Released Nov, 26, 2007

PROSSER, Wash.--Washington State University enologists Kerry Ringer and Jim Harbertson will host an informational forum on proposed changes to wine bottle labeling and its potential impact on Washington wineries. The forum will take place from 1 to 3:30 p.m., December 6 at the WSU Irrigated Agriculture Research and Extension Center in Prosser. The WSU Irrigated Agriculture Research and Extension Center is located at 24106 North Bunn Road.

A panel of experts led by Harbertson will discuss the proposed ruling and its background, and answer questions. Winery owners and winery personnel are encouraged to attend.

The proposed ruling was issued in July by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Board. The TTB ruling would require wineries to provide a serving facts panel on all wine labels including information on alcohol, calories, carbohydrates, fat, and protein per serving size. The TTB is soliciting comments from industry professionals through February, 2008.

Alex Heckathorn of Compliance Services of America, a consultancy that provides expert assistance to businesses with alcoholic beverage licenses, will discuss the implications of the proposed ruling.

The discussion and question session will be paneled by Heckthorn, along with Jessica Just of Scott Laboratory, Wade Wolfe of Thurston Wolfe Winery, Casey McClellan of Seven Hills Winery, Marty Clubb, owner of L’ Ecole No. 41 and a representative from the Washington Wine Institute.

For more information about the forum, contact Kerry Ringer, kringer@wsu.edu, or Jim Harbertson, jfharbertson@wsu.edu, or call (509)-786-9324.

Comments on the proposed ruling can be left on line at http://www.regulations.gov. Search for docket ID TTB-2007-0062.

-30-

http://cahnrsnews.wsu.edu/reportertools/news/2007/wine-label-forum-2007-11.html

Contacts: Brian Clark, (509) 335-3551 or bcclark@wsu.edu

Kerry Ringer, (509) 786-9324 or kringer@wsu.edu

Jim Harbertson (509) 786-9296 or jfharbertson@wsu.edu