News

We are thrilled to welcome Lindsey Lamb as the newest member of our Woodinville Wine Country team! Stepping into the role of Membership Engagement Specialist, Lindsey brings a wealth of experience and a passion for hospitality that perfectly aligns with our mission to foster a vibrant, collaborative community.

Originally from California, Lindsey relocated to Washington in 2020 and has since embraced the Pacific Northwest with open arms. With over nine years of experience in the wine, beer, and spirits industry, she brings a comprehensive background that spans production, operations, and hospitality. Her extensive expertise and genuine enthusiasm for the industry make her a perfect fit for our team.

Lindsey’s dedication to fostering collaboration and building connections is at the heart of her professional philosophy. She believes in the power of bringing people together, and this belief will be central to her role in supporting our members. Whether it’s developing meaningful partnerships across various industries or enhancing the overall hospitality experience, Lindsey is committed to elevating tourism in Woodinville and beyond.

We are confident that Lindsey’s dynamic approach and unwavering commitment will greatly benefit our community. Her fresh perspective and industry insights are sure to inspire and drive engagement among our members.

Join us in welcoming Lindsey Lamb to the Woodinville Wine Country family! Connect with her on LinkedIn to learn more about her journey and to share in her excitement for the future.

Connect with Lindsey on LinkedIn

We look forward to the exciting contributions Lindsey will bring to our community and the new heights we will reach together.

As a valued member of the Woodinville Wine Community, we invite you to participate in an impactful initiative that has the potential to shape the future of viticulture and enology.

Background: Woodinville Wine Country, in collaboration with Chateau Ste Michelle and DeLille Cellars, has established the Woodinville Wine Country Diversity Scholarship for the Washington State University's Viticulture & Enology program. This scholarship aims to foster inclusivity and diversity within the wine industry by providing financial support to aspiring talents who may face barriers in pursuing their education.

Scholarship History: Since its inception in 2021, the Woodinville Wine Country Diversity Scholarship has already made a difference in the lives of three students. These individuals, driven by passion and dedication, have benefited from the scholarship’s support.

The Need: The response to this scholarship has been overwhelming, underscoring the industry’s collective commitment to creating a more inclusive future. However, the demand for support exceeds our current resources. That’s where your esteemed winery comes in.

Your Role: We invite your winery to become an annual contributor to the Woodinville Wine Country Diversity Scholarship. By joining this effort, you will not only contribute to the education and advancement of aspiring viticulturists and enologists but also be recognized as a named contributor in all marketing and promotional materials associated with the scholarship.

How You Can Contribute:

1. Percentage of Bottle Sales: Consider donating a percentage of bottle sales from one (1) SKU of wine during the month of September. Every bottle sold will directly support deserving students.

2. Percentage of Overall Sales: Alternatively, you can contribute a percentage of overall sales during September. Your generosity will make a meaningful impact.

Recognition: Your winery’s commitment will be acknowledged prominently in our communications, including press releases, social media, and event materials. By standing together, we can create a more diverse and vibrant wine industry.

Contact Information: For more details or to discuss how your winery can participate, please contact Woodinville Wine Country at Membership@woodinvillewinecountry.com.

We kindly request your consideration and look forward to the possibility of welcoming your winery as a valued contributor to this noble cause.

Thank you for considering this invitation, and we hope to count your winery among the esteemed contributors to the Woodinville Wine Country Diversity Scholarship.

Cheers,

Diversity Scholarship Committee

As the digital landscape continues to evolve, Woodinville Wine Country is thrilled to announce the addition of Ben Hampton to their team as the new Digital Marketing Specialist. With a Bachelor's degree in Communications specializing in visual storytelling, from Washington State University, Ben brings a unique blend of creativity and technical expertise to the organization's digital marketing efforts.

In his role, Hampton will be instrumental in crafting compelling narratives and immersive visual experiences that captivate audiences and drive engagement across digital platforms. Leveraging his proficiency in visual storytelling techniques, he will play a pivotal role in enhancing Woodinville Wine Country's online presence and brand identity.

"I'm excited to share Woodinville Wine Country’s story with the world. My goal is to ensure that everyone, regardless of their location, becomes acquainted with the wonders of Woodinville Wine Country," said Ben.

Outside of work, Ben enjoys playing soccer, creating videos, and honing his skills as a close-up magician. He's an avid fan of video podcasts and loves to bake and cook. Most importantly, he cherishes spending quality time with family and friends.

Executive Director Adam Acampora welcomed Ben, highlighting his expertise in visual storytelling as beneficial to the digital marketing strategy. 

Ben Hampton officially began his role as Digital Marketing Specialist on May 13th and can be reached at Ben@woodinvillewinecountry.com.

WOODINVILLE, WA -Woodinville Wine Country is thrilled to announce that we have been awarded a $22,000 Rural Tourism Marketing & Production Grant from State of Washington Tourism. This grant will be a significant contribution that will play a pivotal role in enhancing our marketing initiatives and driving economic growth to the region.

The Rural Tourism Marketing & Production Grant will enable us to expand our multimedia content library, creating captivating videos, photos, and written materials that highlight the diverse tourism offerings of Woodinville Wine Country and surrounding areas. These assets will showcase wine adjacent activities such as art studios, cooking classes, outdoor adventures, dining experiences, theater, music, and more, enticing visitors to explore the region and stay overnight.

"We are thrilled to receive the Rural Tourism Marketing & Production Grant from State of Washington Tourism," said Adam Acampora, executive director of Woodinville Wine Country. "This grant will empower us to create engaging content that resonates with our target audience, attracting more visitors through Woodinville Wine Country and fostering economic growth in our community."

In partnership with the city of Woodinville and neighboring cities of Redmond, Bothell, and Kirkland, Woodinville Wine Country will leverage this grant to collaborate on marketing initiatives and promote the collective region as a must-visit destination for travelers.

The Rural Tourism Marketing & Production Grant program is a vital resource for destination communities like Woodinville. It provides funding to develop impactful marketing campaigns that raise awareness, stimulate visitor spending, and showcase the unique attractions and experiences that make Washington State a premier tourism destination.

"We recognize the significance of the Rural Tourism Marketing & Production Grant in supporting our tourism marketing initiatives," added Acampora. "It not only offers financial support but also validates our efforts to promote our collective region as a must-visit destination."

Woodinville Wine Country is committed to leveraging this grant to its fullest potential, collaborating with partners and stakeholders, and producing high-quality content that showcases the beauty, diversity, and hospitality of our region. We look forward to sharing our progress and the impact of this grant on our tourism marketing initiatives in the coming months.

For more information about Woodinville Wine Country and our tourism marketing efforts, please visit woodinvillewinecountry.com or contact wwc@woodinvillewinecountry.com.

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About Woodinville Wine Country:

Woodinville Wine Country is a 501(c)(6) destination marketing and trade association representing the thriving Washington state wine industry in the Greater Woodinville area. Our mission is to support the development and promotion of a world-class wine tourism destination. With over 130 wineries and tasting rooms, Woodinville Wine Country is the most densely populated wine region in Washington State. Just 30 minutes from downtown Seattle, Woodinville offers a unique blend of urban amenities and rural charm, providing easy access to wineries, outdoor activities, dining, shopping, and more. Whether you're a wine enthusiast, foodie, outdoor adventurer, or cultural explorer, Woodinville Wine Country has something for everyone. Visit us today and discover the magic of Woodinville Wine Country!

About State of Washington Tourism:

SWT is a 501(c)(6) organization and serves as the official destination marketing organization for the State of Washington. It has and will continue to work closely with destination organizations, rural communities, tribes, and tourism/hospitality-related small businesses in Washington State. Its mission centers on destination promotion and destination development across the state. SWT procures and administers funds for statewide destination promotion activities, including strategic marketing plans and community-based destination development projects.

To protect workers from the dangers of breathing wildfire smoke, the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries has filed permanent wildfire smoke rules, which will take effect January 15, 2024. 

Read More --> CLICK HERE

Within the world of hospitality it is always a good idea to keep an finger on the tourism pulse. This podcast is just one way to do that.

The Future of Tourism Podcast

A series of candid conversations with industry leaders, luminaries and visionaries about the challenges and opportunities facing the travel and tourism industry today.

• Anchor
• Android
• Apple
• Spotify 

Nonprofit Ready is a Cornerstone Foundation initiative that offers nonprofits access to free learning opportunities increase knowledge and resources to create transformative impact in their own communities. They have modules, certificates, and curriculums address Project Management, Leadership, DEI, Marketing, and more. See below some of the topics:

PROJECT MANAGEMENT

• Project Management Essentials - Part A

• Project Management Essentials - Part B

• Project Planning - Part A

• Project Planning - Part B

• The Project Framework - Part A

• The Project Framework - Part B

• Anticipating Project Risks - Part A

• Anticipating Project Risks - Part B

• Drawing Up a Project Budget - Part A

• Drawing Up a Project Budget - Part B

LEADERSHIP

• Becoming a Great Leader - Leadership Skills

• Why Leadership Isn't About the Leader

• Leading Your Team Through Change

• Handling Team Conflict

• The Advantages of a Behavior-Based Interview

• Fostering and Maintaining Motivation

• The Emotional Skills of the Manager

• Stress Management and Mental Health for Everyone

• Mindfulness for Stress and Trauma

DEI

• Why Diversity Matters for Nonprofits

• Introduction to Unconscious Bias

• Address Your Unconscious Biases

• Equity and Inclusion Lens

• Reduce the Harm of Microaggression in the Workplace

• Support an Inclusive Culture

• Respect Ethnic & Racial Difference

MARKETING

• Marketing Essentials

• Crafting Cause Marketing Partnerships with Meaning

• Online Marketing Concepts Everyone Should Know

• The 5 Email Marketing Basics: A Step-by-Step Beginners Guide

Here is a snapshot of the tourism data WWC has gathers for Q1 & Q2 of 2023. This data has been compiled from Datafy and Community Benchmark. You can review the snapshot --> HERE

Today, we are thrilled to announce the launch of a valuable new resource that will enhance our collective marketing efforts – the

Woodinville Wine Country Association Member Content Library!

1. Member Content Library is going Live!

We are excited to inform you that the Woodinville Wine Country Association has taken another step towards strengthening our collaborative efforts in promoting our region. Our Member Content Library is now live and accessible to all our dedicated members.

2. Exclusive Google Drive Access As part of this initiative, members who serve as points of contact for their businesses will receive exclusive access to a dedicated Google Drive folder for their establishment. This folder will be your canvas to showcase your winery or business through visual content.

3. Upload Your Marketing Assets We invite and encourage you to upload high-quality images, captivating videos, and logos that represent your Woodinville Wine Country experience. These assets will be used in our collective marketing efforts, showcasing the incredible diversity and excellence that define our region.

How to Access and Upload Content:

• You will receive a separate email with a personalized link to your business's Google Drive folder.
• Click the link and sign in to your Google account (if not already logged in).
• Once in the folder, simply drag and drop your images, videos, and logos into the designated sections.

Why Participate? By sharing your unique assets with the Association, you not only contribute to our shared success but also ensure that your business is prominently featured in our marketing materials, events, and campaigns. Together, we can create a stronger and more compelling presence for Woodinville Wine Country. If you have any questions, encounter any issues, or need assistance with this process, please don't hesitate to reach out to cara@woodinvillewinecountry.com Thank you for your continued dedication to the Woodinville Wine Country Association. We look forward to seeing your stunning contributions and watching our community flourish as a result.

TAKE A LOOK --> CLICK HERE

As disagreement in Congress remains over federal government funding, there is growing concern the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) could face closure during a potential government shutdown as early as October 1, 2023. Craft beverage producers must prepare in the event Congress does not reach an agreement in time to avoid a full federal government shutdown.

We urge everyone to file any mandatory applications for labels, permit amendments, export certificates and other TTB needs prior to September 30. Under a government shutdown, the TTB would be closed except for very limited activities related to the protection of life and property.

For more information, click here to read Wine Institute‘s news alert.