A new study finds the economic impact of Virginia wines to be an estimated $1.73 billion as of 2019. After evaluating all economic activity in Virginia related directly or indirectly to wine production, sales and wine grape farming, the study reports a 27 percent increase in overall economic impact from 2015 ($1.37 billion).

“We’re excited by the growing impact of Virginia wines and are proud to provide over 10,000 jobs and contribute almost $200 million in taxes to the state,” said Kirk Wiles, Chairman of the Virginia Wine Board. “First and foremost, Virginia Wine is an industry of people—business owners, farmers, wine lovers—and we’re fortunate to be able to give back to the commonwealth through the local economy.”

Almost all categories reported an increase from 2015; the number of full-time equivalent jobs (up 27 percent), the number of wineries (+37 percent) and the revenue from wine-related tourism (+31 percent).

“The agriculture and tourism sectors are the biggest contr...