KENNEWICK — WineVit, Washington’s largest annual wine and grape industry conference, returns Feb. 10 and 11 with a condensed schedule, new pricing and a program designed to help growers and winemakers navigate one of the most challenging periods the industry has faced in years, Washington Winegrowers Association Executive Director Sara Higgins said. 

Hosted by the Washington Winegrowers Association, this year’s conference will run a day and a half instead of the traditional three, a change made “in response to industry needs,” said Higgins.  

“We’ve lowered our ticket prices and condensed our schedule to create an accessible opportunity for the industry to network, participate in educational sessions, talk to service and supply providers and gather like we always do,” Higgins said. “That collaboration is essential for innovation and creativity.” 

The event opens Tuesday, Feb. 10 at 8 a.m. with registration; a high‑school field day; and the trade show, which will operate as a smaller, more intimate exhibition this year.  

Tuesday concludes with a Trade Show Happy Hour, followed by the Washington Wine Industry Foundation’s annual Party & Auction + Winegrowers Awards, where the Winegrowers Association will present its annual leadership honors. 

Wednesday, Feb. 11 begins with two morning sessions – one on idling vineyards, the other on rising technology and AI in winemaking – before the Keynote Address at 11 a.m., moderated by NFL alumni‑turned‑industry leaders Drew Bledsoe and Sidney Rice. 

This year’s keynote is expected to draw particular interest due to Wyckoff’s acquisition of Ste. Michelle Wine Estates, the largest winery in the Northwest. Industry leaders including Court Wyckoff, Brennon Leighton and Justin Andrews will discuss what the transition may mean for Washington’s future. 

“People want to understand what this significant change means for the industry long‑term,” Higgins said. 

The Washington Wine Industry Town Hall, a lunch‑included session, will bring together the state’s major wine organizations to discuss policy issues, market pressures and multi‑year planning. Speakers include: Kristina Kelley, Washington State Wine Commission; Josh McDonald, Washington Wine Institute; Sara Higgins, Washington Winegrowers; Katie Maltais, Auction of Washington Wines; and Jenn Brunner, Washington Wine Industry Foundation.  

The biggest challenges facing the wine industry today – oversupply, contracting demand, consolidation, wildfire smoke exposure and evolving consumer preferences – are at the center of this year’s curriculum, Higgins said. 

“We are experiencing continued oversupply and under demand. That’s not unique to Washington; it’s a national and global trend,” Higgins said. “We’ve tailored our sessions to the greatest needs in our industry right now.” 

The conference will also highlight current research on smoke exposure, one of the region’s most persistent threats. 

“Access to research helps growers understand when grapes are most susceptible and how to minimize negative impacts,” Higgins said. 

For first‑time attendees, Higgins said the biggest value is simple: the people. 

“There’s no substitute for face‑to‑face, real‑time interaction,” she said. “You can ask, ‘What issue am I having? How are you solving this?’ Whether you’re new or veteran, WineVit energizes and resets people. Everybody is looking for that right now.” 

WineVit traces its origins back to the mid‑1980s, when Washington’s wine industry began organizing annual educational meetings. Since then, it has evolved into the state’s leading gathering for growers, winemakers, suppliers and researchers. 

Higgins said the event’s purpose hasn’t changed. 

“Our goal is always the same: help the industry navigate what’s happening right now and prepare for what's coming next,” she said. “WineVit brings together the brainpower, innovation and collaboration necessary to move the industry forward.” 

Schedule: 

Feb. 10
State of the Industry
9:00–10:30 a.m. 

A data‑driven look at wine sales, consumer behavior, market contraction, and sustainability trends.
The Last Chapter: Exit Strategies for Washington Wineries & Vineyards
10:45 a.m.–12:00 p.m. 

Guidance for wineries and vineyards navigating mergers, acquisitions, or wind‑downs amid industry consolidation.
Whole Farm Ecosystems
11:00 a.m.–12:15 p.m. 

Exploring conservation, soil health, biodiversity and regenerative approaches in vineyard systems.
Adjusting and Adapting to New Changes (Spanish‑language option; pesticide credit)
1:30–3:30 p.m. 

Insights on sustainability, workforce practices, and updated WSDA requirements for pesticide recertification.
Smarter Spray Decisions: New Digital Tools for Grape Pest Management (pesticide credit)
2:00–4:00 p.m. 

How growers can use data platforms and decision‑support tools to optimize pest control.
Lighter by Design: Low‑Alcohol Wines
2:15–3:45 p.m. 

A look at viticulture, winemaking and marketing approaches behind the rise of low‑alcohol wine styles. 

Feb. 11 

On Pause, Not Abandoned: Idling Vineyards in Transitional Times
8:45–10:15 a.m. 

Best practices for maintaining vineyards not currently in commercial production, with strategies for future reactivation.
New Tech & AI in Winemaking & Growing
8:45–10:00 a.m. 

How artificial intelligence, automation, and emerging tools are reshaping vineyard and winery operations.
Old World Sparkle, New World Insight: Italian Sparkling Techniques
10:15–10:45 a.m. 

How Italian sparkling wine approaches can elevate Washington sparkling production.
Keynote Address
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. 

Industry leaders, including representatives involved in the Wyckoff–Ste. Michelle transition, discuss the future of Washington wine.
Washington Wine Industry Town Hall
12:15–1:45 p.m. (Lunch included) 

Leaders from the Wine Commission, Wine Institute, Winegrowers, Auction of Washington Wines and the Wine Industry Foundation address policy issues, market trends and long‑term strategy. 

WineVit
Feb. 10-11
Three Rivers Convention Center
Kennewick, WA