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NEWSMAKERS Faces& Forums Washington Wine Holds Market Share WAWGG speakers address effects of privatization Steve Warner of the Washington Wine Commission talks grapevines with Kevin Judkins (center) of Inland Desert Nursery and WAWGG's Vicky Scharlau, who holds a young Marquette vine. K ennewick, Wash.—The Washington state wine business is holding its own against the spirited competition. Dan Ewer, Young's Market senior vice president for the Northwest, announced at the annual Washington Association of Wine Grape Growers convention in Kennewick that while the alcohol business in North America runs on beer (Washington state case sales are 70% suds, approximately 20% wine and 10% spirits), the dollar all photos: PETER MITHAM value of sales reflects a more even split in spending. Wine accounts for about a third of total dollars spent on alcohol in Washington state, and while case sales are down in Rob Andrews (left) of Andrews Vineyard and McKinley Springs Winery talks with Rick Hamman, Hogue Ranches' director of viticulture. David Forsyth (left) of Zirkle Fruit Co. won the door prize, and Mike Andrews of Coyote Canyon Winery won kudos at the WAWGG reception. the wake of privatization, the dollar value has increased 2.6%. winesandvines.com Ewer told growers that the average bottle Learn more: Search keywords "WAWGG market." of wine in the U.S. now sells for 44 cents more now than it did a year ago. Washington state wine isn't far behind, garnering 35 cents more per bottle at retail than a year ago. The major variable in the outlook for 2013 is whether or not the record production vintners have flowing to market in 2013 will dilute the price gains. On the trade show floor, however, opinion was optimistic. Many exhibitors noted that interest from prospective buyers was steady. Long lines at the tasting stations testified that, if nothing else, the Washington state industry believes in itself and its long-term prospects. Portocork's Michael Blackard (left) chats with Julie Brown and Ron Bunnell of Bunnell Family Cellars. —Peter Mitham Win es & V i n es A PRI L 20 13 31