The 17-page report reveals the industry is adding jobs, and that millennials accounted for about 20-30% of gross wine sales in the region last year

SAN DIEGO – November 13, 2019 – The San Diego County Vintners Association (SDCVA), a trade organization dedicated to supporting the winemaking community in San Diego County, released the 2019 San Diego County Economic Impact of Wineries report today. The 17-page report states that last year San Diego County wineries contributed approximately $58.6 million to the local economy, generated about $41 million in gross sales (a 57.1% increase from 2017), accounted for 611 industry jobs and harvested a record-breaking 3,284 tons of wine grapes with a production value of $4.6 million.

Written by Vince Vasquez, independent economic analyst and executive director of the Policycraft Institute, an economic think tank based in Carlsbad, the report relies on survey data, economic modeling software, California ABC licenses, and San Diego County records to calculate the economic health and expansion of the wine industry in San Diego County.

“Our wine industry continues to flourish and has proven itself to be a positive force in the county’s economy and workforce,” said County Supervisor Dianne Jacob. “The county sees all the good that the wineries and vineyards bring to our community and we are confident it will only continue to grow.”

“The county’s wine trade is a perfect example of how one industry can have a positive impact in numerous ways –  in this case jobs, tourism and small business growth,” said County Supervisor Kristin Gaspar. “I have no doubt that our region’s wine industry will continue this impressive growth in the years to come.”

Since 2012, San Diego County has experienced steady growth in the number of active winegrower licenses and new wineries. The report data reveals the increase is due to existing wineries expanding and opening new satellite rooms in the county. There are currently 181 winegrower licenses (the ABC permit required to operate a vineyard/winery), and 142 active and under construction wineries in the county. The report states there was a 9.7% increase in San Diego County-based wine industry jobs in 2018. Additionally, 64% of wineries stated millennials accounted for 20-30% of their sales in 2018.

“The San Diego County wine industry has experienced record growth over the past few years. It’s also adding jobs and creating places where residents can connect, share their love of great wines, and explore our diverse wine region,” said San Diego County Vintners Association President Ed Embly, owner of Hungry Hawk Vineyards in Escondido. “This report validates that the hard work our winemakers are doing is making a significant impact on the county’s economy and our community.”

Click here to access the full report. For more about San Diego County wines visit www.sandiegowineries.org.

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