According to the Washington Wine Commission, wine grapes are now the state’s fourth-largest fruit crop. Around 24,800 acres of vineyards are to be harvested this year, against 17,000 acres in 1999. The state’s wine industry is now a $2.4 billion business, employing an estimated 11,000 people.
US: Washington expecting record crop
The Washington State wine region is anticipating a record crop this year. The harvest is expected to reach 118,000 tons, some 18% up on last year's record figure.