In this issue...
Noteworthy
-Winegrowers Welcomes New Member Services Program Manager
-Replacement Being Sought for Cancelled SO2 Barrel/Cork Sanitizing Product
Policy + Politics
-State Update
-Federal Update
Sustainability in WA
-(FREE ARTICLE) Sustainable WA Earns Strong Support from Wine Commission Board
-(FREE ARTICLE) Sustainable WA Website Relaunches with New Look, Tools, and Resources
-(FREE ARTICLE) Introducing Dr. Heather Muser, Ed.D – Strengthening the Future of Sustainable WA
Is Your Business in Compliance?
-Sustainable State Tourism Promotion Is Not Free
Around the Industry
-Canadian Wine Law Conference Offers Valuable Insights for Washington Grape and Wine Exporters
-Resources for Immigration Enforcement Events
-Smoke Exposure Research Spotlighted this Summer and in Foreseeable Future
-Applications for Foundation Bill Powers Sabbatical Open Through July 15
Winegrowers Upcoming Events
WSLCB + TTB webinar registration coming soon!
-Crush to Career (FREE RECAP LINK)
-Roll Out The Barrels (FREE RECAP LINK)
Other Events
-Smoke Exposure Annual Summit (July 15)
Noteworthy
Winegrowers Welcomes
New Member Services Program Manager
Meet Julie Grenfell, the new Member Services Program Manager at Washington Winegrowers! Julie brings a strong background in community engagement and is excited to support members, manage the database, and help grow educational programs—be sure to say hello when you see her out in the industry!
Replacement Being Sought for Cancelled SO2 Barrel/Cork Sanitizing Product
Sulfur dioxide used to sanitize barrels and corks is classified as a pesticide and must be registered. The only registered product in WA was canceled in January 2025. New supply isn’t currently available.
Policy + Politics
State Update
On June 18, the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board proposed changing rules for beer and wine restaurant licenses. Public comments are open until August 14, 2025.
Federal Update
Labor paused the 2024 farmworker rule. The House and Senate bills include some Farm Bill help for winegrapes. The 2026 budget proposes cuts but funds some research. Tariffs on imports have hurt wine exports and raised costs. USDA grants are frozen, and specialty crop payments are delayed.
Sustainable WA / Sustainablitiy
Sustainable WA Earns Strong Support from
Wine Commission Board (Free Article)
On June 13, Sadie Drury and Nathanial Helligso updated the Washington State Wine Commission Board on the Sustainable WA program. The presentation highlighted progress in certification, improved processes, and communication.
Sustainable WA Website Relaunches with
New Look, Tools, and Resources (Free Article)
SustainableWA.com has been relaunched as a public site highlighting Washington’s vineyard sustainability certification. This update was funded by a USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant.
Introducing Dr. Heather Muser, Ed.D – Strengthening the Future of Sustainable WA (Free Article)
We’re excited to welcome Dr. Heather Muser as Lead Auditor for Sustainable WA. With 20+ years in agriculture and experience in sustainability and auditing, Heather brings deep industry knowledge and a practical approach to support growers. She is already working with growers for the 2025 audit season.
Is Your Business in Compliance?
Sustainable State Tourism Promotion Is Not Free
Did you know that one of the bills that passed during this session will increase costs for a domestic winery license and some additional licenses for wine sales?
Around the Industry
Canadian Wine Law Conference
Resources for Immigration Enforcement Events
Smoke Exposure Research
Winegrowers attended the June Smoke Taint Symposium and USDA-NIFA-SCRI Smoke Exposure Grant meeting in Monterey, CA. The ongoing grant, led by Oregon State with partners, aims to help grape and wine industries manage wildfire smoke risks.
Application for Bill Powers Sabbatical Still Open
The Bill Powers Sabbatical awards $5,000 to anyone in the Washington wine industry with 5 years of experience. Use it to explore a global winegrowing region and bring insights back to Washington.
Upcoming Events
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West Coast Smoke Exposure Task Force to Host Fifth Annual Smoke Summit Tuesday, July 15 11am-1pm Free Virtual
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