A host of exciting and topical seminars devoted to Oregon wine will be presented February 11-12 at the 2020 Oregon Wine Symposium, the Oregon wine industry’s business, farming and technical conference presented by the Oregon Wine Board. Now in its 14th year, the Oregon Wine Symposium attracts 1,700 attendees from all over the globe. With 24 educational sessions and 180 exhibitors at the accompanying tradeshow, the Oregon Wine Symposium represents the best and brightest of the burgeoning Oregon wine industry.
Participants are encouraged to register before Jan 15, 2020 to take advantage of the full-access admission reduction of 25% for early bird pricing, for two full days of education, tasting and networking, and fun value-added events like Soirée and the festive TricorBraun Mimosa Bar during a first morning break.
One of the most highly anticipated seminars will be held the second afternoon on February 12 under the DTC wine business track, entitled Building Diversity in the Oregon Wine Industry and its Customers. Moderated by Christian Miller of Full Glass Research, this seminar aims to help the Oregon wine industry adapt to and build on more culturally and ethnically diverse visitors to wine country. Differences in perceptions and behavior by age and gender will be highlighted as well as benefits of diversification of employees, visitors and consumers.
Another sought-after seminar is Whole Cluster Fermentation: Intent, Execution, Expression and Analytics, to be held on the first afternoon of February 11, under the enology and tasting track. In this seminar, winemakers Emily Terrell of Brittan Vineyards, Grant Coulter of Flaneur Wines and Tom Gerrie of Cristom Vineyards will join Dr. Federico Casassa, associate professor of enology & sensory analysis at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, Wine and Viticulture Department, and will cover the measurable effects of whole cluster fermentation on wine chemistry and phenolic profile. They will also explore the chemical and sensory effects of whole cluster fermentation in a research and winemaking context, which will then be carried into the glass with an integrated tasting, followed by questions and a brief discussion.
Farming and Making Alternative Varieties for a Changing Climate and Maturing Market will be held February 11, the first morning of Symposium and promises a lively and thought-provoking discussion for winemakers and viticulturists alike. This seminar will address how our climate is changing in Oregon, making it vitally important for the wine industry to consider the impact on our landscapes, marketplace, and wine growing in Oregon over the next decade and beyond. Led by Claire Jarreau of Brooks Wines, the panelists are Dr. Damien Wilson, professor of wine business at Sonoma State University, Dr. Greg Jones, director of the Evenstad Center for Wine Education at Linfield College, Brian Gruber, winemaker at Barrel 42 Custom Winecraft and Quady North in Southern Oregon, and Scott Zapotsky vice president of winegrowing at Eola Springs Vineyard, Chehalem Mountain Vineyard and Geodesy Wine. Topics include potential solutions through varietal and site selection, grafting, adaptations in the cellar, and how informed choices can work advantageously in a maturing marketplace.
Other engaging seminars on the 2020 Oregon Wine Symposium docket include several Oregon Wine Profit Planner Workshops which will be capped at 30 attendees per session, led by Tim Hanni MW. Taste Oregon Wine the WSET Way will take participants through tasting Oregon’s wines through the lens of the WSET Systematic Approach to Tasting Wine®. Finally, Total Workplace Health Safety in Oregon is a two-part seminar offered with Spanish translation addressing the key wellness objectives delivered within Oregon Total Workplace Health Alliance Training and current OSHA rules surrounding the wine industry workplace.
For additional information on the preliminary program, speakers and special events, visit www.oregonwinesymposium.com.
Photo credit: Carolyn Wells Kramer
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About the Oregon Wine Board
The Oregon Wine Board is a semi-independent Oregon state agency managing marketing, research and education initiatives that support and advance the Oregon wine and wine grape industry. The Board works on behalf of all Oregon wineries and independent growers throughout the state’s diverse winegrowing regions. Visit oregonwine.org.
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