Washington Wine Month Generates Record Retail Participation; Washington Wine Commission Honors Retail Display Contest Winners.

SEATTLE -- A record-breaking 73 retailers across Washington state participated in the Washington Wine Commission's (WWC) sixth annual Retail Display Contest during the governor-proclaimed Washington Wine Month of August. With participation increasing every year, the program's function of increasing visibility, as well as regard for Washington wine, is certainly succeeding. To conclude Washington Wine Month, the WWC recognized retailers statewide for their support and creativity in building retail displays at the Retail Awards Program, held at Salty's on Alki on September 11th.

"Our retail partners are one of the most important aspects of the Washington wine industry," said Robin Pollard, Executive Director of the WWC. "We are very grateful for the dedication of our retail partners in spreading the word about the exceptional quality of Washington wine. This has been a very successful Washington Wine Month, and we hope to see just as much participation and enthusiasm in the future."

The WWC's fun and friendly Retail Display Contest is designed to entice retailers to produce creative displays during Washington Wine Month. The goal is to draw attention to the state's 400-plus wineries and encourage shoppers to find out why Washington state is the perfect climate for wine. Prizes for the top winner in each of the five categories included the WWC sponsored "Ultimate Wine Tour," which includes a one-night-stay weekend trip with VIP tours and wine tastings for two to the Washington wine region of the winners' choice. The winners, receiving the trip to Washington wine country were, by category:

--Biggest Sales Increase of Washington Wine: PCC Greenlake

--Taste of Washington Display with "Grown in Washington" Products: Top Foods Lacey 

--Most Creative Display: QFC Edmonds

--Most Educational Display: QFC Bella Botega

--Most Impactful Display: Safeway 1464 Olympia

The runners up in each category received a mixed case of Washington wine and a certificate of recognition:

--Biggest Sales Increase of Washington Wine Runner Up: Safeway 558 Renton

--Taste of Washington Display with "Grown in Washington" Products Runner up: QFC Pine Lake 

--Most Creative Display Runner Up: QFC Harvard Market/QFC Stanwood (Tie)

--Most Educational Display Runner Up: QFC Northgate

--Most Impactful Display Runner Up: Safeway 519 Fairwood

Honorable Mentions went to: Huckleberry's Spokane, 5 Albertsons, 3 Safeway stores, Fred Meyer Issaquah, 2 Food Pavilions, 2 QFC stores, Haggen Burlington and Top Foods Snohomish. Each received a certificate of recognition and a bottle of wine.

New this year, the first 25 stores who sent pictures of their displays received a pair of tickets to the Auction of Washington Wines PICNIC event, which was held Thursday, August 17th. These "Fast Start" Early Entries consisted of 19 Safeway stores, 3 QFC stores, Top Food Edmonds and PCC Issaquah.

The Washington wine industry provides 14,000 full-time jobs and contributes $3 billion annually to the state's economy. Last year the state produced more than seven million cases of wine, equaling an estimated $684.9 million in retail sales, making Washington state the second largest premium wine producer in the United States.

About the Washington Wine Commission

The Washington Wine Commission is responsible for the promotion and development of the Washington wine industry, representing the state's more than 400 wineries, 350 wine grape growers and 30,000 vineyard acres. For more information about Washington wines, touring, and tasting opportunities, visit www.washingtonwine.org or e-mail [e-mail].