PORTLAND -- You don't have to be the biggest to be the best at what you do. Oregon's wine industry is a good example.
Winemakers from across the state are here in Portland to learn more about the industry and what's ahead this year -- from the grapevine to popping the cork.
"We projecting pretty solid growth," said Christian Miller, CEO of Full Glass Research. "Possibly in the 10 percent range or more for the coming year."
Around 1,200 leaders and 140 vendors are a record number of attendees, an indication of where the industry is headed.
While Oregon accounts for just about one percent percent of retail sales nationally, the state is really big when it comes to our specialty wines.
"If you go pretty much anywhere in the country and ask about Oregon and what they know about Oregon and the next two words area always pinot noir," said Michael Donovan, with Roxyann Winery in Medford.
The challenge for the industry is to expand distribution across the country and internationally. Plus, get more people to visit wine country here.
"The economic impact in Oregon of our industry is $2.7 billion," said Donovan.
But, for this weather dependent industry, most vintners are concerned about mother nature this season.
"It looks like we'll have a cold, relatively late spring, but the summer looks to be much more normal," said Gregory Jones, Professor of Environmental Studies at Southern Oregon University.
It's the one thing all these winemakers need for a successful year.
