That’s according to a new study that estimates the economic impact of Virginia wines to be $1.73 billion as of 2019.
Wine accounts f0r 10,420 full-time equivalent jobs, $398.8 million in wages, adn $246.7 million in wine-related tourism revenue. The state’s 357 wineries and 349 grape growers were responsible for $17.8 million of vineyard revenue.
“We’re excited by the growing impact of Virginia wines and are proud to provide over 10,000 jobs and contribute almost $200 million dollars in taxes to the state,” said Kirk Wiles, Chairman of the Virginia Wine Board. “First and foremost, Virginia Wine is an industry of people— business owners, farmers, wine lovers— and we’re fortunate to be able to give back to the Commonwealth through the local economy.”
Almost all categories reported an increase from 2015; the number of full-time equivalent jobs (+27%), the number of wineries (+37%) and the revenue from wine-related tourism (+31%).
“The agriculture and tourism sectors are the biggest contributors to Virginia’s economy, thanks in large part to industries like Virginia Wine,” said Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Matt Lohr.
Economic Forensics and Analytics, Inc. conducted the analysis for the Virginia Wine Board.