Oregon Tourism Commission Chair Richard Boyles and Travel Oregon CEO Todd Davidson have accepted an invitation to the OWB Zoom room. As many of you are aware, Travel Oregon has invested in extended dialogue with its stakeholders and has produced a 10-year strategic vision that will direct the Commission’s work. Register for the session and you’ll have the opportunity to submit your questions in advance.
McMinnville Wine Classic Competition is calling for registrations and submissions of wine for the 30th annual competition being held on Jan. 7, 2023. All Oregon wine producers are welcome to submit. All net proceeds benefit St. James School in McMinnville. Judges Panel, competition details, and requirements can be found here and registration can be done on Enofile.
Provide Input for the Development of OWB’s 23-24 Budget | Deadline Dec. 30.
While feedback can be provided at any time during the year, we want to call attention to this form in the OWB’s Business Planning toolkit. Scroll down to “How to Stay Involved” and you’ll see a few fields where you can submit your ideas and suggestions for activities or programs for consumers, trade, or industry.
Other News
Protect Oregon Wines, Join CA and WA in Stopping Counterfeits
The California Wine Institute (CWI) has obtained a USDA Technical Assistance grant to build a database of wines to determine authenticity. This database will provide references for wines, varieties and winegrowing regions. Oregon has been invited to contribute. The only costs to the winery are for the sample (50 ml.) and shipment to, or drop-off at, the laboratory. Samples must be comprised of 95% or more of the principal grape variety. Learn more about how you can assist in helping identify Oregon’s standards of identity. For additional information, contact Dr. Patricia Howe phowe@WineNMR.org .
First, if you’re curious to learn more about Travel Oregon’s 
Tom Danowski
President
