The Business of Wine is inexorably intertwined with economic development, particularly in rural parts of Washington, Oregon and California.

As wine becomes an increasingly important component of rural economic growth, connecting rural enterprises with those whose financial assistance and acumen can advance the opportunities for entrepreneurism and job creation becomes increasingly important.

This site is designed to enhance contacts within the wine industry, and with entrepreneurs interested in it. And a key example of that is Washington Wine Country, the organization headed by Janet Leduc, which is focused on the economic impact of the wine industry on Washington State’s economy. We’re involved on that board.

Founded in 2003, Washington Wine Country is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting wine-related tourism and economic vitality by fostering collaborative regional partnerships throughout the celebrated wine growing region of Eastern Washington, where 99 percent of Washington State’s wine grapes are grown. The region includes the Yakima Valley, Columbia Valley, Walla Walla Valley, Red Mountain and the newer appellations of the Columbia Gorge, Horse Heaven Hills, Rattlesnake Hills, Wahluke Slope, Snipes Mountain, and Lake Chelan.

For seven years, the organization’s annual Washington Wine Country Celebration has featured fund-raising events at an array of wineries and the Grand Gala Auction at the Yakima estate of Al DeAtley. The events have raised the funds necessary for the operation of Washington Wine Country.

In addition to supporting organizations like Washington Wine Country, as well as the statewide industry organization the Washington Wine Commission, Washington’s wine industry has begun to attract considerable media attention.

Among examples of that are the annual wine issue of Seattle Met magazine, the annual The Business of Washington Wine annual special publication produced by Puget Sound Business Journal.

And a number of bloggers focused on wine have emerged in the Northwest, perhaps most notably the West Coast recognition of Seattle-based wine writer Teri Citterman.

With a “Best wine writer” honor bestowed on her by Napa Valley wine writers.

To get a taste of her intriguing web offerings, go to AnUrbanSip.com, her blog for which her tagline is "Wine paired with life...think liquid nudist camp."

To learn how you might be involved with editorial material, or marketing ideas relating to the site, contact Mike Flynn & Associates LLC at mike@emikeflynn.com.