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 and accomplished by the applicant reviewing and agreeing to abide by the SWWA Bylaws and submitting a simple application form. If the application is approved, membership fees are collected and you’re good to go!

Who is eligible to be a member?

The 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 and supportive community.

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.

What are the benefits of membership?

Members at all levels enjoy participation in general and educational SWWA meetings, opportunities to serve on the Executive Board and/or committees to help shape the future of the association and region, communication via internal e-mails and/or forums, advising the Association, and collaboration with fellow wineries and winemakers to achieve better quality, recognition, and demand for SW Washington wines.

Community groups and agencies may request to partner with local wineries to feature and provide wines at their events. These invitations are extended to Association members on an opt-in basis. Savor SWWA Wine, community partners invites, and marketing upgrade package are optional to members.

* Differences in Tier 3 marketing packages & website inclusions are described, below. Tier 3 members may opt to have business listing with link to business sites located within a secondary SWWA website page.

What’s the Marketing Enhancement Package?

Tier 1 and 2 members are featured on the SWWA website as part of base annual dues. Not all members may desire full marketing support. At the discretion of the Board based on year-to-year budgetary demands and any planned marketing campaigns, those that do may be assessed for the additional resources they require. If assessed, Tier 1 and 2 members will have the option of upgrading their marketing benefits for an additional annual fee of $150. This fee defrays the costs of the following:

Inclusion in the printed color brochure and touring map available at all member wineries, tourism locations, and downloadable from the website.
Featuring on a rotating basis in Association social media platforms.
Digital promotion, printed posters, postcards, passports, and press releases regarding four popular and well-attended weekend tour events per year.
Tier 3 members may elect to place an advertisement in Association printed materials for an additional annual fee of $200.

When are my fees due?

Annual membership and marketing enhancement fees are due by March 1st. Dues are to be paid no later than 30 days after the due date. Any member whose dues are not paid after the 30 day grace period shall be considered delinquent.

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 March. Online inclusion will occur shortly after membership. Inclusion in printed materials may not be immediate and will occur 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 judged by the Board to be appropriate on a case-by-case basis. Membership may remain provisionally active as long as a member remains in compliance with repayment guidelines set forth by the Board. 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.

Members-Only