YAKIMA, Wash. — A new study shows the Washington wine industry contributes $8.6 billion to the state's economy and creates nearly 30,000 jobs.
Washington state is the No.2 producer of premium wine behind California, with 739 licensed wineries and 350 vineyards. The number of acres planted in wine grapes has grown to nearly 44,000.
The industry produced 11.2 million cases of wine in 2010. The study released Tuesday shows direct winery revenue topped $1 billion that year and that the industry generated wages of nearly $1.2 billion within the state.
Stonebridge Research Group completed the study for the Washington State Wine Commission, a promotional group funded by its member growers and wineries.
