Dear Friends,
While you’re busy preparing for the harvest and crush (who would have predicted last April that some growers would be thinning crop in September?), it’s that time again when the Oregon Wine Board (OWB) management team publishes some of its fiscal year-end reports. Two highlights from that list are:
The 2021 vineyard and winery report, which reflects a wide range of harvest, production, grape pricing, and sales statistics. As you can see in the exhibit below, vineyard inputs to the census increased versus a year ago, although winery response rates dipped a few points in most areas of the state.
Year-to-year variations in participation are not uncommon and do not diminish our appreciation for the contributions of growers and winemakers across Oregon who volunteered their time and business information to ensure this comprehensive annual snapshot remains the envy of our peers in neighboring states.
Wine America published its national Economic Impact information last week along with some state-specific information related to Oregon. Methodological and timing differences resulted in some variances versus other previously released reports which documented our industry’s vital statistics. We are in touch with Wine America to understand and reconcile the differences where possible.
OWB’s latest annual report includes 48 fun-filled pages documenting the work done to advance the industry consistent with the long-term business plan. Have a look, especially those who are eager to see the financial report that starts on page 40, as well as the range of measurements and metrics in every section that help us evaluate program adoption and effectiveness.
As many of you are aware, an historic Oregon business transaction was announced earlier this month. Ste. Michelle Wine Estates’ ( SMWE) acquisition of Rex Hill Vineyards and A to Z Wineworks complements the success of the company’s Erath wines and puts SMWE at the top of the heap in terms of Oregon, and Pacific Northwest, case volume production. I had a chance to visit with CEO David Dearie (pictured at right) about ten days ago, and he is eager to meet more of his new Oregon colleagues over the next few months. We’ll look forward to working together to expand distribution and attract new consumers as we extend the global impact of Brand Oregon.
In OWB news, I am glad to announce that Linea Gagliano has joined the management team as Communications Director. Linea brings a deep, 12-year background in statewide tourism association work, having served previously as Global Communications Director at Travel Oregon. She has also been a regular at wine events for years, meeting growers and winemakers. While she is a Colorado State alum, we will have Linea singing the Univ. of Oregon Ducks fight song in no time (although she considers herself a platypus and loves all of Oregon). Welcome Linea!
Finally, Southern Oregon’s most important fundraiser for children’s health care, the Oregon Wine Experience, broke its own record by raising $2.2 million last month. Since its inception in 2015, OWE has raised more than $10.4 million. Congratulations on a job very well done (again) for an exceptionally worthy cause.
P.S. here’s a recording of the Q & A session on working with smoke-exposed wine grapes hosted by OSU’s Dr. Elizabeth Tomasino on Sept. 26.
Tom Danowski
President
Marketing
2023 Oregon Wine Touring Guide: Review Your Printed Listing by Oct. 17
Working with our media partners, we are in the process of finalizing the printed tasting room listings for the 2023-24 Oregon Wine Touring Guide. In order to make sure that the information is accurate and current, we are encouraging wineries to review the listings and notify OWB if there are any changes needed. For more information on the review process, visit our recent email and the Tasting Room Listing Toolkit.
Community Benchmark Meeting Reveals Key DtC Learnings
Community Benchmark’s John Keleher, and WISE Academy’s Lesley Berglund recently shared key DtC learnings from our first summer out of heavy Covid restrictions. Be sure to share this webinar and these great insights with your whole team and winery friends. Don’t forget that you can register for one-on-one consultations with Community Benchmark (analysis) and WISE (action). To schedule a consultation with WISE, please email Jenn Warrington ([email protected]). To schedule a 1:1 on session with Community Benchmark, reach out to Nick Rood ([email protected])
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. This publication not only helps people find their way in Oregon’s diverse wine regions, but it also inspires them to travel throughout Oregon.
Education
Oregon Wine Symposium Announces Dates for 2023
The annual premier education event and trade show for the Northwest wine industry, the Oregon Wine Symposium, will once again return to the Oregon Convention Center on Feb. 14 – 15, 2023. The largest in-person wine industry symposium and tradeshow 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 take place all under one roof, reuniting the Northwest wine industry for two days of learning, connecting, and growing together.
Press and Media
Media Opportunities: Calls for Wine
Jancis Robinson
Samantha Cole-Johnson, U.S. Pacific Northwest Specialist for jancisrobinson.com, has requested $15-30 Oregon wines for her first Oregon comprehensive report. Drop-off or deliver by Oct. 7. Learn more
Research
September 2022 Weather and Climate Forecast
Dr. Greg Jones recently published an updated weather and climate summary and forecast. This report looks back at August conditions and forecasts conditions for September, October, and November.
Silicon Valley Bank State of the Wine Industry Survey | Deadline: Oct. 15
Silicon Valley Bank’s annual survey of U.S. wineries is open through Oct. 15. To help your members prepare, view this PDF Guide with a preview of the questions that you can send them ahead of time. Respondents will receive full anonymous results, top level analysis, and relevant charts.
Volunteers Needed for 2023 Specialty Crop Research Initiative
The Specialty Crop Research Initiative (SCRI) provides nearly $80 million of funding each year for research and extension initiatives to address the critical needs of the specialty crop industry, and they are recruiting reviewers for their 2023 cycle. The total time commitment is around 10-20 hours over the month of February and March. If you’re interested in serving as a reviewer, please reach out to Jessica Shade at [email protected] by Oct. 15.
Opportunities
Apply to the Oregon Wine Board of Directors | Deadline: Sep. 30
The Executive Appointments staff at the governor’s office is accepting applications from industry members interested in joining the OWB of Directors for a three-year term starting Jan. 1, 2023. The governor’s OWB appointees are not confirmed by the state Senate. While earlier application deadlines apply to Senate-confirmable positions, OWB applicants can still be considered if their materials are received in Salem by Friday, Sept. 30. Learn more about Oregon Wine Board service and submit your application. If you have any questions, please reach out directly to the Executive Appointments Office.
Make a Nomination for the 2023 Oregon Wine Industry Awards | Deadline: Nov. 11
Nominations for the 2023 Oregon Wine Industry Awards are being accepted until Nov. 11. The awards recognize contributions to the industry in the categories of Lifetime Achievement, Founder, Outstanding Industry Leadership, Vineyard Excellence, and Industry Partner.
Other News
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month I Sept. 15 – Oct. 15
As part of Hispanic Heritage Month, a small group of Oregon winery owners and winemakers who share a Hispanic background are coming together to celebrate in order to share their stories, display the diversity of the Hispanic cultures spanning most of Latin America and Spain, and as small business owners, give back to the Spanish-speaking community in Oregon. Each of these wineries will be offering special wine selections from Sept. 10 – 30 to commemorate this event and 10% of ticket and bottle sales will be donated to AHIVOY. Learn more.
Protect Oregon Wine Legitimacy and Authenticity. Join CA and WA in Stopping Counterfeits
The California Wine Institute (CWI) has obtained a USDA Technical Assistance grant for 5 years of funding to build a robust database of wine samples in order to determine authenticity. Oregon has been invited to contribute to this effort. This important set of data will provide references for wine varieties and winegrowing regions. The only costs to the winery are for the sample collection (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, and contact Dr. Patricia Howe [email protected] for additional information.
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As many of you are aware, an historic Oregon business transaction was announced earlier this month. Ste. Michelle Wine Estates’ ( SMWE) acquisition of Rex Hill Vineyards and A to Z Wineworks complements the success of the company’s Erath wines and puts SMWE at the top of the heap in terms of Oregon, and Pacific Northwest, case volume production. I had a chance to visit with CEO David Dearie (pictured at right) about ten days ago, and he is eager to meet more of his new Oregon colleagues over the next few months. We’ll look forward to working together to expand distribution and attract new consumers as we extend the global impact of Brand Oregon.
In OWB news, I am glad to announce that Linea Gagliano has joined the 
Tom Danowski
President
