2026 Program
Thursday, January 15 | 12:00 - 2:00 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 Open
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
High School Student Field Day and Tour
8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Trade Show Open
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
1 day only
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.
Session Manager: Dustin Tobin | Director of Vineyard Operations, Precept Wine Brands
Danny Brager | Beverage Alcohol Industry Fact-Based Consultant, 3 Tier Beverages
Liz Thach | President, Wine Market Council
Melissa Clubb | Brand Manager, L’Ecole № 41
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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
Session Manager: Nicole Arnold | Head Winemaker, RM Wineries
Erik McLaughlin | Chief Executive Officer, Metis
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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
Session Manager: Reid Wilson | Vineyard Manager, Hedges Family Estate
Kelsey Kelmel | Program Coordinator, Benton Conservation District
Craig Camp | General Manager, Troon Vineyard
Thomas Sexton | Conservation Resouce Director, Benton Conservation District
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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.
1:30 - 3:30 PM
Pesticide Credit. Spanish Language Option Available.
Session Manager: Francisco Sarmiento | Faculty, Wenatchee Valley College
Session Manager: Frank Sarmiento-Torres | Faculty, Wenatchee Valley College
Apollinar Blanco | Sustainability & Social Responsibility Manager, Joyfully Grown by Chelan Fresh
Miguel Rodriguez | Weinbau Vineyard Manager, Sagemoor Vineyards
Ingrid Zaragoza | Bilingual Licensing and Recertification Specialist, Washington State Department of Agriculture
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Washington grape growers now have access to two powerful new online tools—developed with funding from the Washington State Wine Commission—to make crop protection decisions faster, easier, and more precise. This session offers a deep dive into the new digital Grape Crop Protection Guide (CPG) and the newly developed Decision Aid System (DAS) for grapes. Together, these platforms bring sophisticated decision support directly into growers’ hands. Attendees are encouraged to bring a laptop for live demonstrations and hands-on use of the tools.
2:00 - 4:00 PM
Pesticide Credit
Session Manager: Gwen Hoheisel | Regional Extension Specialist, Washington State University
Session Manager: Michelle Moyer | Professor/Viticulture Extension Specialist , Washington State University
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New generations of wine drinkers are creating fresh opportunities for Washington winegrowers and winemakers. In response, this session explores how to intentionally plan for and produce lower-alcohol wines that maintain flavor, integrity, and quality. From varietal selection, vineyard practices and fermentation management to branding, storytelling, and market positioning, learn how to reach new audiences, expand your offerings, and embrace flexibility and innovation at every step of the process.
2:15 - 3:45 PM
Session Manager: Linn Scott | Operations Manager, Sparkman Cellars
Danny Berger | Wine Columnist, Dan Berger's Vintage Experiences
Jim Harbertson | Associate Professor of Enology, Washington State University
3:45 - 5:00 PM
Trade Show Happy Hour
Sponsored by:
5:00 - 10:00 PM
Washington Wine Industry Foundation Party and Auction + Winegrowers Awards
Wednesday, February 11
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Registration Open
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When grape markets contract, vineyard owners are left with hard decisions: pull the vineyard, sell the land, or ride it out and hope conditions improve. But what does “riding it out” actually look like—and when is it the right call?
This forward-looking session is designed for grower decision-makers and operations managers facing uncertainty. Drawing on real-world examples and technical expertise, presenters will explore how to strategically evaluate whether to idle a vineyard and the agronomic, operational, and financial implications of that decision.
8:45 - 10:15 AM
Session Manager: Dustin Tobin | Director of Vineyard Operations, Precept Wine Brands
Richard Hoff
Markus Keller
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This session provides a practical, accessible introduction to AI for winemakers and growers - explaining what AI actually is, how it already appears in daily life, and how it can elevate people rather than replace them.
Attendees will learn how AI is used today in vineyards, growing operations, winemaking, and winery business management. They will leave with simple prompts, practical tools, and confidence in how to start applying AI in their own operations.
8:45 - 10:00 AM
Session Manager: Freddy Arredondo | Winemaker, Cave B Estate Winery
Session Manager: Kimberly Sheffield | Chief Revenue Officer, BX
Matthew Witte | Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Blended Tech
Patrick Rawn | Vineyard Operations, Two Mountain Winery
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In this snapshot session, 2024 Bill Powers Sabbatical recipient Casey Cobble shares her learnings from a dive into Northern Italy’s sparkling wine traditions—from Charmat to Traditional Method. Casey’s journey took her through renowned regions and into hands-on production, including assisting acclaimed sparkling wine consultant Jerome Barret in tirage bottling at Monsignore in Alta Langa. Through a travel journal-style narrative, she highlights winemaking techniques and equipment used in the places she visited. Designed to inspire anyone interested in expanding their view beyond state lines, this Washington Wine Industry Foundation Sabbatical report is based in the philosophy that exposure to other wine regions helps us innovate and continue to improve.
10:15 - 10:45 AM
Session Manager: Jenn Brunner | Executive Director, Washington Wine Industry Foundation
Casey Cobble | White and Sparking Winemaker, Four Feathers
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
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A special, Washington industry-focused panel will discuss decisions and responses to current industry conditions. Increasingly, we are witnessing some bold, defiant moves by some. We will tune into these for inspiration, motivation, and a glimpse into the future. Moderated by Drew Bledsoe of Bledsoe Wine Estates and Sidney Rice of Dossier Wine Collective.
Moderator: Drew Bledsoe | Founder, Bledsoe Wine Estates
Moderator: Sidney Rice | Proprietor & Managing Partner, Dossier Wine Collective
Justin Andrews | Director of Vineyard & Winery Operations, McKinley Springs
Ryan Hill | Vice President of Sales, RM Wineries
Brennon Leighton | Winemaker, O'Neill Wines
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Leaders from the Washington State Wine Commission, Washington Wine Institute, Washington Winegrowers Association, Auction of Washington Wines and Washington Wine Industry Foundation will come together in 2026 for two industry-wide Town Hall meetings, one in person during WineVit® and virtually on February 23.
The intention of these Town Halls is to be highly collaborative. After brief presentations, we'll host listening sessions to give attendees space to voice concerns, share insights, and identify opportunities for collaboration. Your feedback is invaluable as we strive to foster a thriving environment for wineries and winegrowers in our region.
12:15 PM - 1:45 PM
Lunch Included with Registration
Co-Moderator: Heather Bradshaw | Communications Director, Washington State Wine Commission
Co-Moderator: David Flaherty | Marketing Director, Washington State Wine Commission
Kristina Kelley | Executive Director, Washington State Wine Commission
Josh McDonald | Executive Director, Washington Wine Institute
Sara Higgins | Executive Director, Washington Wine Growers
Katie Maltais | Executive Director, Auction of Washington Wines
Jenn Brunner | Executive Director, Washington Wine Industry Foundation
