Once again we are called on to empathize with our industry friends in Northern California as wildfires race across their landscapes. I’m in touch with my counterparts in the region although most are too busy right now scrambling to save themselves, family homes and personal treasures to think clearly about ways in which we can help. As they recover, we’ll pass along any requests so those offering assistance from Oregon can provide it quickly and effectively.
I hope you’ll join me in congratulating Eugenia Keegan, Barbara Steele and Jason Tosch on their appointments to the nine-member Oregon Wine Board of Directors. Each was chosen by Governor Brown to serve a three-year term beginning Jan. 1, 2020. Eugenia, who is the Oregon general manager for Jackson Family Wines, and Jason, who serves as vice president of vineyard operations for Stoller Wine Group, return for their second terms. Barbara, who co-founded Cowhorn Vineyard & Garden in Jacksonville with her husband Bill, is the Board’s newest member. Our industry is fortunate to have such depth of talent and so many who are willing to volunteer for Board service. At the same time, we will be saying thank you and goodbye to OWB Chair Emeritus John Pratt who completes his final term this December. Since 2014, the industry has been well served by John’s contributions and guidance as a Board officer and a former Research Committee Chair.
A few years ago the OWB invited representatives from various industry groups into dialogue designed to encourage richer intra-industry conversations focused on shared learning and best practices in marketing, tourism promotion and media relations. The next meeting in this task force’s ongoing series will be held in Eugene on Nov. 19 at 11 a.m. We’re glad to include a member or two from your AVA, wine trail or association. Click here for more details and to RSVP.
On Nov. 20 in Salem, Oregon State University will host a workshop focused on the grapevine red blotch virus. GRBV is an increasing concern for many vineyard owners, and this event will review information about the ways it is expressing itself in Oregon. Presentations will cover results of Oregon-based studies that have investigated how red blotch affects vines, vineyard management practices to deal with GRBV’s effects, and some of the ways in which GRBV influences wine quality. A technical tasting is included in the program as well, and four recertification credits will be offered for ODA pesticide application license holders. Register by Nov. 6.
Finally, don’t forget to send in your nominations now to honor those who deserve recognition during the Oregon Wine Symposium’s annual industry awards presentation.
Tom Danowski
President
OREGON WINE SYMPOSIUM
Explore the Many Dimensions of Wine Sales & Marketing
Creating an impactful consumer sales and marketing program involves so much more than providing standout hospitality in your tasting room. The Sales & Marketing track at the 2020 Oregon Wine Symposium will increase your aptitude in media relations, wine marketing compliance, commission structures and more.
MARKETING
Enter TEXSOM International Wine Awards with Free Shipping | Deadline: Jan. 24
OWB is again partnering with FedEx to provide free Ground shipping on Oregon entries to the TEXSOM International Wine Awards. This program is running through Jan. 24.
RESEARCH
October 2019 Weather and Climate Forecast
On Oct. 3, Dr. Greg Jones of Linfield College published an updated weather and climate summary and forecast. This report looks back at September conditions and forecasts conditions for October, November and December.
An updated 2018 Oregon Vineyard and Winery Report was posted on Oct. 14. Four figures in the grape pricing chart – Vineyard Table 4 – have been corrected and now match those in the preliminary pricing report that was published in July. The corrected values are average and low prices for Pinot noir and Chardonnay from the North Willamette Valley. Excel data tables are also now available to download.
Travel Oregon Tourism Workforce Study | Deadline: Nov. 8
To better realize what opportunities exist to support the advancement of tourism-related jobs in Oregon, Travel Oregon is conducting the Oregon Tourism Workforce Survey. If you have ever worked in Oregon’s tourism industry, which includes tasting room hospitality, you are encouraged to participate in, and share, the survey.
EDUCATION
OSU Vineyard Red Blotch Workshop | Nov. 20
OSU Extension is offering a workshop covering recent research on Red Blotch Disease. Presentations will include results of Oregon-based studies investigating potential insect vectors, how the virus affects grapevine physiology, vineyard management practices to ameliorate virus effects, and effects on wine quality. A technical wine tasting will be included to show sensory impacts.
OSU Extension and OWRI are sponsoring a full-day workshop to provide grape growers with in-depth information about powdery mildew biology, management, and ways to avoid powdery mildew forming resistance to the fungicides that are currently in your disease management toolbox. Register by Dec. 2.
CALLS FOR WINE
Submit to Wine Spectator for its Annual Oregon Report | Deadline: Oct. 31
The Wine Spectator’s Napa tasting office is working on its annual Oregon tasting report. If you have not yet sent wines that are already on the market, you have until Oct. 31 to do so.
Last Call for Symposium 2020 Wine Trial Proposals
If you have an experiment or trial you would like to develop and share at the 2020 Oregon Wine Symposium, contact Scott Dwyer. You may also reach out with an idea for which you need help developing a protocol. The Symposium organizers are searching for three trials, ideally focused on viticulture, enology and a product/tool.
OPPORTUNITIES
Funding Available to Help Offset Organic Certification Costs | Deadline: Oct. 31
The Oregon Department of Agriculture has announced the availability of cost-share rebate funds for certified organic farmers and processors. The rebates are available to cover certification expenses paid between Oct. 1, 2018 and Sept. 30, 2019. The deadline to submit applications is Oct. 31.
Oregon Tourism Leadership Academy Accepting Applications | Deadline: Nov. 1
The Oregon Tourism Leadership Academy is a new experiential learning program for tourism professionals who are seeking to polish their leadership skills, continue to enhance their career, and make lasting contributions to the state’s tourism economy. The deadline to apply is Nov. 1.
San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition Accepting Entries | Deadline: Nov. 15
Judging for the 2020 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition will take place early January with a public tasting of the awarded wines happening in February. The deadline to submit wines for the competition is Nov. 15.
Northwest Wine Radio Now Booking 2020
Northwest Wine Radio seeks winemakers for their winter 2020 schedule. Recording takes place on select Mondays in Seattle and participation is free.
OTHER NEWS
1% For The Planet Information Session | Deadline: Nov. 11
The non-profit organization 1% For The Planet is holding Sip 1% Better, a wine industry information session, on Nov. 11 at Brooks Winery. If you’re interested in learning more about this initiative to encourage businesses to responsibly protect the planet, please RVSP to attend.
2020 Oregon Wine Industry Awards Nominations Open | Deadline: Nov. 8
Nominations for the 2020 Oregon Wine Industry Awards are being accepted until Nov. 8. The awards recognize contributions to the industry and will be presented at a luncheon during the Oregon Wine Symposium in February.
