OWB Awarded Grant for Out-of-State Events

Save the Date: First event to be held week of April 23

Grant Funds Received

The Oregon Wine Board is pleased to announce its success in being awarded a new Specialty Crop Block grant through the Oregon Department of Agriculture and USDA. This new grant augments the industry’s current resources and will enable us to deliver more thoroughly against two of our critical strategic imperatives:

1. Increase availability of Oregon wine by engaging trade gatekeepers; and
2. Drive awareness of Oregon’s quality among fine wine consumers.

The funding will be used over the next two years to host events in four markets around the U.S. where category development data and Oregon brand availability confirm good potential for increased Oregon wine sales. This market outreach strategy responds directly to feedback we have received through surveys communicating that you – members of the Oregon wine industry – would like the OWB to expand and enhance Oregon’s profile outside of the Pacific Northwest.

The Events

These events will target influential members of the trade, key media and high-potential consumers. Our plans reflect input from the OWB marketing committee, and we will continue to rely on industry input as we select markets over the life of this grant.

Each market visit will include:

• A master-level educational seminar for key buyers to deepen their knowledge of Oregon’s wines and winegrowing regions;
• A tasting event for trade and media; and
• A separate ticketed consumer tasting.

Given OWB’s scope of supporting Oregon wine statewide, these events present a unique opportunity to showcase the full gamut of winegrowing in Oregon, ensuring diverse representation of varieties and producers around the state.

Mark Your Calendar

The first of these events will be held in Southern California during the week of Apr. 23, with precise date and location details to be confirmed by early December. The OWB team is in the early phases of planning this event and will share information regarding opportunities to participate as soon as possible.

Events like this tend to be most effective for wineries that have in-market distribution already, although we expect to accommodate some wineries that are seeking distributors. Please note that while the grant will aid in funding the bulk of the event costs, there will be a fee to participate in the events.

We recognize that there are a number of other Oregon and external industry events happening throughout the spring, and we are working carefully to avoid conflicts. You are strongly urged to consult the OWB industry calendar when planning events. Be sure to include your association’s or organization’s entries on this calendar through a form on the industry website.

Mark your calendar for the week of Apr. 23, and keep an eye on your inbox for more details in the coming weeks and months.