In this issue...
Noteworthy
-Annual Grape Report
Policy + Politics
Winegrowers Upcoming Events
Membership Networking and Annual Meeting
Noteworthy
To our Washington Wine Industry Colleagues
Two years ago, we launched an industry-wide acreage survey as part of the Wine Commission's annual Grape Report. Last year, we saw an increased response rate of about 65-percent. This year, we strongly encourage every grower to complete this information so that we confidently have enough information to put together a timely, comprehensive Washington acreage report.
Why is this important?
Today’s wine market demands data-driven decisions for immediate and long-term production plans. Comprehensive acreage reports, like Oregon’s and California’s, have value in many ways. They can:
- Capture real-time changes in varieties planted and where planted
- Inform business decisions for future planting or replanting
- Illustrate industry trends
- Provide a base for economic data to advocate with state and federal officials
- Help with marketing and promotion
- Help in crop estimation
Until now, our industry has relied heavily on crop estimates on a year-to-year basis. The current evolution of our wine industry, in response to our dynamic market and landscape, creates difficulties in accurate forecasting. USDA has completed sporadic acreage surveys in the past, but these are very expensive with a turnaround time of 12-18 months. The last USDA acreage survey was in 2017, and there are no immediate plans for an updated USDA survey at this time as they must be paid for by the commodity group.
The Wine Commission’s existing Grape Report, which annually collects tonnage data by grape variety sold, provides the perfect vehicle to collect comprehensive data, year after year, sustainably and consistently. The online reporting platform allows every grower to participate in data collection.
The 2025 Grape Report will, again, collect acreage by variety and by AVA. To preserve confidentiality, data will be aggregated.
We kindly and strongly encourage your participation, to help us make data-driven decisions for the future of Washington wine. Timely acreage information is within our reach–but it will take participation from all of our state’s growers.
Signed sincerely on behalf of our organizations,
Dustin Tobin, Chair, Washington Winegrowers Association
Todd Newhouse, Chair, Washington State Wine Commission
Emily Fergestrom, Chair, Washington Wine Institute
Get Ready: 2025 Grape Report Update Your Account Information Now
In preparation of the 2025 Washington Wine Grape Report, which launches November 3, 2025, take a few minutes to log in here to ensure your account and contact information is up-to-date.
Now is the time to check your password, add any additional locations, update your AVA information, and generally familiarize yourself with your account. Remember, the information feeds into our winery directory and the Map My WA Wine app, so it's important to be current.
If you have any questions about how to update your account, reach out to Renee.
Policy + Politics
Industry News From D.C.
The federal government shutdown that began October 1 continues with no resolution in sight. The House won’t reconvene until after October 26, and the Senate has not advanced a temporary funding bill. The TTB has halted COLA processing, and the Administration plans additional layoffs despite a court order blocking mass firings. No progress has been made on the Farm Bill or 2026 appropriations. The President has threatened 100% tariffs on Chinese goods starting November 1, while EU tariffs remain at 15%, excluding cork. The Supreme Court will review the legality of current tariffs beginning November 5.
Upcoming Events
SAVE THE DATE! Annual Meeting of Members
Date: Tuesday, November 11,
Location:Â Kiona Vineyard and Winery 44612 North Sunset Road, Benton CityÂ
 This year, we are making the Winegrowers annual membership meeting FUN! We’ve got some light business to conduct, but we are looking forward to a brief opportunity to come together, celebrate the 2025 harvest, and raise a glass to friends, colleagues, and loyal members during a social reception. Join us! Your membership is your ticket in!
RSVP to julie@wawinegrowers.org
4:30 pm              Networking and Wine
4:45 pm             - State of Organization
- Financials
- Board Election Outcomes
-Looking Ahead
5:10 pm              Networking and Wine
6:00 pm              Conclusion
WineVit® Early Bird Registration Is Open! Save Up to $300!
Early Bird Registration Now Open
We are excited to announce that registration for WineVit® 2026 is officially live!
Join us February 9-11, 2026 in Kennewick, WA for 1.5 days of education, innovation, and connection with wine industry leaders.
This year, we’re crafting a more focused event with:
- Practical, in-depth education on viticulture, winemaking, tasting room strategies, and wine sales with actionable takeaways and insights
- Valuable networking opportunities designed to help you connect, collaborate, and grow
- More accessible pricing to support participation across all parts of the industry
- An energized trade show floor with new tech, tools, and solutions
Register by January 8, 2026 to secure Early Bird pricing and save up to $300 on access. And, check out our new, affordable group rate for 3 or more attendees!
Don’t miss your chance to lock in the lowest rate for the Washington wine industry’s annual gathering of education, connection, and collaboration.
Explore the 2026 Tradeshow
Tuesday, February 10 | 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Great Hall & Lobby - Three Rivers Convention Center
The WineVit® Trade Show is your opportunity to connect, learn, and explore. Service providers, suppliers, growers, and wineries come together to showcase the latest technology, innovations, and industry solutions designed to optimize your operations.
Network with current partners and discover new resources, all included with your WineVit® attendee pass.
NEW Trade Show Schedule & Layout
- Trade show is one full day: Tuesday, February 10 -  8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Trade show floorplan is limited to 90 booths to create a more intimate and meaningful experience for connecting with our industry leader exhibitors.
Booth Sales Now Open
As a valued Winegrowers member, enjoy $200 off your booth purchase by using an exclusive member discount code!
*Code shared via email on August 18th from:Â tradeshow@wawinegrowers.org.
Book Your Stay at the Official Hotel of WineVit® 2026
SpringHill Suites by Marriott Kennewick/Tri-Cities
- Rate: $159/night + 10.8% tax & $3 nightly Tourism Fee
- Includes: Complimentary breakfast
Make the most of your WineVit® 2026 experience with a stay at the SpringHill Suites by Marriott Kennewick/Tri-Cities, conveniently connected to the Three Rivers Convention Center, home of WineVit 2026.
After a full day of sessions and networking, unwind at Wheelhouse, the onsite restaurant and bar, and enjoy a delicious dinner paired with a glass of Washington wine.
Confirm as a WineVit® 2026 Sponsor or ExhibitorÂ
Gain access and high value exposure to the Washington wine industry by sponsoring or exhibiting in the trade show at WineVit® 2026. Click here to view our 2026 Sponsor Overview and contact tradeshow@wawinegrowers.org for more information and to confirm your spot.
You’re Invited: H-2A / Labor Summit
Yakima, Thu, Nov 20
Hosted by the Worker & Farmer Labor Association at the Yakima Convention Center
Beyond H-2A:Â If you manage a labor-intensive operation, this conference is for you.
Why attend
- What’s new with H-2A: Practical updates that could make the program work better for your vineyard—plus immigration insights and the potential future of E-Verify.
- Quick-Take Legal Update:Â Walk away with a handy cheat-sheet on navigating the newest labor laws.
- Action-packed breakouts: Writing stronger job descriptions, mastering ag payroll, people-vs-machines research, more innovative workforce management, workers’ comp cost control, and more.
Member perk: WAFLA is offering a special $215 rate for Washington Winegrowers Association members. Receive the special rate of $215 per person. Claim it: email Jean Maybin at jmaybin@wafla.org or call (360) 455-8064 x113.
Mailing Address
PO Box 716, Cashmere, WA 98815