Washington Wine Institute

2022 VIRTUAL ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING
2022-06-22 13:00 - 16:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
Tuesday, June 21, 1-4 PM
WWI Members Only Membership Meeting
RSVP HERE

This year we will again have a fantastic lineup of speakers and are excited to have them join us to educate, update, and inform you on various topics of importance to the Washington Wine Industry. These topics include:

Washington Wine Institute Update: 2022 Legislative Session Outcomes, Membership and Financials, WA Wine License Plate and Event Season Updates
Washington State Labor and Industries: Wine Industry Specific Rules and Regulations Every Winery Needs to Know
WineAmerica Update Federal Politics and WA Wine: USPS Shipping, Federal Cannabis Reform, Ready to Drink Cocktails Positioning, and more
Sustainable WA Update: Washington Sustainability Certification for Vineyards:
Ground2Ground Glass: Presentation on A Closed-Loop Glass Recycling System in Walla Walla and Potential for the Future of Wine Glass Recycling

We are allotting 25 minutes for the presentation and 5 minutes for Q&A for each speaker. If you have a specific question for any of our speakers you want to make sure is addressed, please send to us prior to June 21 at ct@wwi.wine.

Our annual membership meeting is for WWI members only. If you are interested in joining WWI, please contact Josh at josh@wwi.wine, or sign up here

THANK YOU TO OUR GENEROUS SPONSORS!!
Red Level

Be Confident, Be Compliant Webinar
2022-07-19 09:00
Tuesday July 19th 9-10:45 am
WSLCB and TTB Webinar for WA Wineries
Presented in Partnership by: Washington Wine Institute and Washington Winegrowers Association
The Washington Wine Institute and Winegrowers are partnering to make both Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board and Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau regulatory experts accessible to you. This webinar will break down top compliance issues with the goal of making lawful operations easier to understand and implement! We’ll also review recent legislation and rule changes.
You can submit anonymous questions in advance! Submit your questions at time of registration or send them to josh@wwi.wine or sara@wawinegrowers.org.
$20 for members of WWI or WA Winegrowers Association
$40 for non-members
Registration is below. Once registration is processed, each participant will receive a link to the zoom webinar via email on Friday July 15th

Terms and Conditions Cancellation Policy: Attendee cancelation 7 days or more in advance of event, will be refunded less a 10% administration fee per attendee. Cancelations within 7 days of event will not be refunded.

Washington Wine Institute Annual Sponsor:

Washington Winegrowers Association Annual Partners:

Taste Washington Weekend
2023-03-11 14:00 | Lumen Field Event Center
Taste Washington returns in March 2023!

Taste Washington is the nation’s largest single-region wine and food festival. We have so many ways for you to discover and celebrate our beautiful state.

Join us at The Grand Tasting on March 11 & 12 at the Lumen Field Event Center where we feature 200+ wineries and 50+ restaurants! Be sure to check out our lineup of Signature Events where we create unique experiences around wine and food. Cheers!

March 11th & 12th, 2023

2:00-5:00pm

1:00-5:00pm with VIP Ticket

Last Day to Apply for the Washington Hospitality Grant Program
2023-04-06 17:00
The Washington Hospitality Grant Program – brought to you by the Washington State Department of Commerce – is now accepting applications.

This program will award one-time grants to eligible restaurants, hotels, motels, and other small hospitality businesses in Washington State that were negatively impacted by the COVID-19 public health crisis.

Begin your application for a Washington Hospitality Grant!

Restaurants, bars, caterers, food trucks, bakeries, lodging businesses and other small hospitality organizations are eligible to apply for a one-time grant award. Use the application checklist to guide you through the application process and APPLY NOW.
The portal will be open for 24 days. It will open the morning of March 14, 2023, and will close on April 6, 2023 at 5:00 PM PT.
Our goal is to reach as many eligible businesses as possible who could benefit from this grant!

Woodinville Wine Country Hospitality Job Fair
2023-04-17 12:00 | Sparkman Cellars, 14300 NE 145th St. #102, Woodinville, WA, 98072, United States
12:00-4:00 p.m.

Meet and interview with wineries and other hospitality businesses that are looking to fill permanent positions, temporary/seasonal positions, or internship openings in the Greater Woodinville Area. This event is FREE and open to the public.

Participating Wineries Include: Novelty Hill-Januik Winery, Sparkman Cellars, Love That Red Winery, DeLille Cellars, Ste Michelle Wine Estates, Bayernmoor Cellars, Matthews & Jaine Cottage, Cave B Estate Winery, Latta Wines, Milbrandt Vineyards, and more!

Learn more & RSVP at woodinvillewinecountry.com/jobs

WineAmerica Spring 2023 National Wine Policy Conference
2023-05-09 09:30 | WineAmerica, 200 Mass. Ave. NW, DC
WineAmerica returns to to Washington DC for our annual National Wine Policy Conference this May 9-10th. The conference combines learning, advocacy, and networking. Taking place at WineAmerica’s office, minutes away from Capitol Hill, this meeting is the industry’s major opportunity to make its voice heard.

The two-day agenda will feature speakers and presentations on the politics and policies affecting our industry. It includes business meetings of the WineAmerica Board of Directors and the State and Regional Association Advisory Council (SRAAC), and a wine reception for all attendees. The policy-focused conference is your opportunity to make a difference regarding the laws that affect you.

All WineAmerica members are encouraged to attend. Members of the Wine Growers of America and National Grape Research Alliance are also welcome to register.
Leadership ● Policy ● Grassroots ● Advocacy ● Regulation ● Legislation •
Taxes ● Trade ● Ag Labor ● Music Licensing ● Government Funding

Register

2023 VIRTUAL ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING
2023-06-13 09:00 - 11:30
WWI Members Only Membership Meeting

The Washington Wine Institute Annual Membership Meeting is happening via webinar on June 13! We invite you to save the date and register here.
Join us and industry partners including WineAmerica, Sovos ShipCompliant, and Oregon Beverage and Recycling Cooperative, to hear the latest insights and information pertinent to your winery.

This year’s meeting will focus on some complex topics currently facing the wine industry including nutritional labeling and music licensing for your winery and wine events. We will also have the latest on the Farm Bill and USPS shipping.

Michael Kaiser, WineAmerica

Please take a moment to think about any questions or concerns you might have around these topics as Michael Kaiser and Tara Good of WineAmerica will be present to address them during the Q&A portion of the meeting. You may also include any questions you have on the sign up form here.

Tara Good, WineAmerica

The meeting will also feature a DtC shipping compliance presentation from WWI annual sponsor Sovos ShipCompliant and their Regulatory General Counsel Alex Koral. He will provide the latest state-by-state updates as well as basic need to know topics on how to protect your winery license and make sure you understand laws and rules regarding Direct-to-Consumer shipping.

Alex Koral, Sovos ShipCompliant

Eric Chambers, Oregon Beverage Recycling Cooperative

A complete overhaul of our state’s recycling system continues to be a growing conversation in Olympia. We are looking to Oregon for ideas for a working bottle deposit program for the Washington wine industry. To learn more about Oregon’s approach and how it might work in our state, we are excited to have a representative from Oregon Beverage Recycling Cooperative join us for our Annual Membership Meeting and speak directly to these topics as well as answer all your questions.

We are allotting five minutes of Q&A for each speaker. If you have a specific question for any of our speakers you want to make sure is addressed, please include it on your registration form prior to June 13.

The annual membership meeting is a Washington Wine Institute member benefit. Any wineries, partners, or suppliers to the industry that may be interested in attending and are not currently members may be referred to Membership and Programs Manager Marie Schurk at marie@wwi.wine. Thank you!

2023 Be Confident, Be Compliant Webinars
2023-07-19 09:00 - 2023-07-26 09:00
Be Confident, Be Compliant
WSLCB and TTB Webinar for WA Wineries

Presented in Partnership by: Washington Wine Institute and Washington Winegrowers Association

Date: Wednesday, July 19 (TTB)
And
Wednesday, July 26 (WSLCB)
Time: 9:00am-10:45am
Location: Zoom Webinars
Registration: Members: $20 (package deal—includes both webinars and recording)
Non-Members:$40 (package deal—includes both webinars and recording)
Washington Wine Institute Members contact marie@wwi.wine for the member code.

Register Here.

If you are a Winegrowers member, please login with your membership credentials. If you are a Washington Wine Institute member, please contact marie@wwi.wine, directly for your discount code. You will receive a Zoom link in advance of the webinar to the email you provided.

The Washington Wine Institute and Washington Winegrowers Association are partnering to make both Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board and Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau regulatory experts accessible to you. This webinar will break down top compliance issues with the goal of making lawful operations easier to understand and implement! We’ll also review recent legislation and rule changes. And, you can submit your questions in advance to be asked anonymously! Submit your questions at time of registration or send them to josh@wwi.wine or sara@wawinegrowers.org.

Nancy Lalic, TTB Auditor, Will cover Federal laws and regulations that the wineries are subject to. She will also discuss how TTB interacts with industry, product integrity, tax audits and best practice including data collection and record keeping.

The WSLCB speakers, will cover current wine legislation, permitting, compliance, and enforcement issues.
Joining us from the WSLCB are:

Heidi Braley, Licensing

Lt. Bob Knowles, Enforcement

Beth Lehman, Customer Service

Terms and Conditions: Cancellation Policy: Attendee cancelation 7 days or more in advance of event, will be refunded less a 10% administration fee per attendee. Cancelations within 7 days of event will not be refunded.
Washington Wine Institute Annual Association Sponsor

DtC Compliance Partner of the Washington Wine Institute
Washington Winegrowers Association Annual Partners

Auction of WA Wines Winemaker Picnic and Barrel Auction
2023-08-11 17:00 | Chateau Ste Michelle Winery, Woodinville
Join our largest wine and culinary event on the beautiful grounds of Chateau Ste. Michelle! You’ll get an opportunity to meet winemakers, or you can choose from over 100 wines at the tasting bars. Try your hand at a game of chance or step up to place your name on the board to bid on a case from 30 Washington wineries in the Barrel Auction.

Date: August 11, 2023

5:00-8:00pm

California Bottle Bill Webinar
2024-02-01 10:00
Address all of your need-to-knows about the California Bottle Bill during Washington Wine Institute’s upcoming webinar featuring attorneys and experts in the alcohol industry at Foster Garvey PC. Last year California added wine and spirits bottles to California’s beverage container recycling program. Starting January 1, 2024, every Washington winery that ships wine to California needs to register with California’s CalRecycle, file monthly reports, and pay processing fees as wine is shipped into their state. Also, starting July 1, 2025, wine bottle labels for wine in California will be required to include CRV, or California Redemption Value. Our Association legal team of expert alcohol attorneys from Foster Garvey PC Emily Gant and Adena Santiago will detail the recent changes, products subject to the new requirements, the required markings and labels, how to register for the program, and more.
RSVP by emailing marie@wwi.wine.
You will receive the Zoom link and information to your email.

Emily is a shareholder in the Hospitality, Travel & Tourism practice, where she works as an alcohol beverage and cannabis attorney. Emily serves as the Chair of the Commercial, IP & Tech Transactions practice at Foster Garvey PC in Seattle. She counsels wineries, breweries, distilleries, restaurants, hotels and other retailers on liquor licensing, trade practice compliance, distribution issues, contracts, dispute resolution and other liquor-related matters. She is also the Chair of the Cannabis practice, where she advises licensed producers, processors, retailers and ancillary service providers. Like alcohol, cannabis is a highly regulated industry. Emily helps clients structure their business entities, contracts and strategic partnerships to ensure compliance with Washington’s complex regulatory scheme. Emily was recently named to the National Law Journal’s 2022 Cannabis Law Trailblazers List. An Oregon native, Emily graduated with honors in History from Whitman College in 1999 and received her J.D. from the University of Washington School of Law in 2004.

Adena Santiago is Counsel at Foster Garvey PC in their Washington DC office. Adena advises companies on the three tiers of the alcohol beverage industry – licensing, labeling and compliance – and has industry experience with the Alcohol Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) and in all 50 states, which is critical in the heavily regulated sector. For nearly two decades, Adena has counseled clients on liquor licensing and compliance, representing distillers, hotels, restaurants, brewers, wineries and distributors that need licenses to launch or expand their businesses. She also advises clients on labeling and formulation regulations, marketing and advertising compliance, franchise protection, and all manner of industry related agreements. She has extensive knowledge concerning licensing violations and transactions involving licensed businesses in the industry. Adena works to ensure the long-term stability of her clients’ businesses by anticipating issues likely to arise, and works hand-in-hand with clients to verify they are properly licensed and in compliance with all government rules as they grow, expand and change their business models and reach.

L&I Business Essentials for Wineries Webinar
2024-05-15 10:00
L&I Business Essentials for Wineries Webinar
Address common small business questions on workplace rights, workers’ compensation, safety consultations and more during the L&I Business Essentials for Wineries Webinar.

L&I experts will provide an overview of the business requirements and resources essential to your winery and answer your questions following the presentation, free to all Washington State wineries. Register today at the link below. You will receive the webinar link and information to your email prior to the webinar. To view the L&I Business Essentials page, click here.

Mark Your Calendars!
Date: Wednesday, May 15, 2024
Time: 10:00- 10:30 a.m.
Register for the free webinar here.

Andrew Bryan, L&I

Andrew Bryan is the Small Business Liaison and manager of the Small Business Office at the Department of Labor & Industries, which is dedicated to assisting small business owners navigate state government regulations and requirements. He has been with the agency for seven years, providing direct customer assistance, training, customized presentations, and publishing the quarterly Small Business Newsletter. He is a recovering archaeologist that enjoys long strolls in the forest and ruthlessly subjecting people to dad jokes.

WWI 2024 Virtual Annual Membership Meeting
2024-06-26 10:00
Wednesday, June 26, 2024
10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. via virtual meeting

We invite members to join us and industry partners including WineAmerica, California Wine Institute and WineDirect, to hear the latest on direct-to-consumer sales trends, consumer and policy-focused wine messaging, and legislative and regulatory updates impacting your winery.

Register Here

WWI 2024 Legislative Session Review

The Washington Wine Institute will provide an in-depth update on successes and challenges during the 2024 legislative session, detailing any major topics impacting the wine industry, including:

.05 BAC: A bill to lower the state’s blood alcohol concentration level for driving from .08 to .05 was again introduced for the second consecutive year. Washington Wine Institute’s leadership along with a coalition of partners in the hospitality and beverage industries, resulted in this bill failing to receive enough support to pass the Senate. We continue to encourage support from all WA wineries by becoming WWI members in preparation to build our messaging in opposition to this bill next year.
EPR and Bottle Deposit Program: An effort to overhaul the state’s waste management and recycling systems to create an OR-style beverage container return system died on the House floor due to strong opposition from stakeholders.
Emergency Permit: Creates temporary retail space sharing for wineries/breweries/distilleries in times of man-made or natural disaster emergencies.

WineAmerica 2024 Federal Laws and Rules Updates

This year’s meeting will focus on some complex topics currently facing the wine industry including nutritional labeling, ingredient labeling and music licensing for your winery and wine events. We will also have the latest on the Farm Bill and USPS shipping.

Michael Kaiser, WineAmerica

Tara Good, WineAmerica
Please take a moment to think about any questions or concerns you might have around these topics as Michael Kaiser and Tara Good of WineAmerica will be present to address them during the Q&A portion of the meeting. You may also include any questions you have on the sign up form here.

2024 Direct-to-Consumer Sales Analysis and Key Strategies

Analyzing Q1 2024 direct-to-consumer sales data, this presentation highlights Washington wineries’ successes compared to other regions and identifies areas for improvement. Kari will offer actionable strategies for wineries to enhance their performance and achieve a strong finish in the second half of 2024.

Kari Scott, WineDirect

An Introduction to the New Initiative Engaging Wine Consumers

Honore Comfort, California Wine Institute
During a time of increasing headwinds for the wine sector, the California Wine Institute (Wine Institute) is undertaking a significant initiative to develop a new narrative for the wine category for both consumers and policy makers. The focus of the initiative is to engage with younger LDA consumers as well as communicate the positive and unique aspects of wine to government stakeholders. Wine Institute is looking for WA, OR, and NY to join them in tackling these challenges.

Hear from Wine Institute Vice President, International Marketing Honore Comfort on the efforts to reach consumers and Vice President, Federal & lnt’I Public Policy Charles Jefferson on the policy side of this initiative.

Charles Jefferson, California Wine Institute

We are allotting five minutes of Q&A for each speaker. If you have a specific question for any of our speakers you want to make sure is addressed, please include them on your registration form prior to June 26.

The annual membership meeting is a Washington Wine Institute member benefit. Any wineries, partners, or suppliers to the industry that may be interested in attending and are not currently members may be referred to Membership and Programs Manager Marie Schurk at marie@wwi.wine. Thank you!

A big Thank You to 2024 meeting sponsors

Be Confident, Be Compliant Webinar - WSLCB
2024-07-31
Wednesday July 31st 9-10 am
WSLCB Webinar for WA Wineries
Presented in Partnership by: Washington Wine Institute and Washington Winegrowers Association
The Washington Wine Institute and Washington Winegrowers Association are partnering to make both Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board and Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau regulatory experts accessible to you. These webinars will break down top compliance issues with the goal of making lawful operations easier to understand and implement! We’ll also review recent legislation and rule changes.
TTB Webinar Wednesday July 17th 9am
WSLCB Webinar Wednesday July 31st 9am
You can submit anonymous questions in advance! Submit your questions at time of registration or send them to marie@wwi.wine.
Free for active members of Washington Wine Institute or Washington Winegrowers Association
$50 for non-members (this fee includes both TTB and WSLCB Webinars)*
Registration is below for both webinars. You only need to register once. Please ensure you are an active WWI or WA Winegrowers member before registering as a member of one or both organizations. If you are not a WWI member, we’d love to have you join before registering by clicking here!
Once registration is processed and membership verified, each participant will receive a link to both zoom webinars via email by Tuesday July16th or Tuesday July 30th for registration after July 17th.
*Terms and Conditions Cancellation Policy: Attendee cancelation 7 days or more in advance of event, will be refunded less a 10% administration fee per attendee. Cancelations within 7 days of event will not be refunded.
Washington Wine Institute Annual Sponsors:

Washington Winegrowers Association Event Sponsor:

Grape Reporting Opens
2024-11-04
The 2024 Grape Report will launch on Monday, November 4th.

This year’s report captures the same basic information as in the past: grapes harvested, sold, and purchased in WA, but has an added field to collect acreage by AVA. In order to participate in Washington Wine Commission events, such as Taste Washington, wine reviewer tastings, and Road Trip, your business must be up-to-date on all assessments.

To File – Login to the Industry Portal at www.washingtonwine.org, select ‘Login’ from the top right-hand corner.

Please complete your 2024 Grape Report by December 31, 2024.

L&I Workplace Safety for Wineries and Retro Webinar
2024-11-12 10:00
Providing a safe and healthy workplace environment for your employees is not only a requirement in Washington State, it ensures a happier, healthier environment for all workers.
This Workplace Safety and Retro webinar will cover common safety topics for wineries. Hear directly from the Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) on resources to help keep your winery safe, addressing workplace hazards, building your Accident Prevent Program, managing claims, and more. Special guest speakers Julie Osterberg and Andrew Heard of ERNwest will share their expertise on the Retrospective Rating (Retro) program— an optional financial incentive program that helps employers reduce their industrial insurance costs and earn yearly cash back refunds.

Date: Tuesday, November 12, 2024Time: 10:00 a.m. PSTWhere: Virtual via Zoom webinar
Registration Link: https://form.jotform.com/242915097008155

Topics: common workplace safety hazards, addressing hazards, safety resources and education, Accident Prevention Programs, managing claims, employer incentives, Retro, and more

L&I Wage & Hour Rules and Use of Volunteers Webinar
2025-01-13 10:00
Is your winery hiring an employee? Do you want to know more about overtime requirements for current employees? Are you seeking clarification about the dos and don’ts of labor contracting?
The Washington State Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) will delve into these topics and more winery workers’ rights employers need to know during the L&I Wage & Hour Rules and Use of Volunteers Webinar. Also hear from Foster Garvey legal experts Jared Van Kirk and Kate Bradley on requirements for hiring interns and why volunteer work (for for-profit businesses) in the state of Washington is illegal. Foster Garvey is a longtime WWI supplier member and provides legal consultation on alcohol matters to WWI.
Date: Monday, January 13, 2025
Time: 10:00 a.m. PST
Where: Virtual via Zoom webinar
Registration Link: https://form.jotform.com/243504742221144

Be Confident, Be Compliant WSLCB & TTB Webinars
2025-07-23 10:00
WSLCB & TTB Webinars for WA Wineries
Presented in Partnership by: Washington Wine Institute and Washington Winegrowers Association
The Washington Wine Institute and Washington Winegrowers Association are partnering to make both Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board and Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau regulatory experts accessible to you. This webinar will break down top compliance issues with the goal of making lawful operations easier to understand and implement! We’ll also review recent legislation and rule changes.
WSLCB Webinar Wednesday July 23rd 10am
TTB Webinar Wednesday July 30th 10am

You can submit anonymous questions in advance! Submit your questions at time of registration or send them to ct@wwi.wine.
Free for active members of Washington Wine Institute or Washington Winegrowers Association
$50 for non-members (this fee includes both TTB and WSLCB Webinars)*
Registration is below for both webinars. You only need to register once. Please ensure you are an active WWI or WA Winegrowers member before registering as a member of one or both organizations. If you are not a WWI member, we’d love to have you join before registering by clicking here!
Once registration is processed and membership verified, each participant will receive a link to both zoom webinars via email by Tuesday July 22nd or Tuesday July 29th for registration after July 22nd.
*Terms and Conditions Cancellation Policy: Attendee cancelation 7 days or more in advance of event, will be refunded less a 10% administration fee per attendee. Cancelations within 7 days of event will not be refunded.
Washington Wine Institute Annual Sponsors:

Expanded Alcohol Services Webinar
2026-01-15 10:00 - 11:30
Outdoor Events Webinar for WA Wineries, Breweries & Cideries
Presented in Partnership by: The Washington Wine Institute, Washington Brewers Guild, and Northwest Cider Association
The Washington Wine Institute (WWI), Washington Brewers Guild (WBG), and Northwest Cider Association (NWCA) are partnering to make Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (LCB) experts accessible to you and help educate you on House Bill 1515, created to expand outdoor alcohol service for liquor licensees starting next year and through 2027. Register for this webinar to learn how these temporary allowances will work for your events.
Thursday, January 15, 2026
10:00-11:30 a.m. PST
Topics Include: Update on rulemaking, Overview of the authorizations available, Your responsibilities as a liquor licensee vs. the responsibilities of the city, county, or local jurisdiction, The process to request an event authorization and the documents needed. Resources you need to help your brewery, cidery, winery, etc. participate in an event!
Submit anonymous questions in advance at time of registration or send to marie@wwi.wine.
Registration Cost:

Free for active members of WWI, WBG, and NWCA

$50 for Non-members
Please ensure you are an active WWI, WBG, or NWCA member before registering as a member. If you are a winery and not a WWI member, we’d love to have you join before registering by clicking here!
Once registration is processed and membership is verified, each participant will receive a link to the zoom webinars via email on Monday January 12th or by January 15 for registration after January 12th. You will not need the QR code or ticket received at time of registration.
*Terms and Conditions Cancellation Policy: Attendee cancelation 7 days or more in advance of event, will be refunded less a 10% administration fee per attendee. Cancelations within 7 days of event will not be refunded.
Washington Wine Institute Annual Sponsors:
