Pacific Northwest Wine Events to Draw Over 1,200 Industry Leaders Amid Shifting Market Pressures

Two major wine industry events are set to take place in the Pacific Northwest in February, bringing together growers, winemakers, and business leaders to discuss the current state of the sector and strategies for the future. The Oregon Wine Symposium will be held February 3-4 at the Oregon Convention Center in Portland, while WineVit, organized by the Washington Winegrowers Association, is scheduled for February 10-11 at the Three Rivers Convention Center in Kennewick, Washington.

Organizers of both conventions say this year’s programs will focus on the challenges facing the wine industry, including shifting consumer trends, regulatory changes, and economic pressures. Gina Bianco, executive director of the Oregon Wine Board, said in a statement that presenters at the Oregon Wine Symposium are addressing these issues directly. She emphasized that the Oregon wine community is known for its resilience and forward-thinking approach.

The Oregon Wine Symposium will feature a session led by Amy Gross, national president of Women for WineSense, and Dr. Laura Catena of Catena Institute of Wine. They will discuss the growing anti-alcohol movement, examining its causes, scientific perspectives, and possible responses from within the industry. Another session will bring together leaders from Oregon’s craft beverage sector, including Rudy Kellner of pFriem Family Brewers and Nels Jewell-Larson of 2 Towns Ciderhouse, to share lessons learned across related industries.

A panel titled “Creative Disruption: A Conversation About the Future of Oregon Wine” will include Eugenia Keegan from Jackson Family Wines, Gary Mortensen from Stoller Wine Group, and Herb Quady from Quady North Winery and Barrel 42 Custom Crush Winery. The symposium will also offer updates on sales trends, consumer insights, and recent weather patterns affecting vineyards. More than 1,200 participants are expected to attend for two days of education and networking.

In Washington, this year’s WineVit event carries the theme “Thriving and Innovating in Transition.” The agenda includes a “State of the Industry” presentation with data on global supply and demand as well as local market conditions. Organizers say this session aims to help guide Washington’s wine sector through ongoing changes.

Other presentations at WineVit will address sustainable farming practices that can be implemented with minimal cost and effort. A session called “The Last Chapter: Exit Strategies for Washington Wineries & Vineyards” will provide practical advice for owners considering selling or winding down their businesses amid market shifts. Another topic, “On Pause, Not Abandoned,” will explore how to temporarily idle vineyard blocks while maintaining soil health and financial stability.

WineVit will also offer a bilingual session on new pesticide licensing rules from the Washington State Department of Agriculture. This two-hour program will cover integrated pest management strategies and technologies. Additional presentations will focus on new approaches to wine sales and marketing as well as considerations for producing low-alcohol wines.

Both events are expected to draw significant attendance from across the region’s wine industry. Registration information for the Oregon Wine Symposium is available at oregonwinesymposium.com. Details about WineVit can be found at winevit.org. Organizers say these gatherings come at a critical time as producers look for ways to adapt to changing market conditions while maintaining quality and sustainability in their operations.