Thursday, November 29, 2012

Wineries Required to Register with FDA before December 31st

Dear FWWS Member,

As part of the federal "Food Safety Modernization Act" wineries are required to register with the US Food and Drug Administration as "Food Facilities".

Those of you who have been in business since 2002 probably recall that wineries were notified that such registration was required under the federal Bioterrorism Act.  The Food Safety Modernization Act requires that this registration now occur between October 31st and December 31st of even numbered years ( like 2012).

You may register your winery by using the following link.  Online registration is available by clicking the tab under "Guidance, Requirements and Regulatory Information" at the upper left corner of the page.

Your FWWS Board

http://www.fda.gov/Food/GuidanceComplianceRegulatoryInformation/RegistrationofFoodFacilities/default.htm

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

2013 Winemakers Basecamp Last Call for Early Bird Registration

Dear FWWS Member,
 
The following is an invitation to the fourth annual installment of a popular and rewarding technical symposium series affiliated with the Washington Wine Technical Group. This is also a great and relaxing networking opportunity. Please see “Who attends?” for eligibility requirements. This conference should fill up so don’t wait to register. Also note that Early Bird registration pricing ends December 1st.
 
Please direct any questions to Katy Perry or Kendall Mix at the email addresses below.
 
Your FWWS Board
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2013 Winemaker’s Base Camp in Mazama!
Base Camp: (Noun) A place where one prepares for a journey or expedition
Announcing the fourth (somewhat) annual Winemaker’s Base Camp in Mazama, February 2013.
When is it?: February 19-21, 2013
Where is it?: The Mazama Country Inn in beautiful Mazama, located in Washington’s North Cascade mountains
What is it? Inspired by the Steamboat conference in Oregon, in 2007 Katy Perry invited a bunch of friends and colleagues to bring challenging wines to Mazama and discuss them in an atmosphere of confidentiality and scholarly support. The idea was that we all make mistakes and these can be some of our best learning experiences. Since then we have also added trials and experimental wines to the agenda. The Base Camp is further a place to relax, exercise, and network with colleagues in a fun, beautiful and energetic setting. This importance of this latter part of the experience cannot be overstated.
Who attends? Professional winemakers and others directly involved in the winemaking process. Members of the Washington Wine Technical group or others who would qualify for membership except for their geographical location. In short, this is a conference for winemakers, cellar workers, enologists, wine researchers and wine technicians.
Who does not? Winery administrative, sales or non-technical staff. No vendors or suppliers. No wine critics, bloggers, writers, and non-professionals such as home winemakers.
The cost?      The early bird conference fee is $110* for those registering and booking accommodations before December 1st, 2012. (accommodations NOT included). Book your room directly with Mazama Country Inn, see details below**.
On December 1st the "procrastinator’s special" is $150*.
*The conference price includes two dinners (including corkage!) on Monday and Tuesday, lunch Tuesday, après ski snacks and beer, conference supplies and materials.
**A limited number of spaces are available for non-participating spouses at $75/person.
Refunds?       Refunds for conference fees will be made up until Jan 15, 2013. A $10 cancellation charge will deducted from your refund. Refund questions for room cancellations should be discussed directly with the Inn, not WWTG.
Accomodations?
The Mazama Country Inn is where the group is staying, where all the meetings will be held, and where both dinners will be. We have a special group rate for this event. Please contact Mary Milka at the Mazama Country Inn (509)996-2681. Email at Marymilka@mazamacountryinn.com. Mention that you are booking for the Winemaker’s Base Camp on Feb. 19th and 20th, 2013. Room sizes vary, so book yours early.
What else is Mazama is a premiere cross country skiing and winter
There to do?recreation center. The Country  Inn is located right on the Methow Valley Sport trails Association (MVSTA) ski trails, comprising the largest system of groomed cross country ski trails in North America. Snowshoeing, snowmobiling and shopping in the old west town of Winthrop are also nearby, as is relaxing in the hot tub. Lessons in skate and Nordic style skiing are available.
What isthe Agenda? Monday February 19th. Arrive in the afternoon (check in at 3:00 pm) book a ski lesson, go for a ski or tour nearby Winthrop. Drop off your conference wines for the morning sessions. Settle in and relax. Happy hour is at 5:00-6:00 PM . Dinner is at 6:00 PM. Corkage is included in the package so bring some of your finest!
Tuesday February 20th. Have breakfast at the Inn or grab a pastry and espresso at the Mazama Store next door. Arrive at the conference room at 8:00. Tasting starts at 8:30 and goes until 12:30. Wines will be categorized in flights. We will review the wines in groups while taking notes. The wine’s owner will then discuss why they brought the wine. What they know about the issues expressed and may have tried to remediate the wine. Participants will then brainstorm solutions and/or discuss similar issues they have experienced before moving on to the next wine. 12:30-1:00 PM. Soup and sandwiches catered by the Mazama Store. 1:00 – 5:00 PM free time. See activities listed for Monday. John Morgan will help in coordinating group lessons or tours for those who are interested. 5:00-6:00 PM happy hour networking and reflections on the day’s wine discussions. 6:00 PM dinner. After dinner think about a soak in the hot tub or join a moonlight ski led by party coach John Morgan (bring your headlamp).
                       Wednesday February 21st. Check out and breakfast at the Inn or the store. 8:00 convene at the conference center. 8:30-12:00 finish wine tasting. Get on the road home or join others for lunch on our own at the Mazama Store.
Questions about Base Camp can be answered by Katy Perry(katy@tildio.com or 509-679-6831) or Kendall Mix( kendallm@gooseridge.com or 509-439-3902).
Base Camp 2013 Registration Information:
*December 1st 2012 is the deadline to register for the early bird conference fee at $110*/person. Remember, if you are a Washington Resident you must be a member of WWTG in good standing to attend. Join now, we’re worth it! WWTG Registration form follows.
*Prices include corkage, gratuities and taxes for the dinners and lunch.
*Spouses/partners not attending the meetings are $75**/person.
**Prices include corkage gratuities and taxes for the dinners and lunch.
*The procrastinator’s special starting December 2nd is $150*/person.
* includes corkage, gratuities and taxes for the dinners and lunch
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Please call The Mazama Country Inn directly and book a reservation for your room @ (509) 996-2681 or Marymilka@mazamacountryinn.com . Registration for Base Camp does not secure a room for you! You must make your own reservations.
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Fill out the contact information below and mail in with your check, your payment is your reservation.
After you register for Base Camp you will be sent additional information as the date approaches. You will also be sent a wine data sheet that has to be filled out and returned before the conference.
Base Camp 2013 Registration Form:
Your name & Job title:
Winery name and address:
Are you a current WWTG member? ____yes ____no (2012 membership is acceptable for early bird registration.  Eligibility requirements and application forms follow)
Phone number:
E-mail address:
Credit cards can be processed for Base Camp with an additional $5 fee, call Katy Perry at 509-679-6831 or email katy@tildio.com arrange for this transaction.
Make checks out to: “Base Camp” ($110 before December 1st, $150 thereafter)
Mail to: Winemaker’s Base Camp
C/O Katy Perry
POB 303
Manson, WA 98831
Refunds will be made upon request until January 15th, 2013. A cancellation fee of $10 will be deducted from your refund. After January 15th refunds will be made if your spot can be filled.
Questions?
Katy: 509-679-6831, or email katy@tildio.com
Kendall: 509-439-3902, or email kendallm@gooseridge.com
Washington Wine Technical Group Application Form:
Washington Wine Technical Group
2013 Membership Form

The Washington Wine Technical Group is organized to:
· improve the quality of Washington State wines through education
· foster fellowship and understanding between wineries
· aid members in technical problem-solving
· encourage enological and viticultural research
Name:
Title:
Company:
Mailing Address:
City, State, Zip:
Phone:
Email:
Cell:
Fax:
To help us identify our members, please briefly share your pertinent education, training, and experience in the wine industry:
Current Position (please indicate duration):
Past Positions (pleas indicate duration):
Education:
Degree:
I’d like to volunteerfor a committee:
ð _______________________(i.e.Communication, Base Camp, Tasting, Seminar, WAAG,OpenPreference)
Membership:
ð ProfessionalMembership $70/person
Professional Membership extended to working professionalsin wine production and technology with a pertinentBachelors degree orhigher, or 5 yrs wine industry experience in commercial production, or alliedtechnology
ð Academic Membership$25/personAcademic Membershipextended to permanent, full-time faculty members in extension, research, orteaching positions in a Viticulture and/or EnologyProgram
ð Student Membership$25/person
Student Membership extended to full-time studentsenrolledin an accredited associate, undergraduate, or graduate Viticultureand/or Enology Program
Total Payment:$___________________
Please remit form with payment and make check payable to:
Washington Wine Technical Group
PO Box 3935, Pasco, WA99303
Phone: 509.783.4676orFax: 509.783.4674