Washington State Wine Commission Opens Research Grant Portal for 2027 Funding

The Washington State Wine Commission has announced the opening of its research grant portal for viticulture and enology projects, starting October 1, 2025. Researchers interested in applying for funding for Fiscal Year 2027, which runs from July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, can submit their applications through the Washington Wine Research Grant Portal. The portal is accessible at https://webportalapp.com/sp/login/washingtonwine.

The grant programs managed through this portal include both the Washington State Wine Commission’s own research grants and the statewide Grape and Wine Research Program, which is administered by Washington State University. These programs offer a range of funding opportunities, from one-year demonstration projects to multi-year studies lasting up to four years.

All new research proposals must begin with a pre-proposal application. The deadline for submitting pre-proposals is November 7, 2025. An industry review committee will evaluate the submissions for merit and relevance to the Washington wine industry. Those selected will be invited to submit a full proposal, which will be due on January 27, 2026.

Principal investigators whose full proposals are accepted will be required to present their research plans at the annual Research Review, scheduled for February 24-25, 2026, in Prosser, Washington.

The Washington State Wine Commission’s grant program, which began six years ago, aims to encourage collaboration between Washington State University, other academic institutions, and wine regions. The program supports practical winery and vineyard trials, proof-of-concept research, and intermediate projects. Funding is available to scientists from Washington State University, community colleges in Washington, researchers from out-of-state universities, and private contractors.

The commission’s grant program is designed to address the needs of the state’s wine industry by supporting research that can be quickly applied in vineyards and wineries. The goal is to foster innovation and maintain the competitiveness of Washington’s wine sector.

The Washington State Wine Commission represents all licensed wineries and wine grape growers in the state. It operates under the guidance of an appointed board and is funded almost entirely by industry assessments based on grape and wine sales. Established by the state legislature in 1987, the commission works to promote the Washington wine industry and increase demand for its products.

Researchers and interested parties can find more information about the grant programs, application requirements, and downloadable templates for proposals and reports on the commission’s website at www.washingtonwine.org/grants/.