In this issue...
Noteworthy
-Wine Industry Economic Impact Data Updated
Policy + Politics
-State Update
-Federal Update
Sustainability in WA
-From Ground to Canopy
Is Your Business in Compliance?
-Avoid Common Labeling Errors
Around the Industry
-Japanese Beetle Trapping Update
-News from National Grape Research Alliance
-New Data: The State of Washington Wine
-Wine Commision Board Approves Research Funding
Winegrowers Upcoming Events
-Roll out the Barrels Field Day (June 12)
-WSLCB and TTB Webinars (July 23 & 30)
Other Events
-L&I Workshop Heat & Smoke Protection (June 17)
-Smoke Exposure Annual Summit (July 15)
-WSU/WA State Grape Society Field Day (July 24)
Resources
Noteworthy
Wine Industry Economic Impact Data Updated
WineAmerica’s 2025 economic impact study includes data from all 50 states, though Washington’s figures remain in flux due to ongoing industry contraction and realignment.
Policy + Politics
State Update
Governor Ferguson signed all three budgets into law on May 20, including the largest tax increase in state history, while SB 5492—effective July 27—establishes a bipartisan tourism advisory committee to create a long-term funding model for promoting statewide tourism, including Washington’s wine country.
Federal Update
Pesticide Regulation, MASC Payments, Immigration Reform, Appropriations, Budgeting, the “Big Beautiful Bill,” National Weather Service Local Forecasts, Jon Wyss Reappointment, Tariffs, and More
Sustainable WA / Sustainablitiy
From Ground to Canopy:
Practical Ecology in Action with Sustainable WA Growers
Following the 2025 WAVE/Ravenholt event, Dr. Mary Retallack toured Washington vineyards to demonstrate eco-friendly viticulture techniques—emphasizing native ground cover, nutrient-dense vines, ecological pest control, and vineyard biosecurity—offering practical tools and insights to support Sustainable WA’s mission of evolving vineyard practices statewide.
For 2025, Sustainable WA vineyards have the option of obtaining dual certification that includes Salmon-Safe, provided all standards are met.
Is Your Business in Compliance?
Avoid Common Labeling Errors:
Use the TTB’s Mandatory Labeling Information Checklist
To help businesses get label approval faster, the TTB created checklists outlining mandatory label info for wine, spirits, and malt beverages—aiming to reduce errors and speed up Certificate of Label Approval
(COLA) processing.
Around the Industry
Japanese Beetle Trapping Update
News from the National Grape Research Alliance
New Data: The State of Washington Wine
The Washington State Wine Commission, with consultant Danny Brager, reports that while overall alcohol sales are declining—due to economic shifts, changing consumer behavior, and anti-alcohol sentiment—Washington still sees opportunity in white varietals, premium Cabernet, and sustainable wine production, despite export challenges and shipment declines.
Wine Commision Board Approves Research Funding
The Washington State Wine Commission approved $676,000 in funding for 12 research projects for FY 2025–26, supported by multiple partners including the Auction of Washington Wines, wine tax revenue, WSU, and the Commission itself.
Upcoming Events
|
Registration open for "Winery Sanitation & Food Safety" (Webinar) Wednesday, June 12, 2025 |
|
West Coast Smoke Exposure Task Force to Host Fifth Annual Smoke Summit Tuesday, July 15 11am-1pm Free Virtual Register here.
WSU / WA State Grape Society Viticulture Field Day - 24 July 2025 Registration is now open for the 2025 WSU / WSGS Viticulture Field Day! Space is limited to the first 80 registrations, so register early at: https://wine.wsu.edu/event/2025-viticulture-field-day/ |
