Virginia Wines Continue to Make News

A recent Wine Enthusiast Magazine article listed Virginia as one of the top 10 international wine producers. That's an honor only a handful of wine producers can hold, but Virginia wines have another role to play in the Old Dominion. Virginia wines are having a substantial impact on the economy in Virginia.

Over a five year period between 2005-2010, the wine industry's economic contribution to the state of Virginia doubled. Today, Virginia wines are contributing $750 million dollars a year to the state economy. With nearly 200 wineries in the state, Virginia wines are also producing jobs. The number of winery related jobs jumped from 3,160 in 2005 to 4,750 in 2010.

Governor McDonnell was recently quoted as saying, "The Virginia wine industry has seen tremendous growth over the last few years. From beautiful wineries starting up to more and more retail outlets and restaurants adding our wines to their shelves and menus, the growth has been very evident even to the casual observer."

Sales of Virginia wines grew more than 11 % in 2011. That growth equated to 5.5 million bottles of Virginia wine were sold. All the attention that is coming to Virginia wines has also brought more wine tourists to our state. The wine tourism has increased from $57 million in 2005 to a robust $131 million in 2010.

Virginia is fast becoming one of the nation's top wine producers, and the world is taking notice. Virginia is not only for lovers. Virginia is also for wine lovers.

Virginia Wines Continue to Make News