Jan 30, 2017

Washington State Wine Commission releases research report

The Washington State Wine Commission is sharing results from the first year of its amplified research program in the first-ever 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, and attendance at the annual Research Review. 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 re-designed website that archives research reports and news; stakeholder outreach to nearly all statewide and regional wine associations and administered a comprehensive industry survey aimed at seeking input for research priorities.

The amped up research program was guided by 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 http://goo.gl/zW1ox8 to download a copy of the annual report.