Washington State University enthusiastically endorsed new legislation regarding enology and viticulture student training during today’s House Commerce & Gaming committee hearing.
HB 1563 extends legislation passed in 2015 to allow students under 21 enrolled in enology and viticulture programs at four year universities to taste but not consume wine as part of their education. Since its passage, this legislation has significantly enhanced the quality of educational experience in classrooms, allowing them to better understand flavors and identify flaws.
Even so, students remain limited when it comes to field trip trainings in wineries and vineyards. HB 1563 would include grape-growing areas and wine production facilities on the list of allowable locations for supervised students to sip and expectorate wine as part of their educational training.
Video of WSU’s testimony on the bill can be viewed below: