2027 Program

Everyone will experience WineVit together. Throughout the day, attendees, speakers, researchers, sponsors, and partners will gather in the main hall for educational presentations, then move into the Partner Pavilion during breaks to network, reconnect, and continue the conversation.

Attendee Flyer

Winter WineVit®

Educational Leaning: Grower Topics
Thursday, January 14, 2027
Gård Estate Wines
2258 Wine Country Road; Prosser, WA
Registration opens at 8:30 am; the day concludes at 5:30 pm

Short, TED Talk-style presentations featuring researchers at the forefront of wine grape growing. Hear directly from leading experts as they share insights, findings, and practical applications from their latest research to help advance vineyard practices.

When Margins Matter: Lessons from Minimal-Input Vineyard Management with Dr. Patricia Skinkis, Professor & Viticulture Extension Specialist, Oregon State University

Lesson’s Learned from a 10-year Vineyard Trial: Fumigation, Nematodes, and Nutrients with Dr. Michelle Moyer, Professor & Viticulture Extension Specialist, Washington State University
Connect with your favorite allied partners and make new connections in the Partner Pavilion. Researchers will also be standing by for continued conversations on their research.
Potential and Profitability of Satellites and Drones for Smarter Vineyard Management with Dr. Lav Khot, Director of AgWeatherNet and a Professor of Precision Agriculture, Washington State University
Topic two TBA
This restructured event will replace the annual Party + Auction while still offering attendees opportunities to support the Foundation’s mission of a thriving WA wine industry. Enjoy WA wine with a family-style meal, bid on silent auction items, play games, enter raffles, compete in the dessert auction, and donate directly to the Foundation during the Fund-A-Need portion of the program. Ample networking time will be provided before attendees return for the afternoon sessions of WineVit. The Foundation looks forward to hosting this luncheon and seeing everyone January 14, 2027!
Agricultural Viability: Opportunities for Washington Ag with Madison Roy, Agricultural Economist, Washington State Department of Agriculture
Found you: Invaded! with Cassie Knavel, Outreach Specialist, Early Pest Detection Program, WSDA
Fire Management Panel: What Informs Decision for Wildfire and Controlled Burns? speakers TBA
Connect with your favorite allied partners and make new connections in the Partner Pavilion.
Forward-looking presentations featuring Washington-specific data, consumer trends, and grower opportunities.
What Does Data Tell Us About Supply and Demand? with Erik McLaughlin, Metis & Adam Schulz, Founder, Incredible Bulk Wine Company
Leveraging Opportunities to Shape the Future with Adam Schulz, Founder, Incredible Bulk Wine Company
Wrap up Winter WineVit 2027 with a final toast! Connect with colleagues and friends over a glass of Washington wine and celebrate the recipients of the Washington Winegrowers Association’s annual awards.

Registration is now open!

Due to limited space, registration is being opened in waves.
If you have not received a registration link, please contact julie@wawinegrowers.org for assistance.

Meet our Winter WineVit Speakers

Dr. Patricia Skinkis

Professor & Viticulture Extension Specialist; Oregon State University

Meet Dr. Skinkis
Dr. Michelle Moyer

Professor & Viticulture Extension Specialist; Washington State University

Meet Dr. Moyer
Dr. Lav Khot

Director of AgWeatherNet and a Professor of Precision Agriculture; Washington State University

Meet Dr. Knot
Madi Roy

Agricultural Economist; Washington State Department of Agriculture

Meet Madi
Cassie Knavel

Outreach Specialist, Early Pest Detection Program; Washington State Department of Agriculture

Meet Cassie
Adam Schulz

Founder; Incredible Bulk Wine Company

Meet Adam
Erik McLaughlin

CEO; Metis

Meet Eric