Feedback from survey guides direction of state’s research program
SEATTLE (January 17, 2024) —The Washington State Wine Commission (WSWC) has opened its 2024 research survey to help identify the industry’s top wine research priorities.
The research survey is conducted annually by the WSWC as a key component of the industry-driven, viticulture and enology research program in Washington. Industry feedback gathered from the survey guides the Wine Research Advisory Committee during its annual revaluation of research priorities. The Advisory Committee is a subcommittee of the Washington State Wine Commission.
The priority list drives the research program and is used by scientists who propose research concepts that are relevant and address needs specific to Washington’s wine industry.
Viticulture and enology research for Washington’s wine industry is funded primarily through two grant programs. The Washington State Grape and Wine Research Program awards research funds to scientists at Washington State University and is funded by Washington State University, the Washington State Wine Commission, Auction of Washington Wines and state taxes collected on all wine sold. The Washington Wine Commission also awards research grants directly to Washington community colleges and scientists outside of WSU.
Past research projects have resulted in game-changing outcomes including saving irrigation water by up to 50 percent in red varieties, reducing pesticide usage, managing powdery mildew resistance to fungicides, predicting grapevine cold hardiness, improving tannin management in winemaking, controlling wine spoilage, and improving overall wine quality.
All Washington wine industry members who utilize viticulture and enology research are asked to participate in the short survey. The survey will be open through January.
About the Washington State Wine Commission
The Washington State Wine Commission (WSWC) represents every licensed winery and wine grape grower in Washington State. Guided by an appointed board, WSWC provides a marketing platform to raise positive awareness about the Washington wine industry and generate greater demand for its wines. Funded almost entirely by the industry through assessments based on grape and wine sales, WSWC is a state government agency, established by the legislature in 1987. Learn more at www.washingtonwine.org.
