Feedback from survey guides direction of state’s research program
SEATTLE (January 6, 2023) —The Washington State Wine Commission (WSWC) recently opened its 2023 research survey to gather input from wine grape growers and wineries to identify top wine research priorities.
The research survey, conducted annually by the WSWC, is a key component of the industry-driven, viticulture and enology research program in Washington. Industry feedback from the survey guides the annual reevaluation of priorities by the Wine Research Advisory Committee, a subcommittee of the Washington State Wine Commission. The priority list is used by scientists to develop research proposals and helps ensures that research projects address important 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. Last year, more than $1M was awarded through the research grant programs.
Past research projects have shown game-changing outcomes including saving irrigation water by up to 50 percent in red varieties, reducing pesticide usage, identifying powdery mildew resistance to fungicides, predicting grapevine cold hardiness and managing cold events, improving tannin management for winemaking, better 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.
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.
