North Carolina’s wine industry continues to grow, following in the spirited footsteps of its immensely successful craft beer sector.
The Charlotte Observer reported that just six years ago, the state’s wine industry was raking in $1.28 billion. Current numbers, which refer to 2013 sales, peg wine as a $1.7 billion industry for the region. Overall, 569,000 cases of vino were produced in 2013. North Carolina is currently home to 159 vineyards, which do more than simply produce full-bodied vintages, explained the Triangle Business Journal. The news source reported that the sector contributes nearly 8,000 jobs to the state, which are spread among the growing number of wineries and the 525 commercial grape-growing organizations that supply them.
North Carolina’s wineries are also reaping the benefits of an increased interest in food and wine tourism. According to the source, general North Carolina tourism expanded by 65 percent between 2009 and 2013. Over this time, vineyard tourism jumped by 500,000 visitors to over 1,700,000 visitors. TWC News noted that many of the area’s wineries have made focused efforts to attract wine enthusiasts by holding festivals and events and making themselves available for weddings.