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WINERY ORGANIZATIONS: WASHINGTON

Whether you opt for Pike Place Market or Belltown in bustling Seattle, the glaciers of Mount Rainier or a steamboat on Willamette River, your visit will reveal some of the country’s most natural beauty. After touring Seattle’s trendy coffee houses, bars and restaurants, explore nearby getaways such as the Olympic Peninsula or the San Juan Islands.

Walla Walla Valley Wine Alliance
The Walla Walla Valley Wine Alliance is a non-profit wine industry membership organization whose primary mission is the marketing of the Walla Walla Valley's American Viticultural Area (AVA). The Wine Alliance functions as the leading informational resource for consumers, media and trade interested in learning more about the valley's wine industry.

Washington Association of Wine Grape Growers
Initially created as a marketing cooperative in 1983, the Washington Association of Wine Grape Growers now acts as a nonprofit organization focused on educating, promoting, representing and unifying members of Washington's wine industry. Its members and research associates work towards creating a positive business environment and future for those involved in crafting the state's wines.

Washington Beer & Wine Distributors Association
This association was founded in 1934 as a means of representing Washington distributors' legal rights. Washington Beer & Wine Distributors Association works with the state's three-tier system of beer and wine distribution and informs its members of the latest laws and regulation. It also works with the community to provide solution to problems such as drunk driving and underage drinking.

Washington State Wine Commission
The Washington State Wine Commission was developed as a state government agency by legislature in 1987. It represents every licensed winery and grape grower in the state, and markets on behalf of the Washington wine industry in order to raise awareness and demand for state wines. It also supports viticulture and enology research to drive the industry forward.

Washington Wine Industry Foundation
This foundation began in 2001 as the fund-raising and donor-designated organization for Washington wineries. Through donations it aims to enhance scholarships, education, outreach and research in the wine industry.

Washington Wine Institute
This institute represents over 150 individual wineries of Washington and acts as a voice of legislature and progressive reform. The Washington Wine Institute works to advocate on behalf of state wineries in order to improve the business climate of the industry.

Wine Press Northwest
Wine Press Northwest is a quarterly magazine with a focus on Washington, Oregon, Idaho and British Columbia’s winemakers and the wineries, vintners and restaurants that showcase Northwest wines.

Yakima Valley Rattlesnake Hills Wine Trail
This trail extends from Union Gap to Sunnyside Gap and allows hikers to explore 17 different wineries along the way. Another option is to take guided tours of either the vineyard or winery, which are available every Sunday morning at 9 a.m. for $10.

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Washington Travel Guide

(Updated: 05/24/13 BH)



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