News

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.

Register for WAVE here ($20).

Register for Viticulture Field Day ($20).

 

For additional information, contact Melissa Hansen, Research Program Director at mhansen@washingtonwine.org.

 

About the Washington State Wine Commission:
The Washington State Wine Commission (WSWC) represents every licensed winery and wine grape grower in Washington State. Guided by an appointed board, WSWC provides a marketing platform to raise positive awareness about the Washington wine industry and generate greater demand for its wines. Funded almost entirely by the industry through assessments based on grape and wine sales, WSWC is a state government agency, established by the legislature in 1987. To learn more, visit www.washingtonwine.org.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Heather Bradshaw, Communications Director, Washington Wine
(206) 495-5844 / hbradshaw@washingtonwine.org

William Lukela's first day was on July 10th. Lukela is coming to WSLCB from the Colorado Department of Revenue bring with him 30 years of regulatory experience, particularly in the enforcement and licensing fields. Read more about Lukela --> HERE.

Woodinville Wine Country welcomes Cara Castro as the new Digital Marketing Specialist. In this role she will manage our social media channels, newsletter, content creation, consumer communications and more.

Cara Castro, a Washington native, is a seasoned professional with over a decade of experience in the Washington Wine Industry. Previously, Cara managed social media and Hollywood Hill’s tasting room for Alexandria Nicole and is thrilled about the opportunity to return to Woodinville working with the team at Woodinville Wine Country. She is excited about contributing to the growth and engagement of the local beverage and hospitality industries, utilizing her knowledge and passion to create exceptional experiences for tourists and residents alike.

Cara holds an undergraduate degree in Global Wine Studies from Central Washington University and a Master's Degree in Entrepreneurship from the University of Washington. Currently residing in University Place, WA, she enjoys gardening, cooking, and camping with her husband and dogs.

Cara Castro began with Woodinville Wine Country on July 10, 2023 and can be reached at cara@woodinvillewinecountry.com

Understanding trends that drive sales and traffic can be an overwhelming task. Economic concerns, domestic and international travel trends, political uncertainties. environmental impacts, and more all contribute to the success of your business.

Last week Visit Seattle held their annual data symposium. Historically designed for hotel and hospitality partners, Visit Seattle expanded the content at this year’s event with data relevant to the greater tourism economy including attractions, restaurants, retail, and more. Speakers provided economic insights and forecasts, updates on major destination demand drivers, and perspectives on the continued recovery of the greater Seattle region.

Take a look at the presentations and keep a look out for a Woodinville Wine County Data Deep Dive happening in August 

https://visitseattle.org/about-us/data-symposium/2023-data-symposium/?utm_source=Partners&utm_campaign=492096f372-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2019_04_15_11_25_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_366ed7a569-492096f372-66578870

From the WWI

The Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board has announced William (Will) N. Lukela's hiring as agency director. Lukela replaces Rick Garza, who retires in July after 38 years of state service. Garza is leaving after 10 years as director and 25 years overall at the Liquor and Cannabis Board.

Lukela’s first day at the Liquor and Cannabis Board will be July 10, 2023.

Read full news release from the WSLCB here.

2023 After Hours Wine Walks & the 2024 Passport to Taste program.

Its that time of the year again to sign-up for wine events.

Please click on the hyperlinks and read over each opportunity. Details for each are outlined inside the sign-up forms. The After Hours wine walks are open to current winery members (from any state). As for the 2024 Passport, this is available to any WA winery in the Greater Woodinville Area that would like to participate. So, please sign up as soon as your winery decides to participate in the event/program.

• 2023 After Hours Wine Walks (sign-up closes on June 27th)

• 2024 Passport to Taste (limited space)

If you have any questions, please let me know.

Cheers,

James

We often get asked about “after-shift” drinks for staff at bars and restaurants. What is an after-shift drink? Is it legal? What are the parameters surrounding it? READ MORE --> HERE

Washington Wine Reports Larger Harvest, High Quality in 2022
Annual wine production report shows 240,000 tons of wine grapes harvested last fall

Washington’s 2022 wine grape harvest was marked by a significant increase in tonnage. The Washington State Wine Commission’s annual Grape Production Report, compiled with information provided by all Washington State wineries and growers, showed 240,000 tons of wine grapes were harvested in 2022, an increase of 34% over the previous year. The vintage produced top-quality grapes. 

“Winemakers and growers alike are thrilled about the quality of the 2022 fruit, with exceptional flavors and high natural acidity,” said Chris Stone, VP of Marketing & Communications, Washington State Wine Commission. “It’s a standout vintage for Washington wine.”

The growing season started with a cold, wet winter, followed by cool weather through bloom. Warmer temperatures arrived late, in mid-June, putting the growing season two weeks or more behind recent years. This led to a late start to harvest. 

“Most growers picked very little fruit in September—a stark contrast compared to the past few years,” Stone recalled. 

Late September and October brought nearly unprecedented warm weather and perfect growing conditions throughout the Columbia Valley, allowing fruit plenty of time to ripen. This, along with the cool start to the season, contributed to bigger berries and clusters, and therefore a heavier crop overall.

“2022 was a bit of a nail-biter through the spring, but luckily we were handed an absolutely gorgeous fall which allowed the fruit to ripen perfectly,” Stone said.

Cabernet Sauvignon remained steady as Washington’s top variety at 67,015 tons and 28% of total production. Chardonnay was second at 39,450 tons or 16% of the total. Both varieties showed significant increases over the prior year, 32% for Cabernet Sauvignon and 54% for Chardonnay. This was due to a combination of both the lighter 2021 harvest and the heavier 2022 crop. Riesling, Merlot, Syrah, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Gris rounded out the top seven varieties, which altogether equated to 88% of the crop. 

White varieties experienced a 50% increase, while red varieties grew by 23%. Several white varieties experienced a significant increase, specifically Pinot Gris which grew by 70% and Sauvignon Blanc which grew by 54%. As a result, red varieties accounted for 57% of total production in 2022, versus 62% in 2021.

Farmers received an average of $1,370 per ton, a decrease of $90 from the previous year. Cabernet Franc received the highest average price per ton at $2,074.

Resources for Media:
•    2022 Washington Wine Grape Production Report
•    2022 Washington Wine Vintage Overview
•    2022 Washington Wine Grape Harvest – Key Stats
•    2022 Harvest Photos, courtesy Richard Duval Images

MEDIA CONTACT:
Heather Bradshaw, Washington State Wine Commission
(206) 495-5844 / hbradshaw@washingtonwine.org