Membership Information

Thank you for your interest in Southwest Washington Winery Association (SWWA) membership. We strive to be a warm, welcoming, and collaborative group organized to promote and encourage the development and growth of the region’s grape wine industry. We welcome any business, organization, educational institution or individual interested in viniculture and/or winemaking, or other persons wanting to support the regional wine industry to consider joining with us to accomplish the following goals:

Fostering a positive business climate for the wine industry in the region by working cooperatively with local, county, and state leaders in order to support and further develop sustainable, responsible, and environmentally friendly enterprises related to wine making, viticulture, and tasting room experiences;
Participating and collaborating in general wine industry and wine tasting initiatives and wine promotion, which encourage wine tourism and the expansion of wine-related businesses in the region;
Developing a non-profit organizational structure that facilitates the successful and sustainable growth of the wine industry and wine-related businesses in the area;

Providing education and support services for people involved in viticulture and enology, and educating the public about these practices;
Seeking funds from the public and governments to support the organization's programs and services;
Promoting and facilitating, in cooperation with growers and wineries in the region, the development of a cooperative initiative to research, and establish a viable American Viticultural Area in Southwest Washington;
Improving the quality, availability, recognition, and consumer demand for wines produced within SW Washington.

FAQs

How do I become a SWWA member?

Becoming a SWWA member is a straightforward process. The applicant reviews and agrees to abide by the SWWA Bylaws and submits a simple Membership Inquiry form. If the application is approved by majority vote the Board, membership fees are collected, and you’re good to go!

Who is eligible to be a member?

SWWA exists primarily to support and promote commercial winery operations within SW Washington. We warmly welcome new members from all aspects of the wine industry, including local licensed wineries, local satellite tasting rooms of other regional wineries, vineyards and wine-adjacent businesses, and supportive community members/wine enthusiasts.

What are the levels of membership?

There are several levels or “tiers” of membership. It is important to understand these so that you know where you best fit, the fees applying to this tier, and the specific benefits and responsibilities of your membership level.

When are my fees due?

Annual membership fees are due by January 1. Invoices and a series of reminders are emailed beginning in early December. If no payment is received within the brief grace period, membership is archived.

If I miss a payment, how can I get back in?

By paying your back and any current dues.

Can my dues be prorated if I join mid-year?

Dues may be prorated if membership begins in a month other than January. Online inclusion will occur shortly after membership. Inclusion in printed materials may not be immediate and will happen in the next printing cycle.

Can I get a hardship exception to my dues?

Life happens. Harvest… sometimes doesn’t. Tier 1 winery members considering themselves to be in a hardship situation may appeal to the Board for special consideration regarding the delay of dues payment. The Board has the authority to grant payment delays for reasons it deems appropriate on a case-by-case basis. Membership may remain provisionally active as long as a member remains in compliance with the Board's repayment guidelines. There are no hardship exceptions in other tiers, where members are welcome to rejoin as soon as they are able.

What must I do to stay in good standing?

Have no delinquent debts due to the Association, have no unresolved issues regarding abuse or negligent use of Association equipment or materials, and comply with all Association bylaws.

How do I terminate my membership?

Just let us know. Dues are not refundable. There are other situations where termination is considered otherwise automatic and occurs on the basis of Board vote:

The death of the member where there is no other business partner or winery owner remaining,
Dissolution or sale of a winery, vineyard or other enterprise,
Revocation of a winery license,
Failure to regain good standing status through due process as determined by the Board, or
The Board proposes expulsion of a member by a two-thirds vote of eligible voting members. The Bylaws provide more information.

When do meetings happen?

Normal membership meetings occur the first Monday of each month, usually with a 6PM social time followed by an agenda covering SWWA business and announcements. The host venue rotates monthly. Locations are listed in pre-meeting e-mails. Members may bring a bottle of wine to share, but there is no obligation. Special events may occur at other times. Watch for communications about these.

I’m in. What’s the next step?

Review the SWWA Bylaws
Request Board consideration by filling out this form.

What happens next?

Your application will be forwarded to the Board for review at the next scheduled executive meeting. The Membership Chairperson will then contact you with the decision, and—if appropriate—instruct you how and where to remit your membership fees and assist the on-boarding process consistent with your tier level.

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