Revitalized N.C. wine industry has high hopes

Wines & Vines, March, 2004

An economic impact study produced by the North Carolina Grape Council predicts that the state's wine industry could contribute as much as $540 million to the state economy over the next 10 years. The figure includes an estimated $50 million from wine tourism, $75 million in allied industries such as label printers, equipment and bank loans and $180 million in restaurant and retail sales of North Carolina wines.

North Carolina recently received its first AVA for the Yadkin Valley in the Triad area. The state's first winery was Medoc Vineyard, founded in 1835, and by 1900, 25 wineries were in operation. Biltmore Estate Winery in Asheville is the most visited winery in the United States, owing to its situation near the famous Biltmore House, according to the Grape Council. Currently, North Carolina has 21 bonded wineries, according to the Wines & Vines Annual Directory/Buyer's Guide.