Tuesday, November 06, 2007

Facts and Figures

Recently research was done on the economic impact of wine and grapes on the Missouri economy. You can request the full report from the Department of Agriculture Grape and Wine Program, but I thought I'd summarize a few interesting points.

By the end of 2007, the report projects there to be 6,186 full time jobs in the Missouri wine industry to be paid $150 million. They also project there will be 352,000 cases of Missouri wine sold accumulating a retail value of $51 million. There are currently 72 wineries and 200 commercial growers in Missouri cultivating 1,350 acres.

From 2000 to 2005, the number of wineries in Missouri grew from 31 to 50. In 2005 Missouri sold 702,000 gallons of wine. 70% of Missouri wineries produce less than 5,000 gallons a year. Missouri ranks #11 in the country in terms of grape production. Missouri's wine, grape and related industries are projected to have a $701.2 million economic impact to the state of Missouri.

The average price of a ton of grapes in 2005 was $774.00 Also in 2005 the most expensive grape was Chardonel, with a range of $800-1000. In 2007 the projected most expensive grape is Vidal blanc grapes with a range of $1,200-1,400.

Missouri has 4 recognized American Viticulture Areas (AVA.) They are Augusta, Hermann, Ozark Highlands, and Ozark Mountain.

Monday, November 05, 2007