Oregon, an Important Wine Grape Supplier

Oregon's wine production is not only driven by the local demand, Oregon’s alcohol exports reached an all-time high in 2015. As reported by the Oregon Liquor Control Commission in 2014, local wine represented 22 percent of total taxable consumption. Wine had a favorable growth rate in 2015; after a couple of years of modest demand, sales of wine grew by 3.6 percent.

Oregon wine grape growers are now important national suppliers. In 2014, Oregon ranked among the top five largest producers of grapes in the United States. According to Southern Oregon University, acreage increased to 27,390 from 23,955 in 2013. Oregon grapes are now recognized both nationally and internationally, winning several best in class awards at the recent L.A. International Wine Competition. Specifically, the pinot noir variety has been ranked among the best wines in the world.

There are five traditional growing regions in Oregon. North Willamette Valley is the largest in the state, followed by the Rogue Valley, Columbia River, South Willamette Valley, and Umpqua Valley.

To learn more about the wine industry in the Columbia Gorge, read Workforce Analyst Karla Castillo's article "The Columbia Gorge, a Blossoming Wine Region."