This month, the Sustainable WA team had the pleasure of attending Taste Washington in Seattle to promote the program.  With over 200 Washington wineries and 75 acclaimed restaurants under one roof, it was the perfect setting to connect with both wineries carrying Sustainable WA certified wine and the consumers who love it.

Conversations were lively and encouraging. One of the biggest takeaways? People are genuinely curious about what sustainability really means and many were surprised to learn how it differs from organic or biodynamic farming. What resonated most was our holistic approach: Sustainable WA certification isn't just about the land. It takes into account the health of the soil and environment, the wellbeing of farm workers, and the long-term viability of the business. That whole-picture philosophy struck a chord with wineries and consumers alike.

People also responded enthusiastically to hearing how the program is shaped — developed in collaboration with growers, industry leaders, scientists, and educators. And time and again, conversations came back to the deep respect and understanding that Washington growers have for the land they work. That connection to place is something our growers embody every day, and it showed in how people lit up when they heard about it.

For our growers — mark your calendars for next year. Taste of Washington is a tremendous opportunity to get in front of winemakers, have those direct conversations about your certified fruit, and let your story speak for itself. We hope to see more of you there in 2027!

You can learn more about Taste Washington on their website here: https://www.tastewashington.org/