2026 Program
Thursday, January 15 - 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
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Join us for this webinar designed for Washington wineries considering expanding or improving their reach through distribution. This session will provide an overview of the U.S. wine distribution system, including the 3-tier model, legal considerations, and the pros and cons of direct-to-consumer versus wholesale distribution. Attendees will learn how to assess their winery's readiness for distribution, identify potential partners, and develop effective strategies to pitch and negotiate with distributors. The webinar will also cover best practices for managing distributor relationships and growing market presence, making it an essential resource for wineries ready to take their business to the next level.
Webinar access will be available to all registered conference attendees.
Tuesday, February 10
Registration Opens
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
High School Student Field Day and Tour
8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Trade Show Open
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
9:00 - 10:30 AM
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This session provides an overview of the current business environment including global and national supply and demand with an emphasis on Washington State wine sales. Additionally, this session provides current information on consumer trends. The goal is to provide current data and shared knowledge to help you make informed decisions about your operations. Hear from industry and topic experts to gain relevant information that impacts your business and what may come next for the Washington Wine Industry.
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The Washington wine industry faces both unprecedented challenges and a record amount of generational turnover. Many business owners are looking to write the next chapter of their story – for some it will be their final chapter.
Erik McLaughlin of Metis will explore three options available to business owners looking to transition: Sale, Merger, and Wind-Down. He will share real-world examples of other wine businesses who have navigated each path while providing practical guidance for owners to prepare for and achieve a successful transition.
Learn how a planned exit can help your business transition or close responsibly, preserving value and taking care of stakeholders. By approaching your final chapter with intention, you can close the book on your terms while helping write a stronger future for Washington wine.
10:45 AM - 12:00 PM
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Each part of our farm systems are delicately interconnected; from pests and disease to irrigation we share common hurdles and common goals in the daily interaction with these systems. How we address those hurdles and goals impact our farms…and our bottom line. This session offers easy-to-implement practices that may pivot perspective when it comes to sustainable farming. Let’s lean into resources that can make our work easier, more cost-effective, and earn us some points in the marketplace.
11:00 AM - 12:15 PM
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This two-hour, bilingual session is designed for Spanish-speaking vineyard workers and other wine industry professionals seeking pesticide recertification credits. On January 1, 2026, the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) updated its pesticide licensing rules. The revisions will comply with stricter standards set by the Environmental Protection Agency for applicators using restricted-use pesticide. The first half hour of this session will be dedicated to timely updates on certification and training rule changes with the goal of helping those engaged in vineyard pest and weed control as well as winery fumigation for wine barrels or corks understand new requirements. Then, attendees will gain insights on the current state of the industry and explore practical strategies and technology for integrated pest management. This session equips participants with actionable knowledge for a changing industry.