Wine Commission Research Pt 2

With today's Fruit Grower Report, I'm Bob Larson. As the wine industry in Washington state continues to grow, more is being done to keep everyone involved and in-the-know about the latest wine research conducted here.

That task sets on the shoulders of the Washington Wine Commission where Melissa Hansen says, the information is crucial ...

MELISSA HANSEN ... "Oh, it's vital, and some of the areas that they've been studying, and really put our emphasis on, are things like what the industry needs long-term like disease control. You know, there are a few challenges that can really wipe out a vineyard and can affect a grower's bottom line for the long-term. So, they have been very strategic in the type of research that's been supported."

Hansen says she was struck by how many people were unaware that the research is supported by the industry ...

MELISSA HANSEN ... "And then there are three other partners that help support the V & E research, and that includes the Auction of Washington Wine, and they are a very big contributor. WSU puts in some money. And then, every bottle of wine that's sold in the state, a quarter cent per liter goes to support V & E research. So, we kind of have this pool, and then the Wine Commission. So, there are four sources for this pool so my major goal for this year was to raise the awareness of research in the state, and really get people jazzed and excited about research."

Hansen says the ultimate goal is to provide growers and wineries with state-specific tools and technologies to make superior quality wines that can compete on a global stage with the world's best wines.