As your harvest and crush activity begins to wind down over the next couple weeks, some of you may get a free minute to look ahead at your calendars for 2018.
When you do, please make sure to note Feb. 20-21 for the Oregon Wine Symposium in Portland. The program will be richer and more responsive than ever to the needs of growers, winemakers and managers. Many of your industry colleagues are already locking in their tickets, and sales are trending at three times the level we achieved at this time a year ago.
A final point on 2018 planning; please use this form to alert the Oregon Wine Board about your local, regional and association events that target consumers and the trade. We want to provide an events calendar that becomes your go-to resource as most the comprehensive listing of our industry’s commitments so we can all avoid conflicts and unpleasant surprises.
In the event you missed last month’s announcement from the Oregon Wine Research Institute, business and economics researchers at OSU have heard the wine industry’s request for insights into wine club performance and profitability. Faculty there have designed a two-part study to be funded by the OWRI. Part one is a survey for wine club managers to be followed by part two, which is a form that will go out to wine club members. If you are the person at your winery with primary responsibility for managing wine clubs, access the questionnaire and begin part one below.
And while I know many are still very busy in the vineyards and cellars, please take a moment to review these two updates from the Oregon Winegrowers Association, provided as a service to the industry:
OWA worked in concert with member wineries in Washington County as well as Oregon’s Dept. of Land Conservation and Development to successfully argue for amendments to a previously adopted county ordinance that could have limited tasting room hours and capped guest counts. We expect this decision to have a positive statewide impact in defense of sensible tasting room practices;
Oregon wineries are again urged to exercise caution when fulfilling direct-to-consumer orders bound for Michigan. The state is unique in requiring birthdate verification prior to order fulfillment. Such verification applies a higher standard and contrasts with simply asking a potential customer whether she/he is at least 21. Michigan investigators can answer that question untruthfully to complete an online transaction and potentially set up a winery for enforcement action from Michigan’s Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. Oregon wineries are now targets of such enforcement activities. Read the full OWA advisory for details.
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
Now Accepting Nominations for 2018 Oregon Wine A-List Awards
Think about your best restaurant accounts around the country, your favorite local gem and that wine director who always seems to go above and beyond with their Oregon wine list and programming. Sound like someplace – or someone – you know? The window will be open until Oct. 31 to recognize their dedication to Oregon with a nomination for a 2018 Oregon Wine A-List Award. Submit a nomination.
Revisit Wines Fly Free FAQ in Advance of Thanksgiving
In advance of the busy Thanksgiving visitor season consider refreshing your tasting room staff on the Oregon Wines Fly Free program. Read the full FAQ.
RESEARCH
OSU Conducting Research into 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.
2017-18 OWB-Funded Research Grants Awarded
OWB’s Board of Directors awarded $350,000 in grant funding for the 2017-18 fiscal year to support technical research expected to enhance Oregon grapegrowing and winemaking knowledge. The projects selected for funding were based on recommendations from the industry’s Research Committee. Updates on funded projects will be reported throughout the year. Read summaries of the funded research projects.
October 2017 Weather and Climate Forecast
On Oct. 4, Dr. Greg Jones of Linfield College published an updated weather and climate summary and forecast. This report looks back at September conditions, provides an updated drought watch, and forecasts conditions for October, November and December 2017. Read the report.
CALLS FOR WINE
Wine & Spirits Pinot noir Call
Wine & Spirits Magazine is accepting Pinot noir submissions for their Apr. 2018 Restaurant Wine Poll issue, with a spotlight on American Pinot noir. The window of acceptance for these submissions is Oct. 16 -Nov. 17, 2017. Get submission details and more information.
Wine Enthusiast’s 2018 Tasting and Review Schedule
Wine Enthusiast Magazine recently announced its 2018 tasting and review schedule, along with sample submission deadlines, instructions and frequently asked questions. Get submission details and more information.
OTHER NEWS
Oregon Tourism Commission Opens Large Grants Program
The Oregon Tourism Commission opened their Competitive Large Grants program on Oct. 5. The program grants funds to eligible applicants for projects that contribute to the development of the tourism economy in communities across the state. Applications are due by Nov. 13, 2017. Learn more.
Oregon Wine Board Releases 2016-17 Annual Report
The Oregon Wine Board’s annual report recaps the achievements of the past fiscal year across marketing, education and research. It also recognizes the Directors and committee members who have dedicated countless volunteer hours towards advancing the industry. Read the annual report.
Oregon Wine Industry Awards Nominations Now Open
Each year at the Oregon Wine Symposium, industry leaders are recognized for their contributions to the Oregon wine industry. Know someone who deserves to be celebrated for their dedication to and advancement of our industry? Make a nomination by Nov. 15. Read about the categories and submit a nomination.
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, equipment and job opportunities. Post items for sale or visit the Marketplace to search items for sale.
Taste and Talk with us, Every Tuesday at OWB
Over the past year, we’ve engaged with some key players from excellent Oregon wineries during our Tuesday tasting and talk sessions, held weekly at 3:30 p.m. This informal gathering is an open invitation for Oregon wineries to visit OWB to share brand stories and wines with us. Got a story to share? Now held Tuesday instead of Friday to avoid heavy traffic, this marks a great opportunity for you to get to know us better, ask questions of us and share your suggestions and stories over wine. Learn more and sign up for a visit.
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