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Virginia wine and cider sales reach record high

Posted at 11:32 AM, Aug 31, 2016
and last updated 2016-08-31 11:32:24-04

RICHMOND, Va.  Sales of Virginia wine reached another record high during fiscal year 2016, with more than 556,500 cases, or over 6.6 million bottles, sold.

The Commonwealth’s ranking in the nation reflects a strong industry; Virginia currently ranks fifth in the number of wineries in the nation with more than 285, and is also the nation’s fifth largest wine grape producing state. Virginia is sixth in the nation for number of cideries.

The 2016 sales  represent a six percent increase from fiscal year 2015, when Virginia wineries sold more than 524,800 cases, according to the governor’s office. Sales of Virginia wine have increased by 34 percent since fiscal year 2010.

Virginia cider sales are now tracked separately from Virginia wines, and the results reflect explosive growth.

During fiscal year 2016, more than 416,750 cases of Virginia cider were sold, an increase of more than 52 percent over fiscal year 2015, when more than 273,250 cases sold.

Virginia cider sales are increasing in all market segments, including direct sales, as well as national and international distribution. National industry analysts expect continued solid growth in this sector for the next several years.

“These vineyards and orchards are providing jobs, revenue and expanded tourism opportunities, especially in many of our more rural areas across the Commonwealth,” said Governor Terry McAuliffe. “With more than 285 wineries and 16 cideries, Virginia is a preeminent destination for wine and cider lovers.”

According to a 2012 economic impact study, the Virginia wine and cider industry employs more than 4,700 and contributes almost $750 million to the state economy, annually.

Total sales of Virginia wine amounted to more than $2 million in wine liter tax collections during the fiscal year ending June 30, 2016, according to state agency data.

Virginia wine sales at wineries increased 7.3 percent over the previous year, up by more than 25,500 cases.

Visitation to Virginia wineries increased as well, to over 2.3 million in 2015, according to the Virginia Tourism Corporation.

Furthermore, wine sales at Virginia ABC stores grew by almost 10 percent in fiscal year 2016, to a total of 13,000 cases sold.

Virginia is also on the map for its quality production.

“In addition to growing sales, Virginia continues to garner national and international coverage for the quality of wines and ciders we produce,” said Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Todd Haymore.  “Just last week, several Virginia wineries, hotels, and festivals ranked in the top 10 in four out of five categories in USA Today’s Readers’ Choice: Best of America’s wine regions.”

Virginia has been the recipient of increased wine media coverage over the past several years, most recently in Wine Enthusiast magazine’s June edition, Virginia Revolutionaries; and Food & Wine magazine’s May issue, Best Virginia Wines & Their Classic Region Counterparts.

Earlier this month, Virginia ranked in the top 10 in USA Today’s Readers’ Choice: Best of America’s wine regions in several categories, including:

  • Best Tasting Room: Early Mountain Vineyards (ranked #1)
  • Best Wine Festival: Virginia Wine Summit (ranked #4)
  • Best Winery Tour: King Family Vineyards (ranked #7)
  • Best Wine Country Hotel: The Salamander Inn & Spa (ranked #4) and The Inn at Little Washington (ranked #10)
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