About Us
We are here to serve you
The Guiding Principles
The following Guiding Principles will provide a founding set of ideals for the Board to use in evaluating proposals put forward by members, and for conducting the corporation’s business in general. Guiding Principals may be modified, deleted or supplemented with additional principles by action of the members. Any revisions to the Guiding Principles shall be made by majority vote of all members of the Corporation.
First, we will be an all-volunteer organization with no paid staff. We will rely on members and friends to do the work of FWWS.
Second, dues for the organization will be completely voluntary. We ask that you contribute whatever you can afford from $10 to $500. The money will be used solely for office supplies and to buy insurance for Board members.
Third, we won’t try to represent everyone or be all things for all wineries. In most instances, we intend to support the positions of the Washington Wine Institute. We will take other positions only when the Wine Institute is unable to express the needs of small family wineries. On most other issues we will work with the Wine Institute, much like Family Winemakers of California works with the California Wine Institute on topics of mutual agreement.
Fourth, we believe in the health benefits of moderate consumption of Washington wine. We plan to advocate vigorously in Olympia to be able to legally discuss and promote the many benefits of moderate consumption of our products.
Fifth, we will advocate for the free market as the only truly level playing field for the sale of Washington wine. Only wineries that are willing to compete fairly based on the merits of their products should join our group.
Sixth, we will be a transparent organization controlled by its members. We will have as many meetings as the members want and we will always tell you what we are doing on your behalf.
What we do and what we stand for: A small Winery’s Bill of Rights.
What do we do.
- We provide a clear voice for small Washington State wineries.
- We build public pride in small Washington Wineries.
- We promote the reputation, economic growth, and success of small Washington wineries.
- We seek to cut red tape for Family Wineries both within Washington and in interstate commerce.
- We listen to our members, keep them informed, actively seek their input, and respect their views in a democratic process where each winery has one vote.
- We advocate on behalf of family wineries before the Legislature, the Liquor Control Board, and the public.
What we stand for.
All small Washington wineries should have the right to:
- Compete fairly in an open market to create, sell, and present the state’s great artisan wines.
- Use their skill and passion to create a product which is a source of pride for Washington State, not a product presumed to be abused by consumers.
- Sell their wine without unnecessary paperwork and other administrative burdens.
- Sell their wine in a market where public safety requirements are respected and enforced uniformly and fairly.
- Thrive through investment from all legal sources regardless of industry affiliation.
- Partner freely with growers, distributors, retailers, restaurants, hotels and other manufacturers.
- Conduct all normal economic activities typical of other businesses unless there is a specific public safety reason for increased regulation.
- Be recognized as providing a healthful product that enhances quality of life when consumed in moderation.
- Be persistent and petulant in stopping the illegal consumption or the abusive over-consumption of alcohol.
- Promote their wines in a responsible fashion.