Cracking the Distribution Code: Strategies for Washington Wineries

Description

Are you a small- or mid-sized Washington winery looking to sharpen your distribution strategy—or explore new opportunities in the distribution landscape?

Join us for Cracking the Distribution Code, a free two-hour virtual seminar designed to demystify the complex (and ever-changing) world of distribution.

Co-developed by the Washington State Wine Commission and the Washington Winegrowers Association, this session builds on the foundation of last year’s program at WineVit 2025. With fresh insights, expanded content, and new perspectives, we’ve revamped the seminar for 2026 to provide even more practical, actionable guidance for today’s market. 

What You’ll Learn
Over two focused hours, we’ll dig into the essentials every winery should know, including:

• Assessing your winery’s readiness for distribution 
• Preparing to approach a distributor: what they look for, what to bring, and what to expect 
• Best practices for supplier–distributor partnerships once you’re in the market

Strategies for managing distributor relationships and growing market presence, making this seminar an essential resource for wineries ready to take their business to the next level

Featuring a Five-Person Expert Panel 

• Kathy Byrd – Managing Partner, Real Wine Alliance 
• Annie Wallace Cox – National Sales Manager – West, L’Ecole Nº 41
• Meghan Farrell – Portfolio Management Director, Winebow 
• Jeff Berg – Sales Representative, Dark Rock Wines 
• Jerred Wolf – Vice President / General Manager, Galaxy Wine Company 

Moderated by: David Flaherty – Marketing Director, Washington State Wine Commission 

Why Attend 

• Get practical, real-world insights 
• Learn common pitfalls and how to avoid them 
• Understand how to position your winery for long-term success 
• Enjoy a preview of the deeper educational programming coming at WineVit 2026