VINEWISE:

Vinewise is an online, interactive guide of business and viticulture topics created by and for Washington state wine grape growers and vintners to determine and assess viticulture management practices against industry standards of sustainability.  Find it at: www.vinewise.org.  Designed to be useful for both new and current industry members, the Vinewise Guide includes Checklists, Self-Evaluation Forms and Action Plans covering 16 specific sustainable viticulture and business topics including:

 

• Business Plans

• Human Resources

• Vineyard Establishment
• Soil & Site Properties

• Pest Management
• Contracts

• Soil Surface Mgmt

• Water Management
• Lending

• Soil Management
• Crop Insurance

• Vineyard Site Selection

• Community Neighbors

• Viticulture

• Whole Farm Ecosystems

• Marketing Plans

COSTS:

Basic information relating to winery and vineyard economics is available from Washington State University’s School of Economic Sciences.  These publications are helpful in determining the categories of expenses to anticipate.  The actual dollar amounts for these expenditures will likely have increased considerably.  Contact WSU at (509) 335-5555. 

 

To calculate your grape cost of production you can log onto www.wawgg.org and click on the Cost-of-Production page under the About Grape tab.  To calculate your wine cost of production you can log onto www.wawgg.org and click on the Cost-of-Production page under the About Wine tab. 

 

STATISTICS:

The United States Department of Agriculture National Ag Stats Service provides annual crop estimates and harvest figures as well as average pricing statistics for grapes at the state and national level: www.nass.usda.gov/Statistics_by_State/Washington/Publications/Fruit/index.asp

In addition, at the industry request, NASS completed both a comprehensive survey on grape acreage and on wine storage.  Copies of the studies are available by contacting (360) 902-1940 or going to the website above.  (Also available on the WAWGG website.)

 

BOOKS and MAGAZINES:

Some publications that our growers believe are essential to a new grower include: General Viticulture by Winkler, Grape Pest Management by the University of California and Growing Grapes in Eastern Washington by WSU (which has also been translated into Spanish—see WAWGG).  In addition, you might want to subscribe to or get back issues of The Good Fruit Grower, Wine Business Monthly, Practical Winery and Vineyard, Wines & Vines, American Vineyard, and Vineyard and Winery Management.  WSU Extension Bulletins are available for download or purchase at http://pubs.wsu.edu or the WSU Viticulture Extension webpage at: http://winegrapes.wsu.edu/growing.html

 

EXPERIENCE MATTERS:

It is also helpful to speak with established vineyards or wineries of a size similar to the vineyard or winery you plan to operate.  Their “real life” experience can often give a more accurate picture of the industry and the challenges you face than statistics. To find a winery or grower, search the Wine Commission’s website at: www.washingtonwine.org or better yet, attend industry events to meet them in person.  In particular, the annual meeting of WAWGG draws a who's who of the industry. 

 

WINERY PERMITS & OTHER REGULATORY MATTERS:

 

FEDERAL

The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau is the federal agency that regulates the U.S. wine industry (a branch of the Department of Treasury).  Upon request, the T.T.B. will provide you with a qualification packet.  This includes applications for operating winery premises, for a basic permit and for a wine bond, along with several other forms requesting information on your personal background and other aspects of your proposed business.  The T.T.B. has a local office in Vancouver and to receive a packet with all the necessary information call (360) 696-7900 or the National Revenue Center at (877) 882-3277.  Website: www.ttb.gov

 

STATE-

The State of Washington also has certain requirements for wineries.  The agency that regulates the industry is the Washington State Liquor Control Board Division of Manufacturers, Importers & Wholesalers.  Call (360) 664-1600 for an application, or go online at www.liq.wa.gov.

 

In addition, the State Department of Health and some local agencies handle zoning issues will also be involved in the development of a winery.  A business license is also required from the Washington State Dept. of Licensing.  Call (360) 664-1400 or go to: www.dol.wa.gov

 

TRADE ASSOCIATIONS:

WASHINGTON ASSOCIATION OF WINE GRAPE GROWERS

The Washington Association of Wine Grape Growers advocates for the Washington wine growing industry by educating, promoting, representing, and unifying.  We encourage a positive business environment for continued growth and production of world-class, Washington-grown wines and are advocates for the business interests of Washington wine growers/producers whether they are new or seasoned growers.  Our members are wine grape growers and wineries in Washington state.  Our allied members are those who provide products or services to the industry.

 

WASHINGTON WINE INSTITUTE

The Washington Wine Institute is the lobbying organization that represents wine producers and associates on Washington State legislative and regulatory issues impacting the industry. For more information call: (360) 352-1557 or see them at: www.washingtonwineinstitute.org

 

COMMISSIONS:

 

WASHINGTON WINE COMMISSION

The vintners and wine grape growers of Washington State went to the legislature in 1987 requesting the ability to equally tax all wine grape growers and wineries to create a statewide organization dedicated to the marketing, advertising and promotion of Washington state wines.  The Commission’s vision statement reads:  "To establish Washington State as the world’s premier wine producing and wine grape growing region".  The structure of the Commission governing board includes five winery seats from small to large, five grower seats from small to large, one retailer, one fruit wine producer and the Department of Agriculture.  As a quasi-state agency, the Commission meets in open public meetings monthly which alternate between Eastern and Western Washington.  For additional information contact them at: (206) 667-9463 or visit them at: www.washingtonwine.org

 

GROWING:

Consultants that may also be helpful in locating or developing vineyard sources are listed below but any new grower or those just starting should first contact a WSU-Cooperative Extension specialist for wine grapes (see contact info on WSU list below) as well as visit the Checklists at www.vinewise.org:

 

Joan Johnson

Fieldma’am Consulting

(509) 882-3001

 

James McFerran

Vit. Consulting Svcs.

(509) 840-0812

 

Alan Busacca, Ph.D.

Vinitas Vineyard Consultants, LLC

(509) 592-0756

alan@vinitas.net

 

Charles & Judi Smasne

Westlin Management
509-786-4543

 

Wade Wolfe

509-832-2920 
whwolfe@bentonrea.com

 

Thorsen Bookwalter & Assoc.

509-531-8765

RESEARCH and EXTENSION:

Washington State University is the principal institution conducting viticultural and enological research and providing extension services.  The following might be helpful to growers and vintners in searching for viticulture and/or enology information or sources: