The Grape Post - October 2026
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Articles or Sections with *asterisks* are FREE to everyone to enjoy!
Renew your membership today to gain access to ALL content and more!
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A day in Manson is a reminder that agriculture, wine, and community are deeply connected*
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Executive Director Sara Higgins spent the day visiting growers and wineries in the rolling hills of Manson including Lagriōth Winery at Chelan Valley Farms, Tipsy Canyon Winery, Saoirse Wine & Cherries, Silver Bell Winery, and wrapping up with a community social at Succession Wines.
The conversations were honest and important — from the ongoing stress of smoke impact and misinformation about smoke to the unique grower operations in the region. They helped shape how best Winegrowers can serve its members.
Alongside challenges, there was something incredibly encouraging that shone through: people who are committed and determined to keep pushing forward.
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Here’s to the growers, winemakers, and community members who plant, cultivate, create, innovate, and persevere. Thank you for sharing your stories with Winegrowers.
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Pictured: Sara Higgins and Jeana Steiner (co-owner of Lagriōth Winery at Chelan Valley Farms)
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WineVit® 2027 will explore industry trends, strengthen connections, highlight research, and create new opportunities for networking and interaction. We look forward to creating an engaging and impactful experience for Washington’s wine industry.
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Educational Leaning: Grower Topics
When: Thursday, January 14, 2027
Time: 8:30 am - 5:30 pm
Where: Gård Estate Wines
(previously Desert Wind Winery)
2258 Wine Country Road, Prosser, WA
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Winter WineVit Program Sneak Peak
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Short "TED Talk"-style presentations from researchers highlighting current research with practical vineyard applications.
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"When Margins Matter: Lessons from Minimal-Input Vineyard Management" with Dr. Patricia Skinkis, Professor & Viticulture Extension Specialist, Oregon State University
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Industry Outlook: Trends & Opportunities for Growers
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Forward-looking presentations featuring Washington-specific data, consumer trends, and opportunities.
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"Leveraging opportunities to shape the future " with Adam Schulz, Founder, Incredible Bulk Wine Company
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Who You'll See in the Partner Pavilion!
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Winter WineVit
Ste Michelle Wine Estates, Inland Desert Nursery, WCP Solutions, Trysk Print Solutions, AgWest Farm Credit, Spring Creek Agricultural Equipment
Summer WineVit
Ste Michelle Wine Estates, Trysk Print Solutions, AgWest Farm Credit, Northstar Hotsy, Scott Laboratories, Encore Glass
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(Attendee registration opens in November!)
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Potential changes to workers’ compensation costs and new liquor retail regulations are on the horizon for Washington’s wine industry. Here’s what growers and wineries should know—and how they can weigh in.
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Congressional inaction, shifting trade policies, and looming deadlines are creating uncertainty for Washington winegrape growers. Get the latest on federal funding, Farm Bill programs, and US-Canada trade tensions—and what may lie ahead for the industry.
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Is Your Business in Compliance?
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WA’s 2027 Minimum Wage and Implications
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Several important employment law changes are coming to Washington in 2027, affecting wages, overtime exemptions, and non-compete agreements. Here’s a look at what employers need to know to prepare for the year ahead. Read more...
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Grape Report Survey Opens in November
Please Complete It!*
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Three years ago, an industry-wide acreage survey was launched as part of the Wine Commission’s annual Grape Report. This year, we strongly urge every grower to complete the survey to inform a timely and comprehensive winegrape acreage report that you and your industry partners can use in support of your operations.
Individual grower information is not published. Acreage data are combined and reported only in aggregate so the industry can understand statewide and regional acreage and varietal plantings while protecting information about individual operations.
Reliable, up-to-date acreage data are more important than ever as our industry responds to a dynamic market and changing landscape. The data can help inform your business decisions, and it helps your industry partners identify meaningful educational opportunities and research, advocate, secure grant funding, and promote WA wine.
When you see the survey sent from the Wine Commission, please make a point to complete it!
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Join the Washington Winegrowers Association Board of Directors for an evening of updates and networking at Treveri Cellars in Wapato!
When: Thursday, November 12, 2026: 4:30 - 6 pm
Where: Treveri Cellars: 71 Gangl Road; Wapato
Agenda:
- Networking and Wine
- Annual Meeting to include State of the Organization, Financials, Outcomes of board elections (keep your eyes open for ballots this month)
- Networking and Wine continues
This event is open to all Winegrowers current members, if you are unsure of your membership status, please reach out to Julie.
RSVP to Julie at [email protected]
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Latino Ag Education Program for Viticulture (LAEP)
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Since its inception in 2006, the Washington Winegrowers has enjoyed a successful partnership with Wenatchee Valley Community College and Yakima Valley College to deliver the Latino Agriculture Education for Viticulture Program (LAEP) for viticulture. The primary objective of the program is to empower participants with practical knowledge and skills that can be immediately applied to enhance daily vineyard practices. The curriculum spans multiple weeks. Level 1 is taught primarily in Spanish, with some English integrated in. Level 3 is taught in English, fostering language proficiency and promoting well-rounded development.
Level 3 – Vineyard Management and Integrated Pest Management
The Level 3 focuses on all aspects of the management side of a vineyard, including developing a budget, basic record keeping, balance sheet, cash flow, human resources (supervision, hiring/firing, conflict resolution, discrimination, etc.), marketing, cost analysis, revenues/profits, etc.
Geared towards Spanish-speaking vineyard employees aspiring for leadership roles, Level 3 offers intensive technical training, equipping participants for mid-management and leadership positions. Participants will understand advanced pest management techniques and insights into vineyard economics, and gain a refined understanding of management principles for sustainable success.
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The Washington Winegrowers Association calendar now features indsutry events from nonprofit, academic, and government organizations, highlighting educational opportunities in viticulture and enology across Washington and beyond. Visit the calendar to see upcoming events—or submit your own industry event for approval directly through the site. Click here to view
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Visit us on Social Media!
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