Every year, The Washington Wine Commission releases fun facts about Washington wine at Taste Washington, and we thought it would be fun to compare this year to previous years:
FACT: Washington state is the second-largest premium wine producer in the United States (after California).
- YES in 2011, 2012 and 2013
FACT: There are 750 wineries in Washington state and 350+ grape growers.
- In 2012, there were 730 wineries & 350+ grape growers.
- In 2011, there were 700+ wineries & 350+ grape growers.
FACT: More than 30 varietals are produced in Washington state.
- The same was true in 2012. In 2011, more than 60
- Editor’s note: Interesting reversal!
FACT: The leading white varietals produced in Washington state are Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc, Gewurztraminer, Viognier, Semillon and Chenin Blanc.
- YES in 2011, 2012 and 2013
FACT: The leading red varietals produced in Washington state are Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Cab Francv and Malbec.
- In 2011 and 2012, three additional leading red varietals were listed: Sangiovese, Pinot Noir and Lemberger.
FACT: The ratio of white-to-red wine is 50.3% white to 49.7% red.
- In 2012, the ratio was 55% white to 45% red.
- In 2011, the ratio was 54% white to 46% red.
- Editor’s note: Very noteworthy to see how the ratio has evened out over the years.
Additional information in 2013:
- Wine Production: 12 million cases
- Record Harvest: 2012 with 188,000 tons
- Estimated winery sales: $437.64 million
- Estimated retail & restaurant sales: $135.782 million
- Estimated distributor sales: $37.34 million
- Full-time equivalent wine-related jobs: 30,000 in Washington state; 70,000 nationwide
- Wine-related wages paid: $1.5 billion in Washington state; $2.8 billion nationwide
- Total economic impact on Washington state: $8.6 billion
- Total economic impact on U.S. economy: $14.9 billion
We hope you enjoyed these factoids as much as we did!
Cheers!