Dear Friends,
Congratulations to everyone who dodged raindrops, occasional smoke, and a few wasps to bring in the grapes during what luckily, seemed like a pretty drama-free vintage.
As you dig through your in-boxes, here’s a quick round-up of some items we’ve been tracking at the Oregon Wine Board:
Tickets are on sale now at the early bird discount price for the Oregon Wine Symposium which comes back in Portland Feb. 13-14. There will never be a sharper price on these tickets, and it gets better if you buy as a group of four or more.
One of the Symposium’s main attractions will be the annual Industry Awards presentations. Click here for a complete listing of previous honorees and nominate someone today.
Now while next March may seem a long way off, it’ll probably sneak up on us again. Early March is the time when OWB Directors meet to approve the Wine Board’s budget for the subsequent fiscal year beginning July 1. This form is the one growers and winemakers can use to submit their thoughts before the 2024-25 budget is dialed in. OWB will host all-industry Zoom meetings in December and January to review the submissions and invite public comments about the budget.
Our Industry Research Committee volunteers have been quietly and efficiently shaping the next Request for Proposals. It will go global on Dec. 1 for scientists to review in preparing their applications for OWB funding in 2024-25. See the industry’s Viticulture and Enology Research Strategic plan here for some useful background that guides the committee in crafting the RFP.
Mark your calendars for the morning of Friday, Dec. 1. That’s the Oregon Wine Board’s final meeting of the year, and it’ll be held live and in person in Dayton at the Stoller Family Estate Winery. It’s another good chance to see your Board of Directors in action and to bring your ideas and questions for discussion. Let us know if you’re coming.
Next week, Nov. 1 is the deadline by which business owners need to apply for 2024 crop insurance. More insurance information from USDA’s Risk Management Agency is right here.
Oregon State University’s Wine Research Institute publishes a great newsletter and the latest edition includes this reminder for growers to send in vine mealybug traps if you had them out in vineyards. ODA’s Josh Vlatch has been working closely with us on this and can answer questions.
Finally, we have extended the Wine Industry Economic Impact survey deadline until next Monday, Oct. 30. We know the timing was inconvenient and wanted to allow more businesses to contribute. Read more further down in the Research section.
P.S.“Send Money” was the request to OWB from a business owner a few months ago after an AVA association meeting. It reminded me and my managers that we need to continue bringing OWB’s newest funding opportunities out into the open. This link details options for industry non-profits to apply for OWB grants with little to no matching investments required. Requests are subject to approval by the Oregon Wine Board of Directors.
Tom Danowski
President
The Directors of the Oregon Wine Board invite you to share in a celebration of Tom Danowski’s 12 years of service leading the Oregon Wine Board.
Tom Danowski will be stepping down as Executive Director at the end of the year. In recognition of all that Tom has helped us achieve as a wine industry, we hope you will join us on Friday, Dec. 1 at 4 p.m. at the Stoller Experience Center in Dayton, to celebrate Tom and his contributions to Oregon.
A reception with appetizers, a few speeches, toasts, and a look back at Tom’s tenure at the OWB are planned along with good cheer and community. We request that you, or your winery, bring 2 bottles of wine. One is to be shared with guests and the 2nd to be gifted to Tom as a special Oregon Collection for his cellar.
In “True Character”,The Directors of the Oregon Wine Board
Oregon Wine Month 2024 Planning and Input Session I Oct. 27 at 10 a.m.
Industry members are invited to join OWB’s Trade Relations Manager David DeWitt and Director of Marketing Neil Ferguson for an Oregon Wine Month 2024 planning and input session. The agenda includes a detailed overview of the Oregon Wine Month 2024 budget allocation, a look at the editorial calendar and creative direction, and an opportunity to brainstorm and provide input on DtC, tourism, and trade strategy. If you are interested in attending, email neil@oregonwine.org.
Register for OWB’s Marketing and Budget Planning Webinar I Dec. 7 at 10 a.m.
The agenda includes OWB’s 2024-25 budget planning, a review of OWB tools/resources industry members can use for providing input and utilizing our organizational offerings, a media and image library unveil and walk-through, and more. Attendees will have the opportunity to provide input and ask questions. See the full agenda and register to attend here.
Wine Industry Insights
New IWSR Report Outlines Key Trends in Wine for 2024
IWSR reporting reveals the global wine industry faces declining volumes but continues to experience premiumization, growth in e-commerce, and evolving wine consumer preferences. While overall wine consumption might display a downward trajectory, some regions like the U.S., U.K., and Japan have witnessed a resurgence in the number of wine drinkers. The reopening of bars and restaurants has driven growth, primarily among younger adults who have adopted a “buy less but better” attitude. Learn more.
IWSR Analyses Gen Z Behavior Toward Beverage Alcohol
IWSR data shows that a significant proportion of legal drinking-age Gen Zs are now avoiding alcohol. Close monitoring of their behavior will be required to see how their tastes evolve. This still points to an emerging world in which producers should offer beverages with low or zero alcohol, delivered in memorable settings and/or packaging unless they have a strong market presence with older, legacy audiences. Learn more.
Leading Retailers Collaborate to Reduce Wine Bottle Weight
Jancis Robinson, a founder member of the Sustainable Wine Roundtable (SWR), has advocated the need for lighter bottles for many years: “Lighter bottles is an easy win to reduce carbon emissions.” Jancis Robinson’s article on the SWR Bottle Weight Accord is available here. The SWR led wine retailers from around the world to reach an accord to reduce the average weight of 750ml still wine bottles in their range. Learn more.
Wine Business Monthly 2023 Salary Survey Finds Modest Pay Bump
After a rebound in salaries triggered by post-pandemic optimism and a competitive recruiting market, the 2023 Wine Business Monthly/Western Management Group Salary Survey Report found a modest increase in base average salaries with DTC roles seeing the highest pay increases and recruiting priority. Learn More.
Education
Oregon Wine Symposium Early Bird Registration
The Oregon Wine Growers Association (OWA) and the Oregon Wine Board (OWB) are proud to announce that registration has opened for the largest in-person wine industry trade show and education seminar in the Northwest. On Feb. 13 and 14, the Oregon Wine Symposium will unite experts from the scientific and wine business communities to share the latest learnings, best practices, and industry expertise in a new condensed day-and-a-half format. Register at the Early Bird rate.
USDA Grapevine Crop Insurance Program Fact Sheet
Grapevines are insurable in specific counties in California, Idaho, Michigan, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Washington. Learn more.
Press and Media
Press Highlights
Shanken News Daily Reports on Oregon Wine Success
With sales growing despite the wine category declining, average retail price more than twice the national off-premise average, and some labels growing at double-digit rates, the future looks bright for the Oregon wine industry. Read more.
Here is Oregon Supports the Search for Acorn Hunters
In his article for the Oregonian/OregonLive, Michael Alberty writes about Lois and David Cho’s participation in a partnership between Willamette University’s student-led Oregon Oaks project and LIVE (Low Input Viticulture and Enology). This project aims to collect 100,000 acorns to plant 10,000 new Oregon white oaks in the Willamette Valley. Read more.
2022 Vineyard & Winery Report Shows Outstanding Quality, Record Production, and Strong Demand
The results of the new Oregon Vineyard and Winery Report were released by the OWB and the data provided by wineries and vineyards for 2022 reveal the industry’s healthy growth from crop volume to international recognition and trust in the future with new plantings. Read more.
Organized by the Beverage Trade Network, the 2024 London Wine Competition is accepting registrations for submission until Feb. 22, 2024. Learn more.
Research
Viticulture & Enology
October 2023 Weather and Climate Forecast
Dr. Greg Jones recently published an updated weather and climate summary and forecast. This report looks back at September conditions and forecasts conditions for October, November, and December.
OSU Vine Mealybug Trapping Program Reminder
Don’t forget to pull vine mealybug traps from your vineyard and submit them to the ODA for examination this fall. Be sure to send your contact details with the traps so that you receive the results. Further information is found in the protocol.
Northwest Center for Small Fruits Research (NCSFR) Updates
The 2022 Viticulture and Wine Processing NCSFR priorities are in need of input on what is important for the wine grape industry. Send comments to info@nwberries.org by Nov. 1.
NSCFR has opened registration for their 2023 Conference on Nov.13-15 in Corvallis at the Alumni Center. Conference tickets and special room rates at the Hilton Garden Inn are available now. Scholarships are available, eligible attendees can apply here.
Specialty Crop Research Initiative (SCRI) Seeks Relevance Reviewers
USDA-NIFA is recruiting industry representatives (growers, packers, shippers, staff from commissions and trade associations, etc.) to volunteer to review the industry relevance of pre-applications for the Specialty Crop Research Initiative (SCRI) for 2024. Relevance reviewers ensure that SCRI projects address critical needs for the grape and wine industry. The time commitment is about 15 – 20 hours total, spread over two months (Jan. Feb.) to review and score pre-applications and to participate in the final 1.5-hour grape panel Zoom meeting the week of Feb. 26, 2024. Learn more.
Industry Research
Participate in the 2022 Oregon Wine Industry Economic Impact Study | Extended Deadline Oct. 30
Due to harvest and other surveys being fielded at the same time, we have extended our Economic Impact Study survey. Every three years, the OWB commissions an Oregon Wine Economic Impact Study to examine the impact of our industry on Oregon’s economy. This study, managed by Economic Forensics and Analytics, Inc. in partnership with Full Glass Research, includes data from a survey that asks questions about 2022 revenues, employment levels, and costs. A PDF version of the questionnaire can be found here.
Your information is kept confidential and secure, findings are essential to support the development of our industry in many ways including:
Making the case for state and federal grants to advance individual, regional, or statewide marketing and research initiatives
Communicating with local and federal lawmakers about the needs of the industry
Portraying our industry accurately to journalists
Building understanding between wine businesses and county administrators
This is your last chance to contribute, the survey should take 10-15 minutes to complete.
Thank you in advance for supporting your industry in this way.
View OWB Calendar of International Programming, Register to Participate
OWB’s calendar of international events for the 2023-2024 fiscal year is now available and registration is open for all events. The calendar with registration links is available here.
Other Opportunities
Make a Nomination for ’24 Oregon Wine Industry Awards | Nov. 17
Nominations for the 2024 Oregon Wine Industry Awards are being accepted until Nov. 17. The awards recognize contributions to the industry in the categories of Lifetime Achievement, Founder, Outstanding Industry Leadership, Vineyard Excellence, and Industry Partner.
Provide Suggestions and Planning Ideas for Next Fiscal Year | Feb.1
OWB is interested in your budget planning input for the 2024-2025 fiscal year. Visit the Annual Business Plan Toolkit for a detailed list of dates, meetings, budget postings, and the idea submission form. Input will be accepted through Feb.1, 2024. If you would like to have a more in-depth discussion regarding your feedback or learn about other feedback we have received, please email info@oregonwine.org or reach out to Sally Crawford at sally.crawford@oregonwine.org.
Two days, two events, one purpose. Join ¡Salud! n Willamette Valley wine country and Portland with two new venues showcasing Pinot Noir producers alongside incredible food. From the Big Board Auction’s fun and electric energy to the Grand Dinner & Live Auction Gala’s elegant evening attire and fast-flying auction, this is one weekend you do not want to miss! Learn more.
Register for the National Biodynamic Conference | Nov. 8-12
The largest biodynamic gathering in the US brings together farmers, gardeners, educators, students, activists, entrepreneurs, and others interested in biodynamics from across the United States — and beyond. Anyone from beginners to long-time Biodynamic practitioners can learn in a variety of ways, including on-farm field days, intensive pre-conference workshops, inspiring keynote presentations, and breakout workshops. Special events provide many opportunities for connection, conversation, and celebration. Register here.
Register for Sustainable Ag Expo | Nov. 14-15
With 14 seminars and over 10 hours of online courses, the Sustainable Ag Expo brings together researchers and growers to provide continuing education hours all while offering networking opportunities. Brought to you by Vineyard Team, this multi-day seminar and tradeshow provides an opportunity for farmers, ag professionals, and pest control advisors to learn about the latest in farming research, resource issues, and business trends related to sustainable agriculture. Find out more and register here.
World of Pinot Noir | Feb. 29 – March 2
The event returns to the seaside Ritz-Carlton Bacara resort in Santa Barbara. The program includes tasting seminars, pairing dinners, and tastings showcasing more than 200 premier Pinot Noir producers from around the globe. Winery registration information and marketing opportunities are available here.
Tom Danowski
President
