In this issue...
Noteworthy (FREE ARTICLES)
-Winegrowers Awards to be Presented at Foundation’s Party + Auction
-Larry Harris Appointed to Winegrowers Board
Policy + Politics
Sustainability in Washington (FREE ARTICLES)
-Sustainable WA Technical Committee Launches 2025–2026 Standard Review
-Sustainable WA – Year in Review
-Why the 2026 Sustainable Winegrowing Summit Matters — And Why You Should Be There
Is Your Business in Compliance?
Around the Industry
-WSDA Requests Your Help with Grapevine Mealybug Management
-Boot-washing and Disinfection Stations
-WSU Welcomes New Research Winemaker
-NGRA Updates their Inventory of funded Grape Research
-Catherine Jones to Continue Representing Winegrapes on WSCIPM
Noteworthy
Winegrowers Awards to be Presented at Foundation’s Party + Auction
Winegrowers and the Washington Wine Industry Foundation will once again partner at WineVit® 2026, with the annual Winegrowers awards presented during the Party + Auction on Tuesday, February 10. Honoring excellence in growing, winemaking, service, and lifetime achievement, the award recipients will be celebrated during this longstanding, industry-wide evening of connection and giving back.
Larry Harris Appointed to Winegrowers Board
Larry and Kim Harris are founders, owners, and winemakers at Bayernmoor Cellars in the Puget Sound AVA. Since planting Pinot Noir in 2011, they’ve grown Bayernmoor into an award-winning winery sourcing fruit statewide. Larry brings deep business and legal expertise and a unique west–east Washington perspective to support industry growth and sustainability.
Policy + Politics
Industry News From Olympia
The 60-day 2026 legislative session begins January 12, with agriculture-related issues expected to include riparian buffers, labor, packaging, climate policy, taxes, and more. Winegrowers will monitor developments. Separately, Ecology has increased water quality permit fees, and the LCB is seeking comments on draft retail alcohol product placement rules.
Industry News From D.C.
FY 2026 funding keeps the government open through Jan. 30, with agriculture programs funded through Sept. 30, but TTB and COLA processing only funded through January. A $12B farm aid package was announced, with specialty crops pending details. Tariff relief legislation was introduced, USMCA review is underway, and USDA plans to proceed with a controversial reorganization despite widespread opposition.
Sustainable WA / Sustainablitiy
Sustainable WA Technical Committee Launches 2025–2026 Standard Review
Sustainable WA has launched the 2025–2026 Standard Review cycle and convened its Technical Committee, bringing together researchers, growers, and industry experts representing Washington’s wine industry. The committee will review grower feedback, audit findings, and program insights to strengthen clarity, adoption, and alignment with best practices, with updates finalized ahead of the 2027 season.
Sustainable WA – Year in Review
The year has been a whirlwind—from hiring a new auditor and completing audits to final certification review. The experience has been shaped by the resilience of growers, strong support from the Governance Council and partners, and a shared commitment to strengthening Sustainable WA. Looking ahead to 2026, there’s optimism rooted in the strength of this community.
Why the 2026 Sustainable Winegrowing Summit Matters — And Why You Should Be There
The 2026 Sustainable Winegrowing Summit will be held May 6–7 in Walla Walla, WA, offering growers, vintners, and industry professionals a national platform to connect, learn, and advance sustainable practices. Hosting the Summit in Washington highlights the state’s leadership in sustainability, provides opportunities to share local successes, learn from other regions, and gain exposure to cutting-edge research and industry trends. Registration is open now for anyone invested in sustainable winegrowing and the future of Washington wine.
Is Your Business in Compliance?
TTB Boot Camp for Wineries
TTB, in its December 12, 2025 newsletter, announced that its full series of Boot Camp for Wineries is now available
Around the Industry
WSDA Requests Help w/ Grapevine Mealybug
Boot-washing and Disinfection Stations
WSU Welcomes New Research Winemaker
In October, WSU’s Department of Viticulture and Enology named Sam Keirsey as its new research winemaker at the WSU Wine Science Center in Richland. A 2011 WSU V&E graduate, Keirsey brings over a decade of industry experience and will support wine research, student instruction, and research wine production.
NGRA Updates their Inventory of funded Grape Research
The National Grape Research Alliance continues updating its national inventory of grape research funded at regional, state, and federal levels. The 2025 snapshot now includes 134 funded projects and counting, highlighting how scientists across the U.S. are advancing the grape and wine industry through research, with sortable categories and project tallies.
Catherine Jones to Continue Representing Winegrapes on WSCIPM
The Washington State Commission on Integrated Pest Management supports research and demonstration projects that address unmet pest management needs statewide. Winegrapes are represented on the commission, and earlier this year the Winegrowers Association recommended Catherine Jones of Wilbur Ellis for reappointment. Following a board interview, she was approved for another three-year term, ensuring continued industry representation.