Wine Research Awareness Pt 1

Wine Research Awareness Pt 1

Bob Larson
Bob Larson
With today's Fruit Grower Report, I'm Bob Larson. A bit of good news for the Washington wine industry as awareness of the state's unique viticulture and enology research program is growing steadily.

The Washington Wine Commission Research Manager, Melissa Hansen says they've been surveying wine makers and growers for the past few years ...

HANSEN ... "In the first year, when we took the

survey, that was in 2016, I've asked the same question and it's sort of a two-part, and one is, are you aware of viticulture and enology research for Washington state wine industry? That's just kind of do you know that there is research done? And then, number two, the follow up question is, are you aware of the targeted research program that the Wine Commission has instituted in the last couple of years?"

And, Hansen says it's continued from there ...

HANSEN ... "And so, we had a benchmark in 2016 and there were about 40% of the industry that was aware that the Wine Commission had a targeted research program, and 85% now are aware that the Wine Commission has a targeted research program."

She says they're pleased with the numbers ...

HANSEN ... "It's up 60% from the first year, a big jump. And, I think it's indicative that it's a new program so everything we've done in the last few years been groundbreaking news for the industry."

Hansen says it's a message the Wine Commission is serious about getting out to everyone involved.

Listen tomorrow for more on the structure of the research program and who it may benefit the most.

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BL: Welcome back to another Fruit Bites brought to you by Valent USA. Joining us again is Valent's Allison Walston and this week we're breaking down bees and a new Twitter campaign (#know your wild bees)

AW: So, I've mentioned before about solitary bees/native bees/American wild bees and how important they are along with honey bees and bumble bees, but now there's a campaign on Twitter to #know your wild bees and we're going to share some of the 25 facts. Bob, you're up ...

BL: (Fact #1)Wild bees produce no honey. [That's probably why they were never domesticated]

AW: (Fact #10) Only 1% of wild bees are NOT native, for now. Remember the Multicolored Asian Lady Beetle?

BL: (Fact #11) Males do not help females...EVER.

AW: (Fact #16) most females are single moms who seal their children in cells and never return

BL: (Fact #3) Carpenter bees have the worlds largest insect egg

AW: (Fact #6) 10% of the 4000 species haven't even been given names.

BL: Well, thanks Allison, but I think we'll have to come up with some names if we're going to save them. Join us again next time for another Fruit Bites, brought to you by Valent.

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