Grape production is thriving in Pennsylvania.
The Commonwealth now ranks fourth in the U.S. for grape production, up from fifth in 2018.
State Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding tells KDKA Radio the findings from an economic impact study were unexpected:
“When you get this confirmation where we have actually made progress on the number of farms and acres and jobs and production, it is a really nice surprise,” said Redding.
Pennsylvania’s 326 wineries and vineyards generated around $747 million in tourism revenue last year.
The study says Pennsylvania's wineries produced more than 12 million gallons of wine in 2023.
“Pennsylvania’s wine and grape industry is a tremendous asset to our economy and undeniably adds to quality of life in every region of the state,” Sec. Redding said. “The thriving industry brings visitors to our countryside and small towns, provides nutritious juice for our youngest consumers, and wines that pair with locally-grown foods on restaurant and family tables. The Shapiro Administration is proud to invest in the industry’s future and the future of families and communities who depend on it.”