New Economic Report: San Diego County Winery Sales Reach All-Time Record of $54.5 Million in 2023, an 11% Increase Over 2022
08 Mayo 2024 - 1:01PM
Business Wire
San Diego County Vintners Association releases 2024 Economic
Impact of Wineries report as it celebrates San Diego Wine Week
culminating in annual Wine Festival on May 19
The San Diego County Vintners Association (SDCVA), a trade
organization dedicated to supporting the San Diego winemaking
community, released the 2024 San Diego County Economic Impact of
Wineries report today as it celebrates San Diego Wine Week May 13 –
19 ending with its annual wine festival on Sunday, May 19 from 1 –
4 p.m. PDT.
Report Highlights:
- County wineries realized about $54.5 million in gross sales
last year, an 11% jump over 2022, representing a record high.
- The number of active and planned wineries in San Diego County
is currently 166.
- Newer and expanding wineries led job growth in the sector,
which rose to an estimated 802 jobs in 2023, a 13% increase over
2022 totals (709.5).
- Yields from San Diego’s 2023 grape harvest season significantly
improved from the prior year; most respondents indicated an above
average (32%) or average (24%) yield, compared to 2/3rds indicating
a below average (66%) harvest yield in 2022.
- Industry staffing, recruitment and retention continue to be
challenges for San Diego County wineries.
San Diego County wine growers also reported grape harvest
quality as excellent (26%) or good (34%). Wildfire insurance
coverage continues to be a major issue for San Diego wineries, with
59% stating their insurance rates increased over the past year, and
24% stated they were denied insurance coverage.
California Representative Scott Peters says, “Despite
significant business headwinds, such as inflation, employee
retention challenges, and increased insurance costs, San Diego
wineries are thriving. I’ve been a longtime supporter of
California’s winemaking industry as it continues to make valuable
contributions to our economy and culture.”
San Diego County Supervisor Jim Desmond agrees, “The wine
industry is flourishing in San Diego County. This report highlights
wineries’ role in our diverse economy, as well as some persistent
challenges San Diego vintners experience including inflation,
wages, and wildfire insurance hikes. Continual support for wineries
and vineyards is vital as they strengthen our economy, create jobs,
and hold historical significance in the region.”
San Diego County Supervisor Joel Anderson says, “San Diego
County’s wine industry is vital to our local economy. Wineries
create jobs, support our communities, and attract tourism. I
applaud the San Diego County Vinters Association for its continued
study of how the industry impacts the regional economy.”
San Diego wineries are celebrating their success at San Diego
Wine Week – a week-long extravaganza from May 13 - 19 with wineries
expanding operations with additional days, extending hours and
hosting special events across the county. From unveiling new
vintages and introducing dining options, to live music performances
and unique pouring experiences, participating wineries will offer
activities that engage wine enthusiasts. The week ends with the
acclaimed SDCVA Wine Festival on Sunday, May 19 at the historic
Bernardo Winery. Tickets are available here.
“The county’s wine industry is thriving and celebrating another
record year for wine sales across the county. San Diego’s Wine
Week, a week of special wine-themed events throughout the county
culminating in a wine festival and tasting, is the perfect way to
showcase our diverse wine industry and its contributions to San
Diego,” says SDCVA President Mike Weber, general manager of Orfila
Winery.
Full report here. For more about San Diego County wines visit
https://sandiegowineries.org/.
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version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240508648427/en/
Media Contact: Bonnie D. Shaw Clearpoint Agency 760.505.1201
bonnie@clearpointagency.com