Governor Warner Announces Economic Impact of Virginia's Wine Industry –
October Proclaimed Virginia Wine Month

October 18, 2002
Contact: Pamela Jewell
Virginia Wine Marketing Office
Phone: 804-786-0481
pjewell@vdacs.state.va.us

RICHMOND, VA – Virginia Governor Mark R. Warner today announced that the total economic impact of the Virginia wine industry is more than $95 million a year. In addition, the Governor issued a proclamation recognizing October as Virginia Wine Month.

"It's important to recognize that Virginia's wine industry impacts not only the state's agricultural endeavors, but the tourism industry as well," said Governor Warner. "The Commonwealth's farm wineries and vineyards are actually thriving in drought conditions. The wineries are also becoming an integral part of the state's overall tourism mix."

The total $95.7 million economic impact of the Virginia wine industry results from expenditures of $69.2 million in the production and sales of wine and $26.5 million in tourism-related expenditures by out-of-state travelers to wineries and wine-related festivals. This economic activity also supports approximately 1,030 full- and part-time jobs, and contributes about $8.0 million in state and local tax revenue each year.

The study, "An Analysis of the Economic Impact of Virginia's Wine Industry", was conducted by Virginia Commonwealth University's Center for Public Policy on behalf of the Virginia Winegrowers Advisory Board and the Wine Marketing Office of the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. To measure the impact of wine-related tourism, visitors to Virginia wineries and a major in-state wine festival were surveyed during Aug. and Sept. 2001. To measure the impact of production and sales, surveys of Virginia's wineries and vineyards were conducted from July to Sept. 2002.

Looking ahead, 2002 promises to be another great year for the state's wine industry. "Last year was a banner year," said David Collins, winemaker for Breaux Vineyards in northern Virginia, "and this year looks to be equally as good as '01."

Collins noted the sugars are up in this year's grapes and the flavors are good. He attributed it to the very timely rains in northern Virginia.

In the southwest region of Virginia, grape growers had to contend with both ends of the weather spectrum - drought and tropical depressions. "It has been an interesting vintage to say the least," said Bob Burgin with Chateau Morrisette in Meadows of Dan. "Overall the quality of the grapes has been good, with some very good exceptions."

"This year's harvest was phenomenal -- as good as last year's if not better," said Michael Shaps, the winemaker at King Family Vineyards near Afton. "The yield was down but the quality was up." Shaps also said that in central Virginia, this year saw the earliest harvest ever done in Virginia particularly for the Chardonnays and Viognier. According to Shaps, the late rains actually helped the vines, which were getting drought stressed, and pushed harvest back to a more normal schedule.

October is a perfect month to visit the wineries and learn about the harvest and crushing season. To celebrate the harvest and recognize Virginia Wine Month, activities and special promotions will be taking place around the state at wineries, restaurants and retail outlets. Visit your favorite restaurant or wine retailer to take advantage of these promotions and special events.

For more information about Virginia's wine industry and a complete list of October events, log on to www.virginiawines.org or call 1-800-VaVines for a 2002 Virginia Wineries Festival and Tour Guide.