In this issue...
Noteworthy (FREE ARTICLES)
Policy + Politics
Sustainability in WA (FREE ARTICLES)
Is Your Business in Compliance?
Around the Industry
-From the Washington State Wine Commission
-From WSU Extension, Irrigated Agriculture
-From the West Coast Smoke Exposure Task Force
-From the Washington Wine Industry Foundation
-WSDA Requests Your Help with Grapevine Mealybug Management
-From USDA Farm Service Agency
Membership Spotlight (FREE ARTICLES)
Noteworthy
How do we get through the wine industry’s challenges? Together. Join us at WineVit to chart a course.
With just three weeks to go until WineVit®, there’s a lot to look forward to—from our executive director’s guest article in January’s Good Fruit Grower on why this event matters, to the Industry Research Snapshot posters showcasing innovative viticulture and enology research you can preview online now and explore in person while connecting directly with the researchers behind the work.
Policy + Politics
Industry News From Olympia
The 2026 Washington legislative session began January 12. Winegrowers are opposing
several bills while supporting HB 2052 on agricultural overtime waivers. WSDA
launched new pesticide licensing portals and is expanding Japanese beetle eradication
efforts.
Industry News From D.C.
Federal updates include a $12B farm aid package with $1B for specialty crops, though
USDA timelines are unclear. New dietary guidelines removed alcohol intake metrics,
and tariff threats on wine and agricultural goods continue.
Is Your Business in Compliance?
U.S. Postal Service Rule Changes: Postmarks and Processing
Starting Dec. 24, 2025, USPS postmarks now show the date mail is processed-not the date it’s dropped off.
This could delay postmarks by several days.
Reminder: OSHA 300 Summary
Most businesses must post their OSHA 300A Log Summary from February 1-April 30 in areas where employee notices are displayed. Businesses are exempt with 10 or fewer employees, or on the low-risk industry exemption list.
2026 TTB Tax Return and Report Due Dates
If you work in the alcohol or tobacco industry, you may need to pay federal excise tax and file reports with the TTB
(Alcohol and Tabacco Tax and Trade Bureau)
Sustainability in WA
Sustainable WA – 2025 Outcomes
In 2025, Sustainable WA participation grew to 43 certified participants covering 124 vineyards and 14,595 acres, with 92% of acres also Salmon Safe–certified. Participant feedback praised the auditor’s expertise, improved communication, and smoother audits, and all 2025 certificates were issued by year-end to keep wineries and growers on schedule for label use and market demands.
Sustainable WA – 2026 Schedule & Goals
Check out the Schedule and Goals for 2026!
Around the Industry
From the Washington State Wine Commission
From WSU Extension, Irrigated Agriculture
From the West Coast Smoke Exposure Task Force
The January 2026 issue of the WCSETF newsletter is now available. Content includes: Learning from the Pickett Fire: Collaboration and Resilience in Napa Valley Important Deadline, Policy Endorsements for 2026 Growing Season Smoke Exposure Sessions at 2026 Events WCSETF Website Resources.
From the Washington Wine Industry Foundation
The Washington Wine Industry Foundation’s 2026 scholarship application is open! This includes the Walter Clore Scholarship started by the Winegrowers Association. Deadline is April 14. Please pass this email along to anyone you may know that could benefit from a scholarship for the 2026-2027 school year.
WSDA Requests Your Help with Grapevine Mealybug Management
WSDA and WSU are asking Washington grape growers to participate in a brief (10-minute) survey on how they are managing grapevine mealybug and Grapevine Leafroll and associated viruses. Responses will help researchers understand current industry practices and support a study on changes in pesticide use; all pesticide-use questions are voluntary, anonymous, and reported only in aggregated form.
From USDA Farm Service Agency
USDA has revised the voting period for Farm Service Agency county committee elections in certain Local Administrative Areas. Eligible producers and landowners must return ballots to their local FSA office or have them postmarked by February 2, 2026, with newly elected members taking office on March 2, 2026.
Around the Industry
Meet a Grower Member: Red Willow Vineyard
Red Willow Vineyard, established in 1971 on the historic Stephenson family farm at the western edge of Yakima Valley AVA, is a pioneer in premium Washington grape growing. Planted by Mike Sauer with guidance from Walter Clore, its steep, rocky slopes at 1,100–1,300 feet produce well-structured, intensely flavored grapes. Red Willow introduced varieties like Syrah, Cabernet Franc, and Viognier to the region and supplies fruit to over 40 wineries. Still family-run, the vineyard spans four generations, with a fifth beginning to carry forward its legacy of innovation, stewardship, and excellence.