News

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

Twenty-four wineries will showcase wines at Taste Red Mountain on Saturday, April 22

This spring, Red Mountain wineries and growers will be in Woodinville for the region’s annual Taste Red Mountain event. This grand tasting on April 22 features 24 Red Mountain wineries in a celebration of the renown region, offering an opportunity to meet and taste with winemakers without traveling to Eastern Washington. Tickets are available now on the event website.

Participating wineries include Hedges Family Estate, Klipsun, Col Solare, Fidélitas, and others (the full list can be found below). Red Mountain’s powerful Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, and more will be available, alongside hors d'oeuvres by Twelve Baskets Catering. More than 60 wines will be featured from the 24 wineries, highlighting current releases as well as library selections. Red Mountain wines will also be available for purchase.

The Red Mountain AVA is one of the smallest and most densely planted AVAs in Washington. Nestled at the base of Red Mountain, the AVA is bordered to the west by the Yakima River, which provides irrigation and moderates extreme temperatures in the summer and winter. The vineyards are planted on a southwest slope, providing optimal sun exposure needed to ripen the region’s calling cards: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Malbec. The first vines were planted here in 1975, the region became an AVA in 2001, and Red Mountain has earned worldwide recognition for its top-tier quality ever since.

The Winemakers Reserve is a beautiful event venue within a winery, with ample space for guests to explore all the wineries in attendance. The venue has ample parking available. Tickets are $100 and are available for purchase now.

Participating Wineries: 

Anelare Winery
Ambassador Wines of Washington
Aquilini Wines
Barnard Griffin Winery
Canvasback Winery
Col Solare
DeLille Cellars
Domaine Magdalena
Eagle Harbor Wine Co.
Elk Haven Winery
Fidélitas
Guardian Cellars
Hedges Family Estate
Klipsun
LIMINAL wines
Mark Ryan Winery
Market Vineyards
Obelisco Estate
Pacific Rim & Company
Page Cellars
Palencia Wine Company
Red Mountain Trails Winery
Tinte Cellars
Upchurch Vineyard

ABOUT RED MOUNTAIN AVA

Red Mountain is a premier winegrowing region in southeast Washington with a storied reputation for world class Cabernet Sauvignon and Bordeaux blends. The region is named after a hill that turns scarlet red with cheatgrass in late spring, and which quietly looms behind the area’s most celebrated vineyards. In addition to several award-winning wineries offering a host of hospitality experiences on Red Mountain itself, Red Mountain wines can be enjoyed across Washington, as the region cultivates the most sought-after fruit in the state for wineries in Walla Walla, Woodinville and beyond. Red Mountain is a destination for collectors of Napa wines, but especially for lovers of powerful red wines. For more information, please visit redmountainava.com.

PR Contact:
Kayt Mathers: kayt@playnicepr.com
Cassondra Bird: cassondra@playnicepr.com

Ste. Michelle Wine Estates, the largest winery in the Pacific Northwest and among the largest premium wineries in the U.S., today announced that Shawn Conway has been named Chief Executive Officer. Conway is a seasoned executive with thirty years of experience in leadership roles across several consumer product categories. Most recently he served as the CEO of Peet’s Coffee, and prior to that he spent nearly a decade at SKYY Spirits.

“I couldn’t be more thrilled to join this incredible company,” said Conway. “Ste. Michelle has long been one of the most admired and respected wine companies in the world, with a portfolio of iconic and renowned wines. I look forward to working with this very talented and dedicated team to bring an unparalleled wine experience to our existing customers and extend our reach to the next generation of wine lovers.”

“Shawn is a proven leader and the ideal person to help us achieve our strategic vision of sustainable, profitable growth,” said Brian Vos, Ste. Michelle Board Member and retired CEO of The Wine Group.  “We’re confident that under Shawn’s leadership the company will deliver a premium wine experience to even more consumers.”

Conway has held multiple positions in general management, operations, supply chain, and finance in high-growth, premium-branded specialty food and beverage, and consumer packaged goods companies. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Commerce with a major in Finance from Santa Clara University.

Ste. Michelle’s Executive Leadership Team, comprised of Toby Whitmoyer, President, Washington; Amy Prosenjak, President, Oregon; David Bowman, President, California; and Mike Lee, Chief Financial Officer and President, Operations & Supply Chain, will continue in their respective roles and report directly to Conway.

About Ste. Michelle Wine Estates

Ste. Michelle Wine Estates is among the largest and most admired premium wine companies in the U.S. and the pioneering winery of the Pacific Northwest. With a distinguished history that began on December 5, 1933 – when the founder filed the original articles of incorporation at 9:02 a.m. on the very day Prohibition was repealed – Ste. Michelle has always challenged convention and seized opportunity.

Principles rooted deeply in executional excellence and relentless focus drive Ste. Michelle’s passion for producing the highest quality wines, dedication to the consumer and a commitment to our communities.

The Ste. Michelle Wine Estates portfolio features the leading wineries from the world’s most renowned wine regions, including Chateau Ste. Michelle, 14 Hands, Columbia Crest, Col Solare and Spring Valley Vineyard from Washington; A to Z, Erath, and REX HILL from Oregon; Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars and Patz & Hall from Napa and Sonoma, respectively; Marchesi Antinori of Italy; and Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte of France.

For more on the rich history of Ste. Michelle Wine Estates and its entire portfolio of premium wineries, please visit www.smwe.com.

Windsor, CA, January 18, 2023 — Vinoshipper, a leader in direct sales and compliance in the wine industry, has released its first annual report providing a unique and comprehensive perspective based on e-commerce transaction data from greater than 2,000 craft alcohol producers across more than 40 states.  

“We are pleased to release this important report that shows strength in direct sales across our industry,” said Vinoshipper CEO Steven Harrison. “The data shows us, that overall sales are trending upwards with a total revenue increase of 5.9%. Given the huge increase in sales seen by craft producers in 2020, this is excellent to see DTC sales continuing to build.” 

The report analyzes wine sales data across U.S. regions, demographics, varietals (including mead and cider) and unit price and quantity. For example, largely due to price increases, gross sales totals rose in California, Oregon, Virginia and Arizona. In California, a price per liter increase of 26.2 percent was large enough to outweigh a 16 percent decline in total liters sold. 

More details include:  

• 2022 reset the bar for price per liter across all products, with all three alcohol types (wine, cider and mead) extending to a three year high.  

• The largest rise in gross cart value per sale was in wine and sparkling, which increased 11.8% to $125.18, driven mainly by an increase in the price per liter. 

• Across the wine and sparkling alcohol type, the $20 - $30 category was the most popular product price category, at 33% of all liters sold, up from 31% in 2021. 

• Baby Boomers and GenXers increased their share of gross sales overall. 

The range of data includes micro to small wine, cider, and mead producers and represents nationwide craft alcohol direct to consumer sales. These are based on actual sales and are not projections or data modeling. 

About the Company
Vinoshipper is an end-to-end compliance, tax, and e-commerce platform that gives wineries, distilleries, and other alcohol producers the ability to sell directly to consumers while navigating the complexities of regulatory compliance and tax collection in real time.  

Read the entire report here.

For more information, please contact pr@vinoshipper.com, or visit www.vinoshipper.com.