A Leading Force in the Washington Wine Industry
The Washington State Wine Commission represents every licensed winery and wine grape grower in the state, serving as a central force behind industry growth, marketing, and research investment.
As a state agency established in 1987, the Commission is funded primarily through industry assessments on grape and wine sales. Its mission is to raise awareness of Washington wines while supporting long-term growth through strategic investment.
Today, the scale of the industry reflects that commitment:
Licensed Wineries
Grape Growers
Grapes Produced Annually
Planted Acres
But what truly differentiates Washington’s wine industry is not just its size—it’s its deep connection to research.
Research as the Cornerstone of Industry Growth
That connection began with Dr. Walter Clore, a Washington State University scientist who recognized the region’s potential for premium wine production as early as the 1930s.
His work laid the foundation for commercial grape growing in Washington, and today, that research-driven mindset continues to shape the industry.
The Commission supports:
Research Projects Per Year
Annual Research Funding
of Budget Toward Research
This ensures that research remains industry-driven, widely accessible to growers of all sizes, and focused on real-world vineyard and production challenges.
Collaboration Across the Pacific Northwest
This research impact is strengthened through collaboration.
The Northwest Center for Small Fruits Research works alongside the Washington State Wine Commission and land-grant universities across the region to coordinate research efforts and maximize impact.
This multi-state model allows for shared expertise, efficient use of funding, and broader regional solutions to agricultural challenges.
This research is part of a broader collaborative effort across the Pacific Northwest, supported by NCSFR — ensuring that innovation is shared, scalable, and regionally relevant.
Featured Research: Improving Irrigation for White Wine Grapes
One example of this collaboration in action is research focused on optimizing irrigation strategies for white wine grape production.
Led by Dr. Markus Keller at Washington State University, this multi-year study examined how different irrigation techniques affect grape quality, particularly for Riesling. The work is part of a broader effort by researchers contributing to NCSFR-supported work across the Pacific Northwest.
Research Focus
The study evaluated three irrigation strategies:
- Regulated Deficit Irrigation (RDI) — intentional water stress applied during key growth stages
- Partial Rootzone Drying (PRD) — alternating irrigation between root zones to signal mild stress
- Full irrigation — no water stress applied
The goal was to determine how water management impacts vine growth, fruit composition, and wine quality.
Key Findings from the Research
Irrigation Impacts Flavor
RDI was associated with increased bitterness in white wines, suggesting that excessive water stress may negatively impact aromatic varietals like Riesling.
Canopy and Sun Exposure Effects
RDI led to smaller canopies and greater sun exposure, which may increase astringency and bitterness in the final product.
PRD as a Balanced Approach
PRD maintained similar vine growth to full irrigation, showed minimal differences in fruit composition, and achieved significant water savings without sacrificing fruit quality.
water savings achieved with Partial Rootzone Drying (PRD) compared to full irrigation
Yield Differences
The three irrigation strategies produced measurably different yields per acre:
Yield by Irrigation Method (tons per acre)
8.0 t/ac
7.1 t/ac
6.9 t/ac
From Research to Practical Application
The value of this research lies in its application.
Growers can use these findings to better manage irrigation strategies, balance water use, and improve overall fruit quality. Growers and industry partners can explore related research outcomes and fact sheets through ARIEL — A Research Collaboration Platform.
Why This Collaboration Matters
The Washington State Wine Commission’s investment in research goes beyond innovation—it supports long-term industry sustainability.
By aligning funding with real-world challenges and working alongside NCSFR, the Commission helps ensure that research is both practical and widely shared.
This collaborative model strengthens not only Washington’s wine industry, but the broader small fruits, grapes, and speciality crops sector across the Pacific Northwest.
Connecting Research to Opportunity
Research is part of a larger system that includes funding, collaboration, and ongoing discovery.
For researchers and institutions interested in participating in future work, NCSFR funding opportunities are available through ARIEL — A Research Collaboration Platform.
Learn More About the Washington State Wine Commission
To learn more about how the Washington State Wine Commission supports growers, funds research, and advances the wine industry, visit their official website.
