The grape and wine industries have a significant impact on the economy of the United States, accounting for over $160 billion, and 1 million jobs which translates into more than $50 billion in wages and taxes.*  The Wine Institute reports that U.S. wine exports totaled more than $870 million in 2006. 

In 2006, grapes were grown on more than 925,000 acres, producing over 6.4 million tons, with a value of over $3.3 billion.  Grapes are the 6^th largest crop in the U.S., but make up approximately 30% of the value of all fruit grown in the US, a larger percentage than any other crop.**

Not all grapes are used in wine.  Some become raisins, are used in jelly and jam, turned into juice or are eaten as fruit.  All this being said, we believe the best grape is the grape that was smash, fermented, and bottled.

The United States ranks 4^th behind Italy, France, and Spain, accounting for about 10% of the world’s wine production.  According to the U.S. Tax and Trade Bureau, from July 2005 to June 2006, the United States produced over 780 million gallons of wine.

According to US law, in order for a wine to list a vintage year on the bottle, 95% of the grapes must come from that years harvest.

*MKF Research

**USDA-NASS