Winewise Meeting

Winewise Meeting Tuesday, June 9, 2009 Snoqualmie Labs, Prosser

Attendance: Joy Andersen, Nicolas Quille, Judy Thoet, Tim Henley, Kerry Ringer, Vicky Scharlau, Valerie Fayette, Shaila Nyborg.

Agenda: Kendall resigned but will be replaced this week from a member of his topic team. Stuart from KJ will assist as well. Mickey just returned from Europe and will not be able to attend.

Funding efforts update SMWE looked into whether Altria (Umbrella company for SMWE) would be a funding option and also a grant submitted to the WSDA specialty crop block grant. The question was raised as to what the fall back position would be if the WSDA grant did not come through. The group discussed options and assumed that the industry would be asked to step up. Nicolas offered to help write a letter of request to wineries.

DOE TREE team to visit a couple SMWE wineries (the non-regulatory side of DOE) After the water workshop where DOE was introduced to the industry, and asked to participate and review some of the chapters, they also are coming to visit Columbia Crest and Col Solare. July 13 and 14 are the dates planned. Pacific Rim offered to have them view their site also. The regional contact is promoting outreach to the wine industry. Everyone’s DOE permit is online (if they have permits) under permits and by region or search “wineries”. Joy will send info out to the group.

Renewable Energy Seminar at WSU CIC Tri-Cities Campus June 29, 6 to 8:30, registration info may or may not be required Nicolas suggested that someone attend to take notes and then send them to all the members of the Winewise committee. Also if the grant is awarded, some monies could be spent to send industry members to appropriate meetings to take notes and provide feedback info for the group.

Review initial Winewise web page drafts The group discussed the intro page and also discussed who to eventually “market” the fact that wineries and growers are going through Winewise to become “more sustainable”….a stamp/icon or something. Joy shared that the Wine Commission is working with SMWE on how best to market sustainability to consumers.

Winery safety Liz Kindred who used to work at Columbia has offered some of her information to be used for Winewise. The group asked to ensure that Columbia has agreed to have this info used. Credit will be given to Liz and Columbia.

Review intro, check list, assessment for each section  Energy efficiency  Water management  Education and research  Waste management, reduce reuse, recycle  Staffing, safety and HR  Material Handling  Environmentally Preferred Purchasing-NA  Community Outreach  (new) Site Development (should there also be a section on site improvement?)

Next steps:  Complete all drafts of intros, check lists, assessment for each section o Use other team leaders to review work  Network drafts with industry  Review with consultants where necessary  Network final drafts with industry  Team meet to confirm content  Web design  Create online templates  Test online templates  Ready for online use  Announce Winewise at annual WAWGG meeting

Next meeting: July 15 and confirm location in Prosser