WWI Member News

Governor Ferguson has officially proclaimed March 2026 as Agriculture Month in Washington State. This proclamation recognizes the vital role our farmers, ranchers, farmworkers, producers, processors, and agricultural businesses play in feeding our communities, stewarding our natural resources, and driving our state’s economy.

Our fellow wine leaders at the Washington State Wine Commission played an instrumental role in the establishment of Washington Agriculture Month. The proclamation states, “historically March is WA Wine Month, so we celebrate all things grown, raised, produced, and poured here during the month of March.” Agricultural communities will also celebrate National Agriculture Week (March 15-21) and National Agriculture Day (March 24), as stated in the proclamation.

The Washington State Department of Agriculture put out an official press release, in which WSDA Director Derek Sandison said: “Washington Agriculture Month is about more than crops. It’s about people, innovation, stewardship of the land and ensuring a strong future for agriculture in our state.”

Official Proclamation: Washington Agriculture Month
WSDA Press Release: Washington Agriculture Month

Thanks to all who listened and joined the conversation during the Washington Wine Industry Town Hall sessions. If you missed this week’s virtual Town Hall session, you may view the recording at the link below.

Leaders from the Washington State Wine Commission, Washington Wine Institute, Washington Winegrowers Association, Auction of Washington Wines, and Washington Wine Industry Foundation came together to provide a brief update on each Association’s focus for 2026 and examples of collaborative efforts between Associations. These sessions also served as a space for attendees to voice their concerns, share insights, and identify opportunities for collaboration. We appreciate the questions and comments we received during these live events regarding the .05 BAC bill and other major topics in the WA wine world. Your discussion is so important to us as we all navigate the unique challenges the industry is currently facing.

Exciting News! The DTC Wine Symposium is coming to the Pacific Northwest for the first time.

Wine marketing and sales leaders from Washington, Oregon, and Idaho will gather on April 28th, 2026, at the Walter Clore Center in Prosser. This isn’t just another lecture series; it’s a day designed by and for PNW wine professionals to share how small wineries can achieve success. Hear firsthand from industry leaders about how they are successfully reaching customers, gain sales-growth insights your winery can implement, and learn new and innovative ways to reach customers beyond your tasting room.

We hope to see you there! The Washington Wine Institute will kick off the conference sessions with the latest on statewide DTC advocacy and regulation as part of a tri-state panel conversation. The Wine Institute will also be there to offer a national perspective on interstate wine shipping and access to different wine markets. Click HERE to learn more about the sessions and speakers.

Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with your PNW wine peers. Begin the conference on April 27th with a relaxed evening of great wine and conversation hosted by Prosser Wine.

Register for DTC Wine Symposium – PNW

Early bird registration is live right now! Snag your spot TODAY to save on registration and ensure you’re part of the inaugural class of the DTC Wine Symposium: Pacific Northwest. 

Want to help spread the word? Share the event website with your professional network. 

As disagreement in Congress remains over federal government funding, there is growing concern the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) could face closure during a potential government shutdown as early as October 1, 2025. The Washington Wine Institute would like to remind Washington State wineries to prepare in the event Congress does not reach an agreement in time to avoid a full federal government shutdown.

WWI is urging wineries to file any mandatory applications for labels, permit amendments, export certificates and other TTB needs prior to September 30. Under a government shutdown, the TTB would be closed except for very limited activities related to the protection of life and property.