In the Spring of 2000, questionnaires regarding the export assistance needs of all 1012 wineries in California, Oregon, Washington and Idaho were mailed.  These surveys, one for current exporters and one for non-exporters, were based upon over 25 in-depth interviews with wine industry executives as well as public and private sector export service providers.  Each questionnaire included a section specifically designed to identify and prioritize the assistance needs of exporting and non-exporting wineries.  The robust 24% return rate enhances the validity of the survey results.

The purpose of this research effort is to provide export service providers with an empirically-based analysis of the exporting needs of wineries so they can improve the effectiveness of their export assistance programs to enhance the global competitiveness of US wineries.  Results suggest that managers in exporting wineries see great value in “advanced” export assistance needs.  Managers of non-exporting wineries place the highest value on more “fundamental” export assistance.  Non-exporters and new exporters place higher value on assistance in finding distributors than experienced exporters.  Lastly, venues in which there is an opportunity to network with experienced exporters is seen as a valuable assistance tool by both exporting and non-exporting wineries.