Central Expands Wine Education Program

March 10, 2008

ELLENSBURG, Wash. - The rapidly expanding wine industry in Washington state and the nation accounts for more than $23 billion annually and is showing no signs of slowing down. In the face of stiff international competition, U.S. wine producers must take steps to ensure quality in every bottle. Thanks to the support of Congressman Doc Hastings, Central Washington University will receive $191,600 in the federal budget that was recently signed into law to assist in this effort. The funding will be used to establish the Wine Quality Testing and Education Initiative, a comprehensive research, analysis and education program. Amy Mumma, director of Central's World Wine Program and the International Wine Woman of the Year from 2005-2007, will lead the effort.

"We are grateful for Representative Hastings' continued support for CWU's wine education program," said CWU President Jerilyn S. McIntyre. "These funds will enhance the work we've already begun to help wine industry professionals learn about and ensure the quality of their wines. The initiative has the potential to make a significant, positive impact on wine quality and the economy of Washington."

As more and more wineries open each year, the goal of the Wine Quality Testing and Education Initiative is to provide awareness, analysis and education that will help maintain and improve the reputation and competitiveness of US wines.

"Central Washington University has established itself as a leader in wine education and research," Hastings said. "This educational program and the resources at Central play an important role in the quality and growth of Washington wine."

The vast majority of the nation's wineries are small operations that don't have laboratory facilities or testing expertise to ensure consistent quality. The Wine Quality Testing and Education Initiative will help those in the industry understand the chemical and biological "faults" in different regions and how the quality of wine is negatively impacted. The initiative will also provide information to help winemakers prevent "faults" by adjusting their processes.

Phase one of the initiative will focus on research. The project calls for a random sample of wines from five regions, Washington, Oregon, California, Texas and New York. Wine from each region will be tested to determine the most common "faults."

Upon the completion of the research phase, phase two of the project will focus on education within the five regions. The goal of the education phase is to build awareness of the "faults" as a general issue and disseminate region specific findings from the research.

Central's World Wine Program offers classes and seminars for undergraduate students, industry professionals and consumers who are interested in learning more about wine trade, tourism and the business of wine making.

Last year Central submitted a similar proposal, which Congressman Hastings also supported. That proposal was approved, but the appropriation was lost when Congress didn't reach final passage on the bill. Funding for the initiative this year was included in the Fiscal Year 2008 Labor, Health and Human Services Appropriations bill, which President Bush recently signed into law.

Media Contact:
Amy Mumma, CWU World Wine Program coordinator, 509-963-1754, mummaa@cwu.edu
Teri Olin, CWU Public Relations & Marketing, 509-963-1416, olint@cwu.edu

Central Washington University is a master's degree-granting institution with approximately 10,000 students and 1,500 faculty and staff. More than 160 undergraduate and master's degrees are offered. Founded in 1891, the Ellensburg campus is located in the heart of Washington State, nestled between the Cascade Mountains and the Columbia River. Since 1975, CWU has served the needs of place bound students at six university centers throughout the state. CWU is an AA/EEO Title IX Institution.