2016 Washington Wine Annual Report

Greetings from Washington State Wine,

We’re extremely pleased to report that the first year of the Washington State Wine Commission’s amped up research program has much to show in the way of accomplishments. The strategic plan, developed for the Wine Commission with broad industry involvement, guided us with well-defined goals and objectives. This plan will be the roadmap for our expanded research program for years to come.

The overall focus this first year was to raise industry awareness about viticulture and enology research and its value to growers and winemakers in our thriving business – but we did even more. In addition to editorial outreach, we also engaged industry members, created structure and policies for the Wine Commission’s Research Committee and Wine Research Advisory Committee, fine-tuned the research grant application process and worked to improve relationships with Washington State University and community colleges across the state.

Washington’s wine industry has had a research partnership with Washington State University for many decades, but that collaboration is even more important today with the industry’s strengthened research program and its $7.4 million investment in the wine science center at WSU’s Tri-Cities campus.

Many thanks go to Wine Research Advisory Committee, a subcommittee of the Wine Commission that oversees the viticulture and enology research grant program. Committee members spend hours reviewing research proposals and reports and work individually with researchers throughout the year. The committee spent extra time in 2016 to develop a solid foundation and organizational structure to guide the research grant program. The research program is uniquely funded by four entities: the Wine Commission, the Auction of Washington Wines, WSU’s Agriculture Research Center, and the state liter tax collected on all wine sold. Last year, the competitive grant program funded 13 projects that totaled nearly $870,000.

Early last spring, the Wine Commission administered an industry-wide research survey to help set annual research priorities and learn how to best communicate research information. Survey results guided our efforts in 2016, which included the highlights you will find in this report.

Investments in V & E research are a strategic imperative for the continued health and long-term growth of Washington’s wine industry. New pests, diseases and climate extremes are ongoing challenges. We are laying the foundation to create a world-class research program that attracts the best and brightest scientists, increases collaboration among researchers and universities and leverages industry funds to achieve outside grant awards. Our ultimate goal is to equip growers and winemakers with Washington-state specific tools and technologies to make superior quality wines that compete on the global stage with the best wines in the world.

We encourage you to access V & E research this year and put it to use in your vineyard or winery. Dates and information about the upcoming WAVE and WAVEx can be found on our website.

We’re here to help if you need any assistance, have thoughts to share, or want to be more involved.

Cheers,

Steve Warner
President & CEO

Melissa Hansen
Research Program Manager

1st Annual Wave Seminar

Launched the inaugural research seminar WAVE – Washington Advancements in Viticulture and Enology, a great success with a sellout crowd of 80. More information on WAVE can be found on the next page.

Editorial Features

Submitted 25 research articles/news releases, which were published in trade magazines like Good Fruit Grower, Vineyard and Winery Management , newspapers, radios, and newsletters of Wine Business Daily News, and more.

Research Impact

Developed Return on Investment infographic to use in outreach efforts to show economic value of game-changing research.

Educate Stakeholders

Presented research vision and strategic plan to 18 statewide and regional wine industry groups, as well as state and federal government officials.

Research Website

Developed Research section on Wine Commission’s website to share research information, news, success stories and archived research reports.

Industry Engagement

Increased industry attendance at annual Research Review and administered one of the most extensive, industry-wide surveys to obtain input for setting research priorities. Implemented a strategic focus to develop a stronger research presence on social media channels across Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.