In this issue...
Feature
Welcome, Beverly, Washington AVA!
Advocacy
FY 2025 Legislative Update
Washington Liquor & Cannabis Board (LCB) Rulemaking
TTB Proposed Rulemaking – Modernization of Permit Application Requirements for Wine Premises
Education & Events
Register for LAEP!
Register for WineVit® 2025!
Rich Smith Award Nominations are Now Open
Sustainable WA
Meet the Sustainable WA Grower: Sadie Drury of North Slope Management
Membership
Become a member to save on WineVit®!
Welcome Beverly, Washington AVA!
The Beverly, Washington AVA is officially joining Washington's 20 other American viticultural areas! The region, containing 2,415 acres of land nestled between Royal Slope to the north and Wahluke Slope to the south, is the 21st AVA in Washington and the seventh approved since 2020. Make sure you check out this AVA's profile on the WA Wine Commission's website. Welcome, Beverly, Washington AVA!
FY 2025 Legislative Update
As Congress prepares to reconvene after the elections, the lame duck session will bring urgent discussions on fiscal year 2025 appropriations and the Farm Bill. With the Washington Winegrowers Association advocating for specialty crop priorities, growers are watching closely to see if Congress can pass crucial funding and policy support before the year ends.
LCB Rulemaking
The Washington Liquor and Cannabis Board has proposed a new rule to support liquor manufacturers temporarily unable to access their facilities by allowing them to sell on another licensee’s premises. A public hearing on this proposal is set for December 4, with comments open until then.
TTB Proposed Rulemaking – Modernization of Permit Application Requirements for Wine Premises
The U.S. Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau is proposing updates to streamline wine premises permit applications, reducing reporting requirements and simplifying procedures for business changes and trade names. Public comments on the proposal are open until December 2, 2024.
Register for the Latino Ag Education Program!
Registration for the Latino Ag Education Program is OPEN for the 2024-2025 session! Levels 1 and 3 are being offered at Yakima Valley College's Grandview Campus, 8am - 5pm every Friday from November 8, 2024, to March 21, 2025. This program is designed to help Spanish-speaking vineyard workers expand their skills in every aspect of vineyard work and leadership.
WineVit® 2025 is February 10-12, 2025!
Join the Washington Winegrowers Association and hundreds of WA wine industry enthusiasts, leaders, and members to celebrate Washington wine, share invaluable information, and build community in Kennewick, WA. This annual tradition is a hub of innovation and networking for the WA wine community and you do NOT want to miss out!
Registration is NOW OPEN! Register by January 19, 2025 to take advantage of our early bird discount and save up to $150 on attendee registration.
You can also become a sponsor or exhibitor to connect with the industry at its biggest event of the year! Check out our sponsorship and exhibiting opportunities to maximize the return on your investment in this crucial annual event.
Rich Smith Award Nominations are Open
Nominate an industry leader for the Rich Smith Award of Excellence TODAY! This award recognizes an industry representative who exemplifies the passion, commitment and collaboration Rich was known for and who similarly impacts the industry. For each organization involved, it is our highest and most coveted award. Nominations close today and the recipient will be announced at the WGA Luncheon on January 29, 2025 in Sacramento, CA.
Meet the Sustainable WA Grower: Sadie Drury of North Slope Management, Walla Walla Valley
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Hear from Sustainable WA grower and leader Sadie Drury of North Slope Management on what sustainability means to her, why having a sustainability certification program for Washington state is important, and why wineries should purchase Sustainable WA certified grapes. |
Upcoming Events
LAAEP: Latino Ag Education Program
Yakima Valley College, Grandview Campus
Fridays, November 8, 2024 - March 21, 2025
In partnership with Yakima Valley College and Wenatchee Valley College
WineVit® 2025
Three Rivers Convention Center, Kennewick, WA
February 10-12, 2025