Around the turn of the 20th century, North Carolina was the nation’s largest wine producer. Recently, our state has experienced a resurgence of wine making as local communities that have relied on agriculture for economic vitality undergo rapid change.
Vineyards and wineries represent a renewed opportunity for areas experiencing an interruption in agricultural markets. They create jobs and attract economic development to rural communities. They also offer opportunities for diversification and farmland preservation.
A 2006 Economic Impact Study of Wine and Winegrapes in our state indicates that North Carolina-produced wines contributed $317 million in revenue to the state in 2005. With 5,700 wine-industry related jobs and wages estimated at $67.9 million, the total impact (including indirect and induced revenues and wages) of the North Carolina wine industry is $813 million.
Currently, North Carolina ranks 7th in wine production and 10th in grape production in the United States. There are more than 90 wineries and 400 individually–owned grape vineyards across the state.
The Wine and Grape Council assists grape growers and wineries with:
- Guides for grape growing and winemaking
- Education resources
- Legal information
- Technical and research contacts
- Classifieds
- Suppliers
For more information, visit Nurture Wine and Grape Industry
NC Wine and Grape Council
NC Department of Commerce
4324 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699
(919) 715-WINE
Fax: (919) 715-5001