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News Release
Idaho’s grape and wine industry continues to grow and now its contribution to Idaho’s economy has been officially recognized by Governor Butch Otter who issued a special proclamation naming June as “Idaho Wine Month.”
There are now almost 40 wineries in Idaho; seven new operations have been established in just the last six months. The state’s wine industry is enjoying a 17 percent growth rate and now ranks 22 in the country for wine production.
The Idaho wine industry had a $73 million dollar impact on the state of Idaho in 2008 and employs more than 600 people, a figure projected to grow to more than $100 million and more than 900 jobs by 2015. The wine industry is one of the most rapidly expanding agricultural industries in Idaho.
“I am pleased to recognize the tremendous contributions our grape growers are making by not only employing Idahoan’s but also by producing Idaho wines of quality, variety and distinction. They are establishing themselves as one of the fastest growing wine industries in the country. I salute their recent achievements and awards and lift my glass to toast the many accomplishments that are awaiting them in the not too distant future,” Governor Otter said at the proclamation ceremony held May 27th
Present with Gov. Butch Otter as he officially declared June 2009 as Idaho Wine Month were: Lloyd Mahaffey; Moya Schatz, executive director of the Idaho Grape Growers and Wine Producers Commission; Bill Ringert, Cold Springs Winery in Hammett; Ron Bitner, Bitner Vineyards in Caldwell; and Roger Batt.
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