While there are plenty of wine enthusiasts supportive of the wine grape industry, not everyone living near vineyards are keen about some of the practices—pesticide spraying, dust, noise, traffic—that accompany the production of wine grapes. Today’s farmer must be sensitive to all who live and work in the community, not just those who are adjacent to his or her property. Since the rapid expansion of the Washington State wine grape industry, conflicts have developed between farmer and urbanite as well as between farmers, especially where wine grape growing and wineries have moved into areas traditionally planted to wheat or other crops.

Being a good community neighbor can impact your operation in a positive way, and can also create good will and fuzzy feelings for regional and state wine industries. Communication, education, proactive planning, and relationship building can help prevent contentious issues that lead to lawsuits and further regulations and restrictions.

• Land use Zoning/Ordinances
• Target Audiences
• Identify Conflict Areas
• Proactive Planning
• Media/Community Relationships

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Downlaod Action Plan