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OVERVIEW — California's approximately 1,300 wineries and 4,805 grape growers create 207,550 full-time equivalent jobs for $7.6 billion in wages in wineries, vineyards, and other affiliated businesses throughout the state. Tourism expenditures are $1.3 billion with 14.8 million visitors. Wineries and vineyards are predominantly family-owned and operated businesses that are active in local community affairs. The winegrowing community pays approximately $1.9 billion in taxes and makes charitable contributions estimated at $73 million annually. ECONOMIC ACTIVITY — California is America's top agricultural state, and wine is California's most valuable finished agricultural product. All grapes - wine, raisin, table and fresh - are the state's second leading farm product. The economic impact of the wine industry on the state of California totals $45.4 billion, counting revenues to the wine industry and allied industries, and direct and indirect economic benefits. PRODUCTION — California accounts for 90 percent of all U.S. wine production. If California were a nation it would be the fourth leading wine-producing country in the world behind France, Italy and Spain. Winegrapes are grown in 46 of California's 58 counties, covering 513,000 acres in 2004. Farm gate value of the winegrape crush was approximately $1.8 billion. SALES — California wineries shipped 522 million gallons to the U.S. and abroad in 2004. These sales from California accounted for 64 percent of the total 668 million gallons--both foreign and American-consumed in the U.S., or roughly two out of every three bottles sold in the country. California winery shipments to the U.S. comprise roughly $15 billion of the $23.2 billion estimated retail value of all wine sold in the U.S. in 2004. EXPORTS — Beyond U.S. borders, demand for California wine continues to grow at a rapid pace. In 2004, U.S. wine exports—95 percent from California—increased to 119 million gallons, and the value was $794 million. ENVIRONMENT — California enjoys an environment ideally suited
for the production of high quality grapes in terms of climate, soil and
weather. The U.S. government has recognized 86 American Viticultural
Areas in the state. Winegrapes are a particularly important tool for
California’s coastal and rural inland regions as they promote the
retention of agricultural lands and open space. *Data from Wine Institute, the California Association of Winegrape Growers, and Adams Business Media |
