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The Grape Post - June 2026 |
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Articles or Sections with *asterisks* are FREE to everyone to enjoy!
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Noteworthy |
Assistance for Specialty Crop Farmers Program Update |
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A significant federal assistance program for specialty crop growers is now open, with updated funding and important application deadlines. Find out whether your operation may qualify and what steps you need to take. Read more... |
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2026 Winegrowers Nominations are OPEN!* |
Policy + Politics |
Federal News Brief |
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A wave of federal policy activity is shaping the future of agriculture. Learn what's happening with appropriations, the 2026 Farm Bill, tariffs, USMCA, and expanded USDA payment provisions—and why winegrape growers should be paying attention. Read more... |
State News Brief |
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State agencies are seeking industry input on two proposals that could shape the future of Washington vineyards and wineries. Find out what's under consideration and the upcoming opportunities to make your voice heard. |
Is Your Business in Compliance? |
Tips to protect outdoor workers from the dangers of heat and wildfire smoke* |
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Hot temperatures and high winds have sparked several wildfires in Washington state. To protect outdoor workers from the dangers of both heat and wildfire smoke, watch an L&I safety expert review the rules employers must follow and timely tips to keep you safe. Read more...
Consejos para proteger a los trabajadores que laboran al aire libre de los peligros del calor y del humo de los incendios forestales. Leer más... |
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Implications of Senate Bill 6346--High Earner Income Tax |
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A new Washington tax law will bring significant changes for certain individuals and businesses in the coming years. Learn what's changing, who may be affected, and when the new provisions take effect. Read more... |
Around the Industry |
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WA Wine Allocates Over $650,000 for Viticulture and Enology Research |
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The Washington wine industry is continuing to invest in research that will benefit growers and winemakers alike. Learn about the latest funding and the areas of focus for the year ahead. Read more... |
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Winery Incubator Space Available* |
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Yakima Valley College is now accepting applications for its Winery Incubator Program at the YVC Teaching Winery in Grandview, WA, beginning Fall 2026. Read more... |
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Nominations Now Open for Farmers and Ranchers to Serve on USDA FSA County Committees* |
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The USDA is accepting nominations for producers interested in serving on local Farm Service Agency (FSA) county committees, which help make important decisions on the local administration of federal farm programs. Eligible producers can nominate themselves or others, with nomination forms due to local FSA offices by August 3, 2026. Election ballots will be mailed to eligible voters in November. Read more... |
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Japanese Beetle Stakeholder Update* |
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The Washington State Department of Agriculture has confirmed the first Japanese beetle detections of the season and continues statewide monitoring and eradication efforts. The agency is encouraging property owners in treatment areas to consent to free treatments, asking the public to report suspected sightings, and reminding travelers to check vehicles and materials for hitchhiking beetles to help prevent the invasive pest from becoming permanently established in Washington. Read more... |
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Help Shape Future COLAs Online Improvements |
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A federal modernization effort is moving forward, and alcohol industry stakeholders will soon have an opportunity to weigh in. Learn how upcoming user research sessions could help shape future improvements to a key online system used for label approvals, and how businesses can get involved in providing feedback. Read more... |
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Winegrowers Events* |
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Be Confident, Be Compliant: Register Today for the LCB and TTB Webinar Series for Wineries |
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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 Washington winery licensing, permitting, and compliance issues with the goal of helping wineries better understand their license and make lawful operations easier to understand and implement! We'll also review recent legislation and rule changes.
WSLCB Webinar - Wednesday, July 29th, 10 a.m. TTB Webinar- Wednesday, August 5th, 10 a.m.
Registration is for both webinars. You only need to register once.
Free for WWI and WA Winegrowers Members. WWI members use promo code: WWI 2026
Non-Members: $50 registration fee
Questions may be submitted in advance and will be asked anonymously! Submit your questions at time of registration or send them to marie@wwi.wine or julie@wawinegrowers.org |
WineVit 2027* |
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SAVE THE DATE – Winter WineVit 2027 |
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Mark your calendars for Winter WineVit 2027 on January 14, 2027 in Prosser!
Planning is already underway with the Education Committee; Winter WineVit 2027 will explore industry trends, strengthen connections, highlight research, and create new opportunities for networking and interaction. They’re also thrilled to be partnering with their Event Host, Gard, a family-owned, estate winery known for its vineyard-first philosophy and commitment to sustainability. They look forward to creating an engaging and impactful experience for Washington’s wine industry.
Thank you to those who have submitted topic and speaker recommendations, click here to submit your suggestions!
Details about Spring WineVit 2027 will be shared soon. |
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Washington Wine Industry Foundation Luncheon during Winter WineVit 2027 |
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Join the Washington Wine Industry Foundation for lunch at the Walter Clore Center during WineVit.
This restructured event will replace the annual Party + Auction but will still include opportunities for attendees to help support the Foundation’s mission of a thriving WA wine industry. Enjoy WA wine with a family style meal, bid on silent auction items, play games and enter raffles for great prizes, try to outbid other tables at the dessert auction and donate directly to the Foundation during the Fund-A-Need portion of the program. Ample networking time will be provided before attendees head back for the afternoon sessions of WineVit. The Foundation looks forward to hosting this luncheon and seeing everyone January 14, 2027!
More information will be posted soon at Events - Washington Wine Industry Foundation |
Partner Events* |
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Check out these other educational opportunities happening around the industry! You can return to the Winegrowers website page https://members.waWinegrowers.org/event-calendar at anytime to catch the latest listings. |
Resource Links |
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