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Noteworthy
Washington DC Recap
From Capitol Hill conversations to critical policy priorities, Winegrowers and WWI recently took Washington wine’s voice straight to the nation’s capital. Their meetings opened doors, strengthened key relationships, and tackled issues shaping the future of the industry — with several important developments still unfolding. Read more...
WineVit 2027 – Education Committee Gathers*
Planning for WineVit 2027 is underway; the Education Committee recently held their first planning session and will continue to meet through the summer. Â
WineVit 2027 will look a little different, with 2-one day events:
- A January 2027 event will be held in the Prosser area with a grower-leaning focus
- A June 2027 event will be on the west side of the state with a winemaker-leaning focusÂ
Preliminary considerations for January include exploring trends impacting industry members; creating stronger connections in content delivery from grape growing to winemaking; creating opportunities for live interaction\ during presentations; highlighting research in new, creative ways; exploring emerging technologies; and facilitating networking with allied partners.
We need to hear from industry members to help shape WineVit 2027. Please click here to share your ideas for sessions and speakers or contact Julie at julie@wawinegrowers.org.Â
Washington Winegrowers Association Accepting Board of Directors Nominations
Nominations are being sought for positions on the Washington Winegrowers Board of Directors. The terms of three board members expire in 2026, and while each incumbent intends to run again, each of their seats is up for election. Additionally, there is one open seat with an expiring term in 2027. Read more...
Policy + Politics
State News
Tourism Assessment Program Becomes Effective in June
A major shift in Washington’s approach to statewide tourism funding is on the horizon. New legislation set to take effect this summer could reshape how tourism promotion is funded and guided for years to come, with industry voices playing a central role in what happens next. Read more...
Initiative to Foster Water Supply Solutions Launched
Washington state is launching a major new effort focused on the future of water supply and long-term sustainability. With drought conditions continuing across the state, upcoming discussions and policy planning could shape how water resources are managed for years to come — and industry input will play an important role. Read more...
New Exclusions From Retail Sales
WA Liquor and Cannabis Board (LCB) Stakeholder Feedback Sessions 2SHB 701
A recent change in state tax policy is set to impact how certain live events and presentations are treated beginning this summer. The update reverses portions of a previously enacted law and could bring meaningful changes for nonprofit organizations and event-based programming across the state. Read more...
New legislation approved this year could open the door to expanded flexibility for shared licensed spaces in Washington’s beverage industry. As implementation moves forward, state regulators are now seeking industry feedback that may help shape how the new law is put into practice. Read more...
Federal News
Appropriations
Farm Bill
Tariffs
Key priorities for Washington wine took an important step forward in Congress this spring, with several provisions advancing that could have long-term implications for growers, research, and industry infrastructure. While the process is far from over, recent action in Washington, DC signals meaningful momentum on issues the industry has been closely watching. Read more...
After years of delays and temporary extensions, major movement on the next Farm Bill is finally underway. Recent action in the House included provisions closely watched by Washington’s wine industry, marking a potentially significant step for specialty crop policy as attention now turns to the Senate. Read more...
Ongoing legal battles over federal tariffs are beginning to produce major ripple effects for businesses across the country. Recent court rulings and refund efforts could carry significant implications for importers and international trade policy, with more developments expected in the months ahead. Read more..
Sustainability in WA*
Sustainable WA at 4th U.S. Sustainable Winegrowing Summit
Winegrowers was proud to attend and sponsor the 4th U.S. Sustainable Winegrowing Summit, held May 6–7, 2026 in Walla Walla. The two-day event brought together growers, vintners, researchers, and sustainability program representatives from across the country for a wide-ranging conversation about the future of sustainable winegrowing. It was a fantastic opportunity to connect with Washington growers face to face, hear what is on their minds, and share what the Sustainable WA program has been working on.
Beyond grower connections, the Summit offered valuable insight into how sustainability programs across the U.S. are structured, how they communicate their value to growers and consumers, and where the industry is headed. Hearing from peer programs provided an opportunity to learn from approaches that are working elsewhere and think about how those ideas might inform Sustainable WA’s growth and development.
Is Your Business in Compliance?
Be Heat Smart!*
Employers and workers need to prepare for hot temperatures through planning, training, and other measures.
Workers unprepared for outdoor heat have an increased risk for heat-related illnesses including heat exhaustion and life-threatening heat stroke. Drinking enough water and taking preventative cool-down breaks in the shade can help workers prevent heat illness. Read more...
Around the Industry
WSU
West Coast Smoke Exposure Task Force is Recruiting*
The West Coast Smoke Exposure Task Force aims to develop and disseminate information relevant to industry groups, growers, and winemakers operating in California, Oregon, and Washington. The goal is to foster dialogue between the industry and researchers, speaking with a unified voice to advance research in this crucial area. By facilitating collaboration, establishing priorities, and setting goals, the task force encourages the sharing of information among industry groups serving the West Coast wine and grape industries. Read more...
WSDA
Changes in Insecticide Usage for Grape Mealybug
Recent survey work in Washington vineyards is shedding new light on how growers are approaching key pest and disease pressures. While responses were more limited than in previous efforts, the findings still offer useful perspective on shifting practices and longer-term trends across the industry. Read more...
Notification of Rulemaking Activity for Japanese Beetle
Washington state has implemented an emergency update to its Japanese beetle quarantine area and related rules, with additional rulemaking now underway for potential long-term adoption. The changes adjust regulated zones and certain treatment and compliance requirements, and further developments are expected as the permanent rule is considered. Read more...
From Wine Commission: Fellowship for Writers and Communicators Continues 3rd Year*
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The 2026 Allen Shoup Memorial Fellowship for writers and communicators, now in its third year, will award up to two recipients with an immersive trip to Washington’s vineyards and wineries, along with a stipend. Read more... |
Wine Industry Sales and Management Certificate Program
Beginning in fall 2026, the Walla Walla Community College Institute for Enology and Viticulture will begin offering a new one-year program--the Wine Industry Sales and Management Certificate.  This program, which will be offered will prepare students for a career in wine industry sales and hospitality.  Topics of study will include wine industry fundamentals, sales, management and marketing strategies, government regulations and compliance, analyzing consumer trends and sales data, hospitality management, customer service and personnel management. Â
Additional information can be found on the Walla Walla Community College website.
Meet a Grower!*
Discovery Vineyard
Perched high above the Columbia River in Washington’s Horse Heaven Hills AVA, Discovery Vineyard is a site shaped by family stewardship, meticulous farming, and a deep respect for the land. First planted in 2005 by Paul Champoux for Milo and Kay May, Discovery Vineyard has evolved into one of the region’s influential vineyard properties.Â
The 110-acre site is planted to 55 acres of wine grapes along steep south facing slopes at roughly 300’ to 800’ elevation. The site’s aspect and consistent airflow create an ideal environment for premium winegrowing, while the nearby Columbia River moderates temperatures and helps protect vines from frost and heat extremes. Beneath the vines, layers of loess over fractured basalt provide excellent drainage and contribute to the structure and concentration for which the vineyard has become known. Read more...
Winegrowers Events*
Save the Date: Understanding the Sustainable WA Prohibited and Watch List
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Winegrowers will be hosting a free educational webinar on July 16, 2026 at 1 pm focused on pesticide use within the Sustainable WA Winegrape Standard. The event will walk growers through how and why the Prohibited and Watch Lists were built, what the difference between the two lists means in practice, and how to navigate the Watch List justification process. Whether you are a current program participant, a prospective grower, or simply looking to better understand pesticide requirements in Washington viticulture, this webinar is for you. Speakers will include a representative from PAN International — the Pesticide Action Network, an internationally recognized independent organization that publishes risk profiles for pesticide chemistry and whose Highly Hazardous Pesticides list serves as the foundation for the Sustainable WA lists — as well as Michelle Moyer, PhD., WSU Professor and Viticulture Extension Specialist, who will provide practical guidance on Washington State pesticide registration, PICOL, and how those requirements align with the Standard. This webinar free and open to all Washington industry members and chemical suppliers - Register here. Pesticide applicator recertification credits are being pursued through WSDA — more details to follow. Have questions or want to sponsor? Reach out to nathanial@wawinegrowers.org. |
Winegrowers Events*
West Coast Smoke Exposure – Annual Smoke Summit
Save the date for the upcoming Annual Smoke Summit, bringing together leading researchers, industry experts, and wine industry stakeholders to share the latest developments in wildfire smoke exposure research and practical applications for vineyards and wineries. The webinar will cover current smoke exposure science, crop insurance tools, vineyard and winery decision-making strategies, and emerging research from leading university and federal experts. This timely event offers valuable insights to help growers and winemakers prepare for and respond to smoke events during the growing season. Learn more and register at Washington Winegrowers Event CalendarÂ