Editor’s note: This is the first of a two-part report on the influence of climate change and how it might affect the Washington wine industry. LOPEZ ISLAND, Wash. - Brent and Maggie Charnley started their small vineyard and award-winning winery on Puget Sound’s Lopez Island in 1987. They planted slightly more than 5 acres, snuggled in a perfect spot of microclimate. Move … [Read more...] about Washington wine growers, irrigators grapple with climate change
2 of 3 wine-related bills fail in Washington Legislature
OLYMPIA, Wash. - Small wineries in Washington state must wait another year to get a crack on trimming some of their excise taxes. That’s because the chairman of the Washington House Commerce & Gaming committee intended to discuss such a tax break this session solely to air out ideas to tackle in the 2017 session. This was one of three significant winery-related bills … [Read more...] about 2 of 3 wine-related bills fail in Washington Legislature
Washington Legislature considers special-event wine sales
OLYMPIA, Wash. — A bill is about two-thirds the way through the Washington Legislature to tackle wine sales at special events, plus selling private collections. The bill by Sen. Curtis King, R-Yakima, passed the Senate 39-8, and went through a hearing Monday in front of the House Commerce & Gaming Committee. “It does a lot for our wine industry,” King said. “This will … [Read more...] about Washington Legislature considers special-event wine sales
Washington wineries ask Legislature for more tasting rooms
OLYMPIA - A revived bill in the state Legislature to allow Washington wineries to operate up to four off-site tasting room is working its way through the House for a second time. The House Government & Information Technology Committee staged a hearing Monday on the bill by Rep. Cary Condotta, R-East Wenatchee, that would increase the number of allowable off-site tasting … [Read more...] about Washington wineries ask Legislature for more tasting rooms
Small Washington wineries ask state for tax break
OLYMPIA, Wash. — A bill is in play to trim the excise taxes for Washington’s small wineries. Rep. Cary Condotta , R-East Wenatchee, introduced a bill to remove two of the state’s three wine-specific taxes on the first 20,000 gallons of wine sold by a Washington state winery. But that bill drew a U.S. Constitution-related challenge Tuesday from the California wine … [Read more...] about Small Washington wineries ask state for tax break