A few quick items to mention before you turn your attention to family, feasts and fine wines.
If you thought no one was listening when you asked, “Why isn’t there a reliable source for current salary and wage data specific to positions in Oregon’s wine industry?” perish that thought. Linfield College’s Center for the Northwest agreed to field an upcoming survey that will aggregate this type of information covering various vineyard and winery positions across the state. But it requires your participation. Jeff Peterson will direct the effort, and you will be hearing more from him soon. With your support in providing sufficient, complete responses to his questions, Jeff hopes to have a summary report available around the time of the Oregon Wine Symposium, Feb. 20-21. To make sure all interested industry members are aware of this important project, please pass this news on through your local association newsletters.
As you may have heard, the 26th annual ¡Salud! Oregon Pinot noir auction was especially memorable. The live auction earlier this month set an all-time record contributing to a grand total of about $830,000 for the two-day celebration. The proceeds are dedicated to Tuality Healthcare Foundation’s ¡Salud! program and will offset the costs of providing desperately needed medical care to Oregon’s irreplaceable vineyard workers. Thank you to all who helped make this year so successful for ¡Salud!
Attention OWA members: don’t miss the upcoming webinar with Davis Wright Tremaine attorney and veteran industry advisor, Jesse Lyon. He’ll review “Top Tips for Grower Communication, Contracts and Collections.” It takes place Friday, Dec. 8 from 2-3 p.m.
And finally, congratulations to the Oregon Tempranillo Alliance on making the move to Portland for its upcoming industry and consumer events on Jan. 19-21.
Travel safely and have a happy holiday weekend.
Cheers,
Tom Danowski
President
Oregon Wine Board
SYMPOSIUM
Registration Open for the 2018 Oregon Wine Symposium
Registration is open for the 2018 Oregon Wine Symposium, Feb. 20-21 at the Oregon Convention Center in Portland. The Symposium is a must-attend event for everyone from winery and vineyard owners to sales managers, vineyard managers to marketers, winemakers to tasting room staff. The Symposium also features the Northwest’s biggest wine industry trade show with more than 170 exhibitors.Register your team today.
MARKETING
Restock Your Supply of Oregon Wine Touring Guides for the Holidays
To ensure your tasting room is well-stocked with Oregon Wine Touring Guides for the Christmas holiday, order a complimentary case of 40 guides today. Cases may take up to two weeks to arrive so now is the time to act. Order your case of Oregon Wine Touring Guides.
Toronto Taste Oregon Registration Now Open
Registration is now open for Taste Oregon, Apr. 9-10 in Toronto. Join OWB as we return to Toronto to build on the success and momentum of the 2017 show. There will be two days of events including trade and consumer tastings, a salmon bake, opportunities for educational seminars and winemaker dinners and more. Space is going to be limited, so register now to confirm your spot in Toronto. Get more information or register.
Oregon Wine Event in Southern California in April
The OWB has received a grant to fund events targeting key buyers and high-end consumers in four markets around the U.S. over the next two years. The first of these will be held in Southern California during the week of Apr. 23. Keep an eye out for more information on how to participate, coming within the next month. Read more about this initiative.
Nominations for 2018 OPC International Trade Tour Accepted Through Dec. 1
Each year, the OWB hosts a group of international trade members in late June, chosen from among nominees provided by the industry. The group attends Oregon Pinot Camp and also meets with winemakers from around the state to get a complete picture of wine in Oregon. Learn more or make a nomination.
EDUCATION
Webinar: Get Your Distributors on Board for Oregon Wine Month 2018
The OWB team has prepared a package for wineries to use in presenting Oregon Wine Month 2018 to distributors in state and around the country. Learn how to equip your distributors to make the most of Oregon Wine Month at a webinar on Nov. 30. Learn more and register.
Positive business interactions between growers and wineries are an important cornerstone of our industry’s success. Join Jesse Lyon, OWA’s legal counsel at Davis Wright Tremaine LLP on Friday, Dec. 8 for a presentation on the “Top 10 Tips for Grower Communications, Contracts and Collections.” The webinar will provide growers and wineries with tools to help ensure positive business interactions. Learn more and RSVP.
SAIF Agricultural Safety Seminars
SAIF’s statewide series of free half-day trainings on agriculture safety and health are running through March in 16 cities across Oregon. Designed primarily for people working in agriculture, anyone with an interest in ag safety and health is welcome to attend, even if not insured by SAIF. Read more and get the full series schedule.
RESEARCH
November 2017 Weather and Climate Forecast
On Nov. 7, Dr. Greg Jones of Linfield College published an updated weather and climate summary and forecast. This report looks back at October conditions, provides an updated drought watch, and forecasts conditions for November, December and January. Read the report.
Call for Participants: OSU’s Research on Oregon Wine Clubs
Business and economics researchers at OSU are embarking on a new study that aims to deepen the Oregon wine industry’s understanding of wine clubs. Specifically, it will delve into what features and benefits attract and retain profitable wine club members, and what best practices can be identified for maximizing the long-term value of a club. Learn more about the study and how to participate.
CALLS FOR WINE
Minnesota Based Growler Magazine Seeks Wine
Writer Matt Wieland is exploring the Minnesota-Oregon connection in an upcoming article for Growler Magazine, which reaches 90,000 readers monthly. If you have MN distribution and you’d like your wine to be considered for this article, please send samples by Nov. 30. See delivery address and details.
OPPORTUNITIES
Free Shipping Available for TEXSOM International Wine Awards
In partnership with the OWB, FedEx will generously sponsor the shipment of TEXSOM IWA entries. On Dec. 1, we will send out an email with detailed instructions for any winery in Oregon to receive free FedEx shipping. Review the entry procedures and prepare your submissions.
OTHER NEWS
Oregon Wine Newsfeed Returns to the Industry Website
OWB has brought back the Oregon Wine Industry Newsfeed to its industry website. The Newsfeed serves as a go-to spot for Oregon wine news. Last year there were more than 12,000 articles mentioning Oregon wine – that’s an average of 33 per day – and this feature helps you stay on top of the news in our industry and the wineries generating news within it. Visit the Oregon Wine Industry Newsfeed.
2018 Affordable Care Act Enrollment Open Until Dec. 15
If you do not receive healthcare benefits through your employer or another source, be aware that enrollment for 2018 Affordable Care Act coverage is open now through Dec. 15. Plans sold during open enrollment start Jan. 1. Learn more about applying for ACA coverage.
List or Search Grapes for Sale on the Marketplace
If you are looking for a buyer for your grapes, or are interested in buying grapes, don’t forget to check out the Marketplace on the OWB’s industry website. The Marketplace also includes listings for bulk wine, real estate, equipment and job opportunities. Post items for sale or visit the Marketplace to search items for sale.
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