RICHMOND, Va. – Over 6.6 million bottles of Virginia wine were sold during fiscal year 2016, according to an announcement from Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe.
The sales represent a 6 percent increase from fiscal year 2015, when Virginia wineries sold more than 524,800 cases.
The Virginia Wine Marketing Office tracked Virginia cider sales separately from Virginia wines. During fiscal year 2016, more than 416,750 cases of Virginia cider were sold, an increase of more than 52 percent over fiscal year 2015.
“Virginia wines and ciders are continuing to increase their robust sales and contributing to a more diversified Virginia agricultural sector,” said Governor McAuliffe. “These vineyards and orchards are providing jobs, revenue and expanded tourism opportunities, especially in many of our more rural areas across the Commonwealth. With more than 285 wineries and 16 cideries, Virginia is a preeminent destination for wine and cider lovers. The Virginia wine and cider industries, along with our craft beer and distilled spirits industries, play an important role in our efforts to build a new Virginia economy.”
According to figures from the Virginia Wine Marketing Office and the Virginia Department of Alcohol Beverage Control, total sales of Virginia wine amounted to more than $2 million in wine liter tax collections during the fiscal year.
