Word has it that upwards growth in the Washington wine industry may be drawing to a close, with the number of bonded premises dropping to 591, two less than last quarter.  While many wineries have weathered the economic challenges, the dust is starting to settle as vintners decide to shut tasting rooms or close down altogether. 

Corporate heavyweight Diageo is closing the tasting rooms for Canoe Ridge and Sagelands later this month while Seattle-based Precept Wine Brands is reducing production at their Alder Ridge facility.  Diageo and Precept are large conglomerates with wine portfolios of many core brands in Washington so they are attempting to streamline and economize, being more strategic in their wine operations.  Smaller, independent wineries continue to see their tasting rooms as a way to connect directly with their customers and promote direct to consumer sales, so they are reluctant to close their doors.  This is true in Oregon as well.