Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/100792
NORTHWEST WATCH ERIC DEGERMAN Both Washington and Oregon stand to benefit from Danowski���s relationship with Steve Warner, who is entering his second year as executive director of the Washington Wine Commission. Both states were represented side-by-side at 2012 Vinexpo Asia-Pacific in Hong Kong. "The grape varieties that we grow are not often in direct conflict, so there's a lot of real compatibility for presenting the wines of the Northwest together, and we're going to find ways to do more of that,��� Danowski said. Overall, the work being done by Oregon���s growers and winemakers translates into the job that���s even more enjoyable than he expected, Danowski said. ���One thing that has made the biggest impression on me this first year for the Oregon Wine Board as I���ve gone around the country and around the world, is the almost instant smile that I get when people find out that you are from Oregon,��� Danowski said. ���I haven���t heard anyone talk about an unpleasant experience they���ve had with a bottle of Oregon wine, an Oregon winemaker or an event they���ve attended involving Oregon wine. That has been a fabulously unexpected gift.��� Understandably, he���s looking forward to representing Oregon���s wine industry in 2013 and beyond. ���It���s an at-will employment relationship, so there���s no guaranteed contract,��� Danowski said. ���I could be dismissed at any time, and I could resign at any time, but hopefully I do well enough to earn another year.��� Eric Degerman is a full-time wine journalist who lives in Washington's Columbia Valley. He is co-owner of Great Northwest Wine (www. greatnorthwestwine.com) and Wine News Service, and co-founder of Wine Press Northwest magazine. He has worked for daily newspapers in Washington state for 30 years. Comments? Please e-mail us at feedback@vwmmedia.com. 40 V I N E YARD & WINERY MANAGEMENT | Jan - Feb 2013 George Petersen Insurance Agency Your Trusted Insurance Partner Since 1935 With deep roots in the wine country, we have a team of industry experts that specialize in vineyard & winery insurance coverages. Our wine program includes: ��� Experience Modification Projection ��� Online Safety & Loss Control Platform ��� In-House Claims Review & Management ��� Winery Bond Program ��� On-Site Safety & Human Resource Services ��� Access to a wide range of competitive carriers George Petersen Insurance Agency 175 W. College Ave. | Santa Rosa, CA | 95401 | 1.800.236.9046 www.gpins.com | License # 0603247 w w w. v w m m e d i a . c o m