business backgrounder | trade
while supporting neighboring producers impacted by severe winter damage and strengthening international agricultural partnerships,” Newell said On the other side, there would not have been a 2024 vintage coming out of B. C. without Washington grapes, Kubek said. Kubek produced several wines from 48 tons of grapes he imported from the state, including Coyote Canyon Vineyard Counoise. The difference in wines made by Washington grapes is phenomenal,
Kubek said.“ I love Washington and B. C. grapes.”
According to the Winegrower Association’ s resource material, the program also promoted a reduced environmental impact of wine grape shipments. Wineries were temporarily allowed to buy grapes not just from Washington but other areas in the U. S. and other countries.
“ We are geographically right next door so our ability to provide grapes with a small carbon footprint should be seen as an added benefit,” Higgins said.
The vintage replacement program was extended to the 2025 vintage but not until late September 2025.
Vineyards were literally already in harvest season and long past time for agreements, Higgins said. Even if grapes are available at that time of the season, there may be no plans to harvest them for sale.
Despite some issues, many like Andrews consider the program a huge success.“ I think it worked on both sides of the border,” he said. The Western Farm Press reported that the U. S. wine market will go from declining sales to a“ modest growth” in the next few years. Washington industry experts see that trend helping Evergreen State growers and winemakers. That’ s good news for the economy.
“ Agriculture is a substantial part of our business community,” Higgins said.“ Agriculture is often overlooked.”
As a memento of the Washington-B. C. partnership, AWB President Kris Johnson was presented with a bottle of Poplar Grove Pinot Gris— wine produced at the B. C. winery with Washington grapes as part of its Cascadia Series— by Consulate General of Canada Craig Weichel.
Johnson thanked Lt. Gov. Denny Heck and Washington State Department of Agriculture Director Derek Sandison for their help in making the program happen.
“ This is a great example of the problems we can solve when we come together,” Johnson said.“ A win-win solution.”
Consulate General of Canada Craig Weichel( right) presented AWB President Kris Johnson with a bottle of Poplar Grove Pinot Gris – wine produced at the B. C. winery with Washington grapes as part of its Cascadia Series.
Lightning Rock Winery owner Ron Kubek speaks during AWB’ s 2024 trade mission to Canada. Lightning Rock was one of the many wineries impacted by a devastating freeze in early 2024.( Photo: Jacqueline Allison / AWB)
“ They couldn’ t be nicer. These guys were just wonderful.”
– Ron Kubek, owner of Lightning Rock Winery, of Prosser-based Coyote Canyon Vineyard
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