Registration deadlines are coming up for OWB’s international events scheduled for this summer. With no registration fees, these events provide unique opportunities to explore key global markets at a low cost and high return on investment.
OWB, in collaboration with Washington State Wine, is hosting trade tastings in June in Copenhagen and Stockholm. The participants will be top trade and media. Since the situation in Europe is improving slowly and we don’t know what travel restrictions will be, no winery participation is required. There is also no fee to participate in these events, so they are good opportunity to get exposure in the market with a minimal investment.
We are monitoring the situation closely in both countries and are planning for two possible scenarios.
Scenario 1: Restrictions Loosened – Trade tasting in a large space
Walkaround tasting with importers representing wineries
Wineries looking for representation will have a dedicated space for participants to taste and set meetings virtually
Scenario 2: Restrictions Tightened – Trade tasting in small groups while seated or virtually
Tasting will be held in a large venue with participants seated while staff pours
Importers will represent wineries in-person or virtually with appointments set up prior
Wineries looking for representation will have a dedicated space with meetings set up virtually for interested importers
OWB, in collaboration with Washington State Wine, is hosting a series of tastings across four cities in Canada in July. All events will focus on trade, media, liquor boards and consumers under the banner “Northwest Wine Expedition.”
While we remain optimistic about international travel by then, we have developed a three-scenario contingency plan. Winery representatives from the U.S. will not be required to attend under any of the scenarios, so the only commitment is to provide samples.
There are no fees to participate and OWB will cover the cost of the shipment, making these events very affordable with a high return on investment regardless of which scenario we implement. This is a great opportunity to explore the biggest international market for Oregon wine with little investment, so we encourage wineries to participate and get important exposure in these key markets.
Scenario 1: Continued Ease of Restrictions
Main walkaround tasting event in large location
Wineries represented by in-market agent
Wineries looking for representation will participate through an exclusive tasting area and a digital portal to connect with agents
Scenario 2: Localized Distancing Measures Limiting Larger Groups
Agents to represent wineries in person
Wineries will be represented through an online networking platform
Assigned times to participate with participants to limit crowds
Plexiglass barriers in place and adherence to all other COVID protocols
Wineries looking for representation will participate through an exclusive tasting area and a digital portal to connect with agents
Scenario 3: Stay at Home Orders – Fully Virtual Programming
Themed virtual seminars including six wines sent directly to the participants (10-20 attendees per seminar)
Winery participation will be virtual
Seminars to feature participants from all cities. Some may be provincially focused and some may focus Canada-wide
Wineries looking for representation will work directly with contractors to set up virtual meetings with interested agents – matchmaking services are available
OWB, in collaboration with Washington State Wine, will be hosting a series of tastings across three cities in Mexico in late summer 2021. These tastings will focus on key trade, resorts and media.
We are continually monitoring the situation and will have backup plans in place should travel not be an option, but as of now wineries are invited to participate in a standard capacity. However, there will be no requirement for a winery representative to attend as local sommeliers will be available to pour.
There is no cost to participate beyond providing the wine samples, so register to be part of this new, exciting market for Oregon wine.
