SEATTLE (January 27, 2017) – The Washington State Wine Commission is pleased to share accomplishments from the first year of its amplified research program in the 2016 Research Annual Report.
The overall focus for the program’s first year was to raise industry awareness of viticulture and enology research and its value to growers and winemakers in Washington State’s thriving wine industry. In addition to editorial outreach, industry was engaged in research through the inaugural WAVE-Washington Advancements in Viticulture and Enology, a research seminar highlighting current research supported by the industry that was cosponsored by the Wine Commission and Washington State University. A solid organizational foundation was laid for the Wine Research Advisory Committee, the industry’s scientific review arm, and the Wine Commission’s Research Committee.
Other accomplishments include a redesigned website that archives research reports and news; stakeholder outreach to nearly all statewide and regional wine associations; and administration of a comprehensive industry survey to gain input for research priorities.
The amped up research program was guided by well-defined goals and objectives contained in a strategic research plan, a report developed for the Wine Commission with broad industry involvement. The plan will be the roadmap for the research program for years to come.
The wine industry has had a research partnership with WSU for decades. That collaboration is even more important today with the industry’s strengthened research program and its $7.4 million investment in the wine science center at WSU’s Tri-Cities campus.
Investments in viticulture and enology research are a strategic imperative for the long-term growth of Washington’s wine industry. New pests and diseases and changing climate are ongoing challenges. The ultimate goal is to provide growers and wineries with Washington State specific tools and technologies to make superior quality wines that compete on the global stage with the best wines in the world.
Visit: www.washingtonwine.org/research/reports to download a copy of the annual report.
Washington State Wine represents every licensed winery and wine grape grower in Washington State. Guided by an appointed board, the mission of the WSW is to raise positive awareness and demand for Washington State wine through marketing and education while supporting viticulture and enology research to drive industry growth. Funded almost entirely by the industry through assessments based on grape and wine sales, the WSW is a state government agency, established by the legislature in 1987. To learn more, visit www.washingtonwine.org.