The Grape Post - July 2026
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Congratulations to Irving Mendoza, recipient of the 2026 Walter J. Clore Scholarship!
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On behalf of the Washington Winegrowers Board of Directors, congratulations to Irving Mendoza of Yakima Valley College on receiving this year's Walter J. Clore Scholarship.
Established in 1997 by the Winegrowers, the scholarship honors Dr. Walter J. Clore's pioneering contributions to Washington viticulture and enology and supports students pursuing wine-related education. Read more...
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Nominate an Industry Member for a
Winegrowers 2026 Award!
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Do you know someone who has made an outstanding contribution to Washington's wine industry? Now is your chance to recognize their achievements. Winegrowers is accepting nominations for its annual awards, celebrating the individuals whose leadership, innovation, and dedication have made a lasting impact on our industry. Submit your nomination today and help honor those who help Washington wine thrive.
Click here to submit your nominations.
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Winegrowers Board Nominations Open
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Nominations are being sought for positions on the Washington Winegrowers Board of Directors. The terms of three board members expire in 2026, and while each incumbent intends to run again, each of their seats is up for election. Additionally, there is one open seat with an expiring term in 2027. Read more...
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Federal policy activity continues to shape the future of agriculture. Learn what's happening with appropriations, the 2026 Farm Bill, trade and tariffs, H-2A reform, and USDA assistance programs—and why these developments matter for winegrape growers. Read more...
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Sustainable WA:
The People Behind the Standard
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Certifications, like currencies, are only worth what backs them. As the global wine industry moves deeper into the age of sustainability — where organic, regenerative, and certified-sustainable labels crowd the shelf and compete for the conscience of the consumer — the question that will separate the meaningful from the merely decorative is a simple one: how rigorous and applicable is the standard? At Sustainable WA, we believe the answer begins not with marketing, but with science. And science, in this program, has a name: the Technical Committee. Read more...
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Is Your Business in Compliance?
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Know the Health Risks of Breathing in Wildfire Smoke*
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Resources for Required Accident Prevention Program Development
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Wildfire smoke is a growing public health and climate concern, especially in the western U.S., and it's affecting more people than ever before. Covered employers must have a plan for responding to wildfire smoke exposure symptoms. Here's a breakdown of what’s happening and what you can do. Read more... (También en español)
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A strong safety program does more than meet requirements—it can strengthen your business. Learn about the resources and guidance available to help create a safer, healthier workplace for you and your team.
Read more...
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TTB Label Approval Basics
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Federal label requirements can be confusing, but knowing when approval is needed can save time and prevent compliance issues. Review key guidance and resources to help keep your labels on the right track. Read more...
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It’s time again to collect annual export data for the Washington wine industry. All information is kept confidential and will only be used for Washington Wine’s internal planning and to report aggregate industry trends. No individual winery data will be shared without your permission.
This information is especially important because USDA grant funding for the Washington State Wine Commission’s international programs is directly tied to the amount Washington wineries are investing in export marketing. The more accurately we can demonstrate our industry’s collective investment abroad—and track Washington wine exports—the more federal funding we’re eligible to receive to support these programs.
Please take a few minutes to complete the survey with your export activity from July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026. The WSWC is hoping to have all responses in by August 31.
For any questions, please contact Kate.
Please fill out their 2026 Export Survey.
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Trade Mission to Korea & Japan
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Big opportunities are on the horizon for Washington agriculture.
This fall, a limited number of agricultural leaders will have the chance to participate in a high-impact international trade mission focused on strengthening relationships and expanding opportunities in two of Washington's most important export markets. Read more...
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WSU AgWeatherNet Crowdsourcing*
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Growers are invited to contribute data on canopy and fruit temperature to improve AgWeatherNet’s predictive capabilities. AWN CropAI is a smartphone application that combines thermal imaging, localized weather data, and AI to provide forecasted and real-time berry surface temperature, sunburn risk assessments, and color progression analysis. The app is designed for on-site decision-making. Download the free AWN CropAI from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store depending on your device platform. Contact Nipun at CPAAS for a list of recommended thermal cameras at nipun.thennakoon@wsu.edu.
Apple App Store download link
Google Play Store download link
App documentation
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Washington State University is starting a new project looking at the epidemiology of sour rot in Washington wine grapes.
If you have a vineyard location in Washington State that has experienced sour rot in the last 6 years, and are interested in participating in their survey study, please contact Alyssa Perez (alyssa.perez1@wsu.edu).
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Renew Your Membership Today!*
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We truly appreciate your support and the important role all our members play in strengthening Washington's wine industry. Your membership helps keep you connected to industry news, resources, educational opportunities, and enables advocacy efforts on behalf of the industry.
Winegrowers recent efforts in these areas:
- Winegrowers met with every Washington congressional office while in DC
- Regular collaboration with state and national partners on issues of relevance like the Farm Bill, smoke exposure research funding, Assistance for Specialty Crop Farmers Program, H2A reform legislation, water rights, statewide tourism funding, market assistance, and more
- Support of grant applications for proposed industry-benefiting research projects
- Upcoming Be Confident, Be Compliant WSLCB & TTB Webinar Series – FREE for members – Register here!
- We are reimagining WineVit for 2027
- Winter WineVit will be in Prosser at Gard on Thursday, January 14, 2027 with a grower emphasis; attendee tickets will be $90 including a sit down lunch with Washington Wine Industry Foundation
- Summer WineVit is coming together with plans for June 2027 in Woodinville. This event will have a winery/winemaking emphasis.
Memberships are now good for 12 full months, instead of just the calendar year. So don't wait until 2027 - Renew your membership today!
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