California Wines Pour Jobs and Dollars into Economy

2022 Report Shows Annual Economic Impact Grows to $73 Billion in California, $170.5 Billion in U.S.

The California wine and winegrape sector and allied businesses deliver a total economic contribution of $73 billion annually to the state’s economy and $170.5 billion annually to the U.S. economy, according to a new report commissioned by Wine Institute and the California Association of Winegrape Growers (CAWG). California wineries and vineyards also directly and indirectly generate 422,000 jobs in California and 1.1 million jobs across the nation. “The Economic Impact of California Wine” was prepared by John Dunham & Associates.

The report shows 27% growth in statewide impact (from $57.6 to $73 billion) and 49% in national impact (from $114.1 to $170.5 billion) over the past six years. This robust expansion — during a challenging period that included a devastating pandemic — shows the strength and resiliency of the nation’s top wine-producing state as an economic engine.

“California wine is an economic force across our nation, proving once again that it is the ultimate value-added, sustainable agricultural product. Our predominantly small, multi-generational family-owned businesses support communities everywhere by growing jobs, generating economic activity, tourism, and tax revenues and generously contributing to charities,” said Wine Institute President and CEO Robert P. Koch. “We are proud of these accomplishments that are due in part to the Craft Beverage Modernization Act, which reduced federal excise tax rates for every single winery, fostering investment and accelerating growth.”

“The vineyards of California are not only iconic post-card images of our state’s splendor, but also cradles of economic growth and pillars to many communities around the state,” said CAWG Interim President Natalie Collins. “The report offers a testament to the hard work and commitment of California’s winegrape growers and vintners in building and preserving a truly sustainable economic driver.”

ECONOMIC IMPACT REPORT HIGHLIGHTS

Impact of California wine and winegrapes on the U.S. economy:

• Employment – 1.1 million full-time equivalent jobs: 422,000 jobs in California; 713,000 jobs in other states
• Annual Economic Activity – $170.5 billion
• Wages & Benefits – $59.9 billion annually
• Annual Taxes – $21.9 billion total: $11.7 billion in federal taxes, $10.2 billion in state and local taxes
• Charitable Contributions – $305.2 million annually

Impact of California wine and winegrapes on the California economy:

• Employment – 422,000 full-time equivalent jobs
• Annual Economic Activity – $73 billion
• Wages & Benefits – $25.9 billion annually
• Annual Taxes – $7.9 billion total: $4.7 billion in federal taxes, $3.2 billion in California and local taxes
• Tourism Visits – 25.2 million wine-related tourist visits annually to California wineries
• Tourism Spending – $8.6 billion in estimated wine visitor-related expenditures annually
• Charitable Contributions – $291.2 million annually

Economic Impact of California Wine and Grapes 2022 measures the full economic impact of the wine and winegrape industries in terms of employment, wages, output, taxes, tourism spending and visits and charitable giving. It uses a standard and widely used methodology which includes direct, indirect and induced economic impacts to present the full picture. The IMPLAN model, initially developed by the U.S. Forest Service and University of Minnesota (and now maintained by IMPLAN, Inc.), is used by many companies around the world as well as government agencies such as the National Agricultural Statistics Service, Economic Research Service and Federal Reserve Bank.

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About Wine Institute  

Established in 1934, Wine Institute is the public policy advocacy group of more than 1,000 California wineries and affiliated businesses that initiates and advocates state, federal and international public policy to enhance the environment for the responsible production, consumption and enjoyment of wine. The organization works to enhance the economic and environmental health of the state through its leadership in sustainable winegrowing and by showcasing California’s wine regions as ideal destinations for food and wine travelers to the state. Visit Wine Institute for more on its work and to learn more on California wines, visit DiscoverCaliforniaWines.

Media Contact

About The California Association of Winegrape Growers

CAWG provides industry leadership to advocate for public policies, research and education programs, and sustainable farming practices to enhance the business of growing California winegrapes. The organization represents the growers of more than 50 percent of the gross grape tonnage crushed for wine and concentrate in California. For more information, visit www.cawg.org.

Media Contact

Natalie Collins, California Association of Winegrape Growers

natalie@cawg.org

916-379-8995