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Noteworthy
Invitation to Visit Other Washington
| In early May, the Washington Winegrowers Association will join the national winery association, WineAmerica, for their Washington D.C. fly-in. Read more... |
Industry Service: Wine Commission Board Positions*
On June 30th the terms of four members of the Washington State Wine Commission board expire. Â
The Washington State Wine Commission was created by the Washington State Legislature in 1987 to promote the growth of the wine industry for the benefit of all of the state’s citizens. Its mission is to raise awareness and demand for Washington State wine through marketing and education, while supporting viticulture and enology research to drive industry growth. The Commission was constituted under the Washington State Department of Agriculture and is governed by an appointed board of commissioners.Â
Winegrowers Job Board*
Are you hiring?
Did you know job postings on our website are FREE to Washington Winegrowers members?
And accessible for any industry partner to view right on our website?
Don't delay, log into your member portal and post today!
WAFLA Extends H2-A Core Curriculum to Winegrower Members
We are excited to share that Worker and Farmer Labor Association (WAFLA) has extended access to their H-2A Live Core Curriculum to Washington Winegrower Association Members for FREE!
Thank you WAFLA for partnering with Winegrowers!
Members - For access log into your member portal and click the 'resource' tab on the left-hand menu.
Policy + Politics
Olympia
| The 2026 Washington legislative session ended in March, with new laws passed on labor, agriculture, licensing, taxes, and public safety. Read more... |
Wash. DC
Federal agriculture policy is in motion, with key legislation progressing and support programs facing challenges. Stakeholders are actively engaging policymakers as next steps and potential updates take shape.
Sustainability in WA*
2026 Registration is Open!
| Sustainable WA registration for the 2026 certification season is now open. Growers can sign up, renew, and access program materials through the online application portal at:Â https://sustainablewa.com/apply-today/.Â
2026 Certification Timeline:Â
To start your 2026 registration or renew for the upcoming season, visit: https://sustainablewa.com/apply-today/. |
Taste Washington Recap
This month, the Sustainable WA team had the pleasure of attending Taste Washington in Seattle to promote the program. Â 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. Read more...
The 2026 Sustainable Winegrowing Summit is Coming to Walla Walla
The 2026 Sustainable Winegrowing Summit will be held in Walla Walla, Washington on May 6 and 7, 2026. This national gathering brings together growers, vintners, sustainability experts, and industry professionals from across the country to share best practices, explore research, and tackle the real challenges and opportunities of producing wine sustainably.Â
Visit: 2026 U.S. Sustainable Winegrowing Summit.
Early bird pricing until 4/1/2026. Read more...
Around the Industry
WSDA
Japanese Beetle
| Do you live or farm in Benton, Franklin, or Yakima counties? Keep up with the latest on WSDA’s quarantine and treatment areas for the invasive Japanese Beetle, a new pest of concern in Washington that feeds on over 300 host plants, including grapes.
Check out the WSDA Japanese Beetle webpage here. |
Good Fruit Grower
Smoke Research
The Washington State Wine Commission and Washington State University have combined forces to co-sponsor this year’s WAVE — Washington Advancements in Viticulture and Enology.
Good Fruit Grower
Spanish Content
| Did you know Good Fruit Grower has Spanish-language content online? Visit the website, www.goodfruit.com/es, for the latest stories translated into Spanish. Read more... |
WSU
Survey on Compost Use in WA Vineyards*
Researchers at WSU are conducting a study of farmer motivations, challenges, and decision-making around 1) compost use and 2) participation in government incentive programs for the application of carbon-rich amendments like compost and biochar.
WASHINGTON WINE INDUSTRY FOUNDATION
Scholarship Deadline April 14*
The Washington Wine Industry Foundation’s 2026 scholarship application is open! This includes the Walter Clore Scholarship started by the Winegrowers Association.  All the information needed to apply can be found HERE. 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.Â
Thanks to generous donations, the Foundation is proud to offer up to $47,000 in scholarships annually to students perusing a degree in various fields of wine studies.Â
SILICON VALLEY BANK
Survey on Compost Use in WA Vineyards*
There is still time to participate in the 2026 SVB Direct-to-Consumer Wine Industry Survey.
NGRA
US Winery Count Declines
Bipartisan Group Warns
Winegrowers Events*
Latino Agriculture Education for Viticulture Program (LAEP) - Level II Graduation
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Winery Cellar Leadership - Registration Date Extended
The deadline to apply for the Winery Cellar Leadership Level I program has been extended to April 1st—no fooling! Â
In partnership with the Washington Winegrowers Association, Yakima Valley College serves industry needs with training for individuals in cellar production who wish to gain leadership, winery related math conversions, and computer skills. Related cellar activities from Crush to Barrel will focus on the what, when, why, where and how of best-cellar-production practices that apply to a wide spectrum of operations.Â
Past students shared what was most impactful was the instructor’s teaching style, especially using clear examples, the mix of learning technical content and leadership skills, and the strong group involvement. The small class size, ice breakers, and interactive discussions helped students step out of their comfort zones, improve communication, and learn how to work patiently and effectively with others.Â