Growth in number of new Oregon wineries nearly doubles

By Lisa Riley

Published: 24 September, 2018

The number of new wineries that opened in the US state of Oregon last year nearly doubled compared to the previous year.

Oregon added 44 more wineries last year compared to the 24 added in 2016, with planted acreage and exports at an all-time high - sales volume rose 16% far outpacing the wine category’s national growth rate of 1.6%, according to the latest Oregon Vineyard and Winery Report.

Grape growers also flourished as they experienced an increase from 1,052 to 1,144 vineyards in the state, revealed the study, which is conducted annually by the University of Oregon’s Institute for Policy Research and Engagement (IPRE).

The most striking growth, the report said, was in emerging wine regions along Oregon’s northern border with 18 wineries added last year and the Rogue Valley with 13 in this AVA within Southern Oregon.

Sales grew by 4% to $550 million in 2017 driven by increases in direct and wholesale sales, the research found, with the total value of the production of wine grapes having increased by 14% from $167 million to $192 million during the year.

Oregon Chardonnay was trending up 10% and Oregon Pinot Noir volume was up 17%, according to the report.

The data suggested Oregon was well-positioned within a “fiercely competitive” global wine market, with increasing supply generally balanced by surging consumer demand,” said Oregon wine board executive director Tom Danowski

“We continue to see the marketplace increasingly recognising quality and Oregon delivering it more consistently across more grape varieties and growing regions than ever,” he said.

UK consumption of Oregon wine jumped 31% in 2017 with volume increasing to 10,047 cases compared to 6,953 in 2016.

Canadians are the top international consumers of premium Oregon wines, with 49% share.

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