Consumers Encouraged To “Sip & Discover” During Washington State Wine Month

August is Washington state Wine month, and the industry is encouraging consumers to share their passion with friends, family as well as social media.  Two decades ago, then Governor Gary Locke declared the month of August Washington state Wine month, to highlight the growing industry.  And in those 20-plus years, the Washington wine industry has turned into an international player.

Heather Bradshaw said wine is a $6 billion industry in the Evergreen state and is the #2 Ag commodity, behind apples.  She noted that Washington wine continues to explode with 970 wineries statewide and over 58,000 acres devoted to wine grapes.

“On average a new winery opens in the state of Washington every single week.  So, we are growing like crazy, rapidly.  At least for the last decade.  And we don’t see any signs of slowing down.”

Bradshaw added Washington is perfect for growing the best grapes around.

“We have world class vineyards and we have a beautiful climate for growing grapes, and we’re just starting to realize out potential here.  So, the sky is the limit.  We have so much potential for future growth, in terms of vineyard land and, we’re actually only about a quarter of the way planted in terms of vines in terms of what we could be.”

Bradshaw said consumers can celebrate the month by looking for that Washington label, and buying local.

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