West Virginia
Economic Impact Study
2022
WineAmerica, the National Association of American Wineries in Washington DC, commissioned a 2022 National Economic Impact Study of the Wine Industry by John Dunham & Associates. The study shows that the West Virginia wine industry generated over $500 million for the American economy in 2022. Since all 50 states produce and consume wine, the study includes detailed data for each state. Below is the information for West Virginia.
West Virginia Wine Industry Highlights
Total
Output
The wine industry generates close to $501.65 million in total economic activity in the State of West Virginia, dramatically illustrating that wine is the ultimate value-added beverage. The broader economic impact flows throughout the state, generating business for firms seemingly unrelated to the wine industry. Real people, with real jobs, working in industries as varied as farming, banking, accounting, manufacturing, packaging, transportation, printing, and advertising depend on the wine industry for their livelihoods.
State
Reach
The West Virginia wine industry includes a total of 17 wine producers¹ as well as 0 acres of vineyards.²
Job
Creation
The West Virginia wine industry directly employs as many as 2,115 people, and generates an additional 674 jobs in supplier and ancillary industries which supply goods and services to the industry, and whose sales depend on the wine industry’s economic activity. Ultimately, 3,615 jobs are created and supported by the wine industry.
Wage
Generation
The West Virginia wine industry provides good jobs, paying an average of $39,300 in annual wages and benefits. The total wages generated by direct, indirect, and induced economic activity driven by the wine industry are $142.21 million.
Tourist
Activity
The West Virginia wine industry is a major magnet for tourists and tourism-driven expenses. West Virginia’s “wine country” regions generates 6900 tourist visits and $2.34 million in annual tourism expenditures, benefiting local economies and tax bases.
Tax
Revenue
The West Virginia wine industry generates sizeable tax revenues on the local, state, and national levels. In 2022, the industry will pay nearly $11.58 million in state and local taxes, and $15.46 million in federal taxes for a total of $27.03 million. In addition, the industry generates approximately $1.19 million federal consumption taxes and $11.65 million in state consumption taxes which include excise and sales taxes.
1 – Throughout this study, the winery count refers to the number of winery facilities. A single winery may have multiple facilities throughout the state or country. Each of these facilities is included in the winery count.
2 – Vineyard acres refers only to independent farms not owned by wineries, which are counted under “Winery.”
