Governor McAuliffe Announces Virginia Wine Sales Reach Record High in 2016

RICHMOND – Governor Terry McAuliffe announced that sales of Virginia wine reached another record high with more than 6.6 million bottles sold.  With more than 285 wineries and 16 cideries, Virginia is a preeminent destination for wine and cider lovers. Visits to Virginia wineries increased as well, to over 2.3 million in 2015.

Vineyard acreage in the Commonwealth also saw increases in 2015, with nearly 8 percent growth compared to 2014. Wine grape production increased by almost 8 percent during that same period, from 3,569 tons of fruit used to 3,844 tons. Non-bearing acres or new plantings that are not yet bearing fruit increased from 425 acres to 672 acres, which is a strong indicator of continued future growth. 

Virginia currently ranks fifth in the number of wineries in the nation with more than 285.  Virginia is also the nation’s fifth largest wine grape producing state. Currently, Virginia is sixth in the nation for number of cideries. 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 Virginia economy on an annual basis. 

MountainRose Vineyards planted a mix of three new and additional varieties of grapes in 2016 with plans to plant more in the coming year. We received a grant to add sparkling wines to our production as well. Please continue to enjoy Virginia wines, especially MountainRose Vineyard wines in the coming year, to continue to support our local economy!

For more information about the Virginia wine industry, please visit the Virginia Wine Marketing Office’s website at www.virginiawine.org or call 804‐344‐8200.