Arizona wine tourism industry turning red, white grapes into $56M in green

PHOENIX — The final product may be a variation of white or red, but Arizona’s wine tourism industry means nothing but green for the state’s economy.

A Northern Arizona University study said the state’s viticultural industry generates more than $56 million per year.

The study said that most of the people who spent money on Arizona wine lived in the Grand Canyon State.

Illinois led the way when it came to out-of-state visitors who enjoyed sipping on vino, followed by California and Wisconsin.

Visitors were impressed by what they saw: 78 percent of respondents said their experience exceeded expectations.

The study said those who make $150,000 or more per year were more likely to purchase wine and stay overnight near the vineyard. Those people spent an average of $78 on the drink.

Most visitors to Arizona vineyards were on a day trip.

The NAU study was the latest news worth toasting for Arizona’s vitners. The industry grew gradually until 2001 when Arizona began to experience exponential growth. Production in the state soared in the years since, well above the national average.

According to Visit Arizona, the state has three major grape-growing regions: Sonoita and Wilcox in southeastern Arizona and the Verde Valley in central Arizona.

The Arizona Wine Growers Association said Arizona’s climate, elevation and weather produce great grapes — the foundation of any good wine.

Cronkite News’ Will Sowards contributed to this report.

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