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Washington’s wine grape production totaled 120,000 tons last year, a 9% increase over the 2005 crop, and was valued at over $113 million, or $942 per ton. The 2006 crush is an all-time high, surpassing the previous record level of 115,000 tons harvested in 2002, according to the current 2006 edition of The U.S. Wine Market: Impact Databank Review & Forecast.

Riesling recorded the largest increase among all major varieties, with its 2006 crush up 27% to 23,800 tons. As expected, Chardonnay led all wine grapes in total tonnage, while Cabernet Sauvignon was the leading red variety, surpassing Merlot last year. Of the total crush in 2006, 56% was comprised of white varieties, up from 52% just two years prior.

Washington ranks second only to California in terms of wine production, at an estimated 9 million cases in 2006. Nearly 30,000 acres are devoted to bearing wine grapes in Washington, and the state boasts 350 growers and more than 460 wineries, producing wine estimated at nearly $700 million at retail. For more information regarding The U.S.

Source: Wine Market, click here.