In this issue...
Noteworthy
-Winegrowers Committee WineVit® 2026 Content
-Post Classifies + Job Postings
Policy + Politics
Sustainability in WA (FREE ARTICLES)
-Sustainable WA Kicks Off Review Cycle
Is Your Business in Compliance?
-Be Prepared: High Temperatures And Wildfire Smoke May Trigger Protections For WorkersÂ
Around the Industry
-Join and Combat the Spotted LanterflyÂ
-BC Opened Doors to U.S. Winegrapes
-U.S. Tariffs Shift the LandscapeÂ
-Honoring the Future of Washington WineÂ
-Advancing Communication, Cooperation,
and Collaboration in Ag
Winegrowers Upcoming Events
-WineVit® 2026 (February 10-11, 2026)
-Become a Sponsor or Exhibitor at WineVit® 2026Â
Other Events
Noteworthy
Winegrowers Committee WineVit® 2026 Content
WineVit® 2026 planning is underway, and the Education Committee wants your input. Topics like AI in wine and regenerative ag are being considered—but need focus. What would you like to learn?
Share your thoughts or join the effort: sara@wawinegrowers.org.
Post Classifieds + Job Postings with Washington Winegrowers
Policy + Politics
Industry News From Olympia
Several policy changes are coming that may impact Washington wine industry businesses. The Department of Ecology has increased Water Quality Permit Fees, effective August 1. A new law, 2SHB 1515, allows expanded alcohol service in public spaces through 2027 with local approval. And L&I is updating paid sick leave rules to reflect new state law changes.
Industry News From D.C.
The USDA’s Farm Service Agency has launched the first phase of the $16 billion Supplemental Disaster Relief Program for crop losses in 2023 and 2024, with signups starting July 10. Congress continues work on FY 2026 appropriations, with both House and Senate bills including key winegrape research funding and a pause on Produce Safety Rule enforcement. The Big Beautiful Bill Act, signed July 4, extends tax cuts, funds border security, and renews several Farm Bill programs critical to winegrape growers.
Sustainable WA / Sustainablitiy
Washington Wines on the Road: Sustainability Resonates in Pennsylvania (FREE ARTICLE)
In June, the Washington State Wine Commission brought its sustainability message to Pennsylvania, hosting master classes for 150 key retail wine specialists from the PLCB. With support from five Washington winemakers, the sessions highlighted the Sustainable WA certification and Washington’s natural advantages for responsible growing. Retailers reported a clear rise in customer interest in sustainability, affirming that consumers now expect it—and Washington wines are well positioned to deliver.
Sustainable WA Technical Committee Kicks Off Standard Review Cycle (FREE ARTICLE)
In July, the Sustainable WA Technical Committee met to review the program’s progress and begin preparing for the next standard revision, scheduled for release ahead of the 2027 growing season. The group discussed timelines, expertise gaps, data confidentiality, and how to keep the certification aligned with science, regulations, and grower feedback—reaffirming Sustainable WA’s commitment to continuous improvement.

Is Your Business in Compliance?
Be Prepared:
High Temperatures and Wildfire Smoke May Trigger Protections for Workers
Washington L&I reminds employers of heat and wildfire smoke rules to protect outdoor workers. At 80°F, paid breaks, shade, and water are required; breaks increase as temperatures rise. Wildfire smoke response plans must include training, communication, and medical care. Using air quality indexes, employers must provide protections to reduce health risks from smoke exposure.
Around the Industry
Join the Effort to Combat Spotted Lanternfly
BC Opened Doors to U.S. Winegrapes
Understanding BC Wineries
Washington winegrowers are paying close attention to British Columbia’s distinct wine regulations, especially the difference between land-based wineries (LBWs) and commercial wineries (CWs). LBWs must use 100% BC-grown grapes and farm at least two acres, while CWs have no such restrictions and can use out-of-province inputs. This distinction affects which BC wineries can legally buy Washington grapes, except during temporary exceptions like the 2024 vintage program.
U.S. Tariffs Shift the Landscape: Early Impacts on Canadian Wine Sales
Early 2025 sales data from the BC Liquor Distribution Branch show a clear shift after Canada halted U.S. alcohol sales in March due to tariffs. Demand for Canadian products rose across beverages, with BC wines gaining notably during April’s VQA promotion. While BC’s overall liquor sales dropped 3.3% in 2024, domestic producers are growing, and U.S. wines may struggle to regain lost market share even if restrictions end.
Honoring the Future of Washington Wine: Luis Lopez Named 2025 Clore Scholarship Recipient
Luis Lopez is the 2025 Walter J. Clore Scholarship recipient, awarded to students excelling in wine-related studies in Washington. A Vineyard and Winery Technology student at Yakima Valley College and DACA recipient from Oaxaca, Mexico, Luis is dedicated to inspiring appreciation for wine and its culture. The scholarship honors Dr. Walter Clore and supports future industry leaders through community donations.
Advancing Communication, Cooperation,
and Collaboration in Ag
FieldWatch is a non-profit company with a free and voluntary mapping registry that promotes communication between producers of specialty and row crops, beekeepers, seed companies and pesticide applicators in support of ongoing stewardship activities.
Events
Miss the Smoke Summit Webinar? Catch the Recording Below
The fifth annual Smoke Summit, presented by the West Coast Smoke Exposure Task Force, a coalition of which Winegrowers is a member, saw hundreds register and attend on July 15. If you missed the webinar, or want to watch the recording, the link is posted on the West Coast Smoke Exposure Task Force website along with past years’ summits. The website, created by the Task Force last fall through a grant from USDA, is designed to be a central hub for all wine smoke exposure resources, from best practices to a list of commercial labs that can run smoke analysis to videos and step by step directions for bucket and nano-fermentations. You can also obtain a Q&A list from July’s event HERE along with two articles highlighting the Smoke Summit on the WCSETF in the news page. Ice Enforcement & Employer Compliance Date & Time: Thursday, August 21, 2025 | 1:00 – 2:30 PM Platform: Zoom Webinar Registration Opens: July 18, 2025 Cost: Free for WGL members (Use Code: wglmember) $35 for non-members Agenda • How to prepare for ICE enforcement • How to handle an ICE I-9 audit • How to handle an ICE enforcement visit at your farm or business • Dealing with encounters with ICE at home and in the street Click Here To Register |