Washington Wine Commission’s Research Priorities

The Washington State Wine Commission has released their list of research priorities after getting feedback from growers, stakeholders and others during a recent survey.

Research Program Manager Melissa Hansen said the list will now be shared with researchers who might be looking for funding.

“That priority list really drives the sort of research projects that are proposed because they’re scored based on priorities.”

Fermentation management and climate impact on grape quality and pests and the impact of mechanization are some of the biggest areas of concern.

Hansen said they are trying to work with the industry to understand their needs and know what is needed to improve Washington wines.

“Lots of work in bringing the vineyard and the wine together. Obviously tweaks, changes you make in canopy management, in vineyard management, can effect wine quality.”

Hansen emphasized that anybody in the wine industry who wants to continue to be part of the process should come to their annual research review in January to help decide on research projects.

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