State of the Washington Wine Industry

How is the state of the Washington Wine Industry?  Patrick Rawn, chair and General Manager of the Washington Winegrowers feels the industry made several strides in 2017.

“We had a good harvest last year, a little smaller harvest last year which was healthy and everything in 2018 looks to be good.”

Rawn said that smaller harvest had more to do with a massive harvest in 2016, rather than problems or shortcomings last year.  He also noted that 2017 quality was fantastic, and consumers should enjoy what they taste into the future.  Acknowledged it’s too early to predict what 2018 may hold in store, but he’s hopeful cooler, more seasonable temperatures will return to the area to help with fruit development.  Rawn is also hopeful the recently passed Federal Tax Cuts will be beneficial to the Wine industry.

“There was some direct impacts in terms on the wine excise tax in simplifying the filing processes and that which will greatly help wineries and which will eventually help growers as well.  But I think like everyone we’re in a wait and see and everyone’s businesses is different so we need to evaluate what those tax changes are going to do your business and that end of it, but I think as a whole, it’s probably healthy.”

Rawn spoke during last week’s Winegrowers convention the Tri-Cities.

If you have a story idea for the Washington Ag Network, call (509) 547-1618, or e-mail gvaagen@cherrycreekradio.com