The Pacific Northwest is gaining a solid reputation for high-quality product in the global world of wine production, and work by groups in Washington and Oregon aims to keep up the momentum. For Washington, an upcoming event targets a review of winegrape research. For the Oregon Wine Board, it’s a solid slate of upcoming events to tell the Oregon wine story.

Research review in Washington

Washington state wineries and winegrape growers can take part in the Washington State Wine Commission’s annual Research Review. Set for Feb. 25-26 at the Clore Center in Prosser, the event will ask industry members for input on research proposals seeking grant funding through wine research programs in the state.

The Research Review is a key part of the state’s industry-driven research program supporting diverse viticulture and enology projects. This year’s review includes a record number of proposals, thanks to increased funding and two new research grant proposals launched by WSWC. Along with grants available from the statewide grape and wine research program administered by Washington State University, the wine industry looks to fund demonstrations and short-term projects, and extend the Washington wine industry’s reach beyond the state.

The review allows researchers a forum to share results of ongoing projects and pitch new proposals to the Wine Research Advisory Committee, a subcommittee of the WSWC. The committee works as a scientific review arm for the state’s wine industry and makes research grant funding recommendations to the WSWC’s board of directors.

Nearly 40 proposals will be reviewed over the two days. Industry members on hand will be asked to rank the research proposals by importance to the industry. The committee will take that feedback into consideration when making its grant funding recommendations.

The statewide research program currently offers more than $1 million in research grants through a blend of state, industry and private monies. Sources include WSWC, the Auction of Washington Wines, Washington State University’s Agriculture Research Center and state taxes collected from all wine sold in Washington.

There is no charge for the meeting, but preregistration is encouraged. For more information, contact the Melissa Hansen, WSWC research program manager, at [email protected].

Oregon Wine goes on the road

Product promotion is important when it comes to building market share, and the Oregon Wine Board is kicking off its event season in March. The initial list of events includes travel around the United States and abroad. For more information, visit oregonwine.org. Check out the stops set up so far:

March 4, Oregon Wine Trail, San Francisco. The Oregon Wine Board will hit the trail with 50-plus Oregon wineries and our friends at Olympia Provisions, the Oregon Cheese Guild, Som Cordials and more for a grand happening of Oregonian wine, food and personality. No white tablecloths. No orange cheese cubes. Instead, a generous pour of Oregon’s fine wine and pioneering spirit. Learn more and register.

March 15-17, Prowein, Dusseldorf, Germany. Oregon and Washington team up to showcase Pacific Northwest producers expanding their presence in international markets. The event includes wine tasting and three mini-master classes.

April 20, Oregon and Washington State Wine Expedition, Toronto. Oregon and Washington team up this time to bring the wines of the Pacific Northwest to Canada. Registration opening soon.

April 23, Oregon and Washington State Wine Expedition, Montreal. Oregon and Washington keep working on Canadian promotion at this Montreal event, which includes a walk-around trade tasting and a master class. Registration opening soon.

May 11, Oregon Wine Trail, Seattle. The board will hit the trail with 50-plus Oregon wineries and partner with Olympia Provisions, the Oregon Cheese Guild, Som Cordials and more, creating a happening of Oregonian wine, food and personality. Learn more and register.

May 13, Oregon and Washington State Wine Expedition, Calgary, Alberta. Oregon and Washington head back to Canada to promote product from the Pacific Northwest. Registration opening soon.

May 26 to 28, Vinexpo, Hong Kong. This event offers the market a chance to discover Oregon wines and meet producers making their debut in the Asian market.

Sources: Washington State Wine, Oregon Wine Board., which are solely responsible for the information provided, which is wholly owned by the sources. Informa Business Media and all its subsidiaries are not responsible for any of the content contained in this information asset.