Several members of the local wine industry have come together to form the Southwest Washington Winery Association (SWWA), a nonprofit organization that aims to promote and encourage the development and growth of the grape wine industry in Clark County.
Founding members include: Burnt Bridge Cellars (Vancouver); Cellar 55 Tasting Room (Vancouver); Confluence Winery (Ridgefield); Emanar Cellars (Battle Ground); English Estate Winery (Vancouver); Heisen House Vineyards (Battle Ground); Koi Pond Cellars (Ridgefield); Moulton Falls Winery (Yacolt); Olequa Cellars (Battle Ground); Rezabek Vineyards (Battle Ground); and Stavalaura Vineyards (Ridgefield).
SWWA hopes to help the industry grow by fostering a positive business climate by working cooperatively with local, county, and state leaders; by providing education and support services for people involved in viticulture; and by seeking public and private funds to support a variety of programs.
“We are embarking on a journey of great significance to the area, in terms of tourism, wine making, grape growing, and improving the visibility of our part of the state,” said Roger Rezabek, SWWA president and owner of Rezabek Vineyards, in a press release.
“This region has an incredible potential to produce grapes and wine of world-class levels,” he added.
The Association will follow the lead of others in the industry by offering tiers of membership. Voting rights and rates of membership dues will differentiate the tiers. All members will be able to participate on committees.
Currently, SWWA members are all located within Clark County, but the organization said areas like Skamania County could eventually be included. Additionally, one association goal is to establish an official AVA (American Viticulture Area) in the region, allowing all wineries within the AVA to identify their grapes as estate grown.
For more information about the Southwest Washington Winery Association, visit www.swwawine.com.
