California's Winegrape Industry: An Overview

California vineyards were first planted in 1778 by Spanish Mission Fathers. The first winery was established in the 1850's during the gold rush. Today there are more than 1000 wineries in California producing over 90 percent of total U.S. wine volume. Approximately 14.8 million visitors generated $1.3 billion in tourism expedetures in 2002. The industry provides 207,550 full-time equivalent jobs.

Economic value

Grapes (all types) are the 2nd highest-ranked California agriculture commodity. Winegrape sales in 2002 exceeded $2.3 billion. Grapes are the 6th largest agricultural crop in the U.S. with commercial vineyards in more than 40 states. Wine production adds value of approximately $2-3 for each $1 of farm gate value.

Wine industry revenues

• The retail value of California wine in 2002 was $15.2 billion.

United States wine stats

• The U.S. accounts for 9.6% of the world grape production (4th after Italy, France and Spain) and 6.3% of the wine production (5th after Italy, France, Spain and Argentina). Our exports of wine represent 2.9% of the world export market. Our 9.6% share of grape production is accomplished on only 3.8% of the world's vineyard acreage.
  
  
• According to the Grape Acreage Survey, in 2004 wine type grapes totaled 513,000 acres in California. Winegrapes represent 60% of the California total grape acreage of 853,000 acres.
  
  
• In 2003, the adult per capita table wine consumption was approximately 2.68 gallons.
  
  
• The U.S. ranks 27th in the world in terms of per capita consumption.
  
  
• Total white wine acreage in 2004 was 181,663. Red wine acreage was 285,272.
  
  
• The leading wine type varietals are Chardonnay (99,000 acres) and Cabernet Sauvignon (76,000 acres).
  
   Click Here for information about Emerging Varietals in California