Big Developments in the Washington Wine Industry
The Washington State Wine Commission hired Steve Warner as the new Executive Director. For more information on Mr. Warner’s background, and the unanimous support by the Washington wine industry, read the WSWC press release here, and the WAWGG press release here.
In other news, the Washington wine industry, including both wineries and grape growers, has made a $7.4 million commitment to a new Washington State University Wine Science Center facility. Read the WSU article here, and about the additional contribution by Ste. Michelle Wine Estates here.
Washington Wine, Beer & Distilleries Law Seminar - March 15, 2012
Please join us for our inaugural Washington Winery, Brewery & Distillery law seminar at the Columbia Winery in Woodinville, Washington on Thursday, March 15.
Panels to include these hot topics, plus much more:
- Privatization/I-1183
- Trademarks
- Employment Laws
- Tasting Room Operations
- Taxes
For more information and registration visit: http://www.stoel.com/showevent.aspx?Show=9199
Cowlitz County Superior Court Denies Motion For Preliminary Injunction Against I-1183
Defenders of I-1183 received a holiday gift last week from the Cowlitz County Superior Court. On Thursday, December 22, 2011, the Court issued two important rulings in the declaratory judgment action challenging the constitutionality of I-1183.
First, the Court granted the motion to intervene brought a group of supports of I-1183 led by Costco and the Washington Restaurant Association. In so ruling, the Court observed that those entities’ economic interests were implicated by challenge to I-1183 and that their interests were distinct from those of the State. Those entities now will be able to participate fully in the defense of I-1183.
Second, the Court denied the motion for preliminary injunction to block implementation of I-1183. The Court explained that I-1183 is the law of Washington and that Plaintiffs had not carried their heavy burden for altering that status quo.
Following that ruling and recognizing that the challenge to I-1183 turns largely, if not exclusively, on pure legal arguments, the Court set the following expedited schedule for summary judgment briefing and a trial date if necessary:
- January 20, 2012: Opening Summary Judgment Briefs Due
- February 10, 2012: Responsive Briefs Due
- February 17, 2012: Reply Briefs Due
- March 5, 2012: Summary Judgment Hearing
- April 16, 2012: Trial
In setting this schedule, the Court stated that it welcomed extensive briefing on the issues presented. Thus, there might be an opportunity for the filing of amicus briefs.
We will continue to monitor developments in the case. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Join us for our 2nd Annual Washington Wine Law Seminar
Join Stoel Rives winery and vineyard attorneys and featured speaker Sean P. Sullivan, Editor,
Washington Wine Report, on Thursday, February 17, at the 2nd Annual Washington Wine Law Seminar, in Woodinville, Washington at The Hollywood Schoolhouse. This seminar will address these pertinent topics and more:
- Regulatory Q&A panel
- The use of social media to promote your winery
- Employment issues, including wage and hour, employee handbooks, and the use of volunteers in tasting rooms and in the crush and bottling process
- Tax and succession planning
- Distillery operations at a winery
- Trademarks and your brand
- Water rights
- The use of solar panels in your winery and other renewable energy topics of interest
|
When: |
February 17, 2011 |
|
Where: |
The Hollywood Schoolhouse |
|
Parking: |
Complimentary parking at The Hollywood Schoolhouse. |
|
Cost: |
Complimentary for winery and vineyard industry members. |
|
Registration: |
If you haven't already registered, please do so today. Click here. |
Questions? Contact Trina Gremaux at tcgremaux@stoel.com or (503) 294-9226
