Wine Fuels Washington Economy

Wine Fuels Washington Economy

Story Published: Feb 7, 2008 at 7:44 PM PDT

By Rudabeh Shahbazi

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It's no secret that Washington benefits from vineyards, and the tourism they bring.

The Washington wine industry is catching up to California, and emerging as a world leader in wine-making and hospitality. Today an independent study revealed some numbers that show how sweet our grapes really are.

The study, published by MKF Research, said that wine and grapes contribute $3 billion to the state's economy, and even more nationwide.

There are now more than 500 wineries in Washington. Less than a decade ago, there weren't even 200. Industry leaders say the secret is out-- Washington has a great climate for grape growing.

“Many people around the country think it rains too much in Washington to grow good grapes,” said Kent Waliser, general manager of the Sagemoore winery, north of Pasco. “But that couldn't be further from the truth.”

The Tri-Cities area is generally known to have 300 days of sunshine, and growers say the soil is top-notch. But it's not all about nature. Tourism is raking in the big cash.

According to the study, 1.7 million people visit Washington just to try its wine. That's five times the number it was just a few years ago.

“This shows us not only how the wine industry impacts eastern Washington and Washington, but that it has a ripple effect throughout the nation,” said Vicky Charloau, of the Association of Wine and Grape Growers.

Waliser said the boom is illustrative of a shifting American culture.

“America is becoming one of the best markets for wine in the world, and that's a reflection of a culture change in this country,” he said. “To enjoy wine with food and make it part of our lifestyle.”

Nearly 20,000 jobs depend on the Washington wine industry, and winery revenues have increased 51 percent in less than a decade, according to the study.

The Washington Wine Growers Association says there is still plenty or room for growth, as more vineyards continue plant their seeds in eastern Washington, strengthening the entire state.

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