Washington wine industry to gather at WineVit Feb. 7–10

The Washington wine industry will gather to honor leaders, discuss challenges and opportunities, taste disease-resistant cultivars and introduce the new “Sustainable WA” certification program at WineVit in Kennewick, Washington, Feb. 7–10, according to a news release from Washington Winegrowers Association.

The association’s annual convention, now held under the trademarked name WineVit, will be held at the Three Rivers Convention Center. The event kicks off with a social hour on the afternoon of Monday, Feb. 7. 

On Tuesday, the schedule includes a Grand Tasting focused on new, improved cultivars offering disease resistance and cold hardiness, along with viticulture sessions focused on vineyard management in a challenging labor environment and understanding wildfire smoke risks. 

On Wednesday, growers and vintners will have a chance to learn all about the new certified sustainable program, and Washington State Department of Agriculture will share updates on response efforts targeting the Japanese beetles recently detected in the Yakima Valley, plus pesticide application safety. An afternoon session will also focus on winter canopy management. 

Thursday will host the annual “State of the Industry” session, featuring speakers on global, national and local wine grape supply and demand, along with the trends currently shaping the industry. The industry’s Leadership and Legacy Luncheon will follow, featuring a keynote talk from Will Bowen, the founder of the Complaint Free Movement and a humorous motivational speaker pushing for positive thinking. 

For more information and to register, go to: winevit.org.