After taking last year off, TEXSOM once again gathered industry professionals to meet in Dallas, Texas for a multi-day global conference taking place November 14-16. The Oregon Wine Board hosted the volunteer luncheon on the initial day of the event. This luncheon was a fantastic opportunity to educate and taste with national sommeliers, and to showcase the diversity of Oregon wines. The attendees were comprised of new and established buyers for all trade channels, as well as media and staff. Bree Stock MW led the presentation masterfully for roughly one hundred participants. She educated the group on the diversity of Oregon’s growing region, while tasting through nine distinctive wines. Most of the wines featured had metaled at the Texas International Wine Awards (TIWA) earlier in the year, with additional wines selected for regional representation. TIWA offers a solid opportunity to get representation at TEXSOM and beyond. All guests were furbished with regional maps and tasting sheets. The wines and presentation were extremely well received.
While attendance was down compared to previous years, attendees still showed up from all over the country. COVID-19 protocols were extremely high for this year’s event. Oregon, as a region, was the only domestic board to present, which was greatly respected. All attendees of the luncheon have been enrolled in OWB’s trade mailing list. The group has been informed and prompted to access our Resource Studio to better equip them to learn and promote Oregon wine.
The OWB has participated in TEXSOM for five years and we look forward to continuing our involvement. Since 2016, Orgon awarded wines at TIWA has climbed steadily. Growing from 61 winners in 2016 to 174 in 2020. Oregon wines received 13 gold medals in 2021. Visit the TEXSOM website for a full list of award winners. We will update the industry on getting involved in 2022, as we recognize the opportunity to drive market expansion and brand equity with the TEXSOM organization.
