160,000 tons in 2010, 700 wineries…and Riesling once again rules!

REMINDER: This month's Virtual Tasting takes place this Thursday from 7-8pm. Read more about it here.

Washington State’s total grape production reached 160,000 tons in 2010, marking a record high production level. White Riesling took back the number one spot in the state, which Chardonnay held briefly in 2009. The state also bonded its 700^th winery.

The 2010 production numbers in Washington were a 3% increase, despite a somewhat challenging growing season. The numbers were released Friday in the USDA’s Annual Grape Report (Note: opens .pdf).

33,500 tons of Riesling were produced in 2010 – 21% of Washington’s total production. Cabernet Sauvignon was the second most produced grape at 31,900 tons, Chardonnay third at 28,600 tons, and Merlot fourth at 28,300 tons. These four grapes accounted for 76% of Washington’s total production.

Overall, white grape production was down 6% - most likely due to the significant rot issues that occurred in 2010 due to the cool, wet growing season (see 2010 weekly harvest reports here). Conversely, red grape production was up 13% with Cabernet Sauvignon leading the way. Table 1 shows the complete production numbers for 2010.

Malbec remained the most expensive grape per ton at $1,540. Cabernet Sauvignon averaged $1,297 dollars per ton and Merlot $1,160.

In other news, the Washington Wine Commission announced yesterday that the Liquor Control Board licensed the state’s 700th winery last year. This is up from 360 wineries five years ago. Washington bonded its 600^th winery in February of 2009.

White Variety	Quantity Utilized in Tons		% of 2009 Total
	2009	2010
Chardonnay	33,400	28,600	86
White Riesling	32,100	33,500	104
Pinot Gris	6,300	6,100	97
Sauvignon Blanc	4,300	4,800	112
Gewurztraminer	4,000	3,100	78
Viognier	1,300	1,500	115
Semillon	1,200	800	67
Chenin Blanc	1,100	700	64
Other White	1,300	1,000	77
Total White	85,000	80,100	94
Cabernet Sauvignon	27,600	31,900	116
Merlot	24,800	28,300	114
Syrah	10,000	10,900	109
Cabernet Franc	2,600	2,500	96
Malbec	1,000	1,100	110
Sangiovese	900	800	89
Pinot Noir	800	900	113
Other	3,300	3,500	106
Total Red	71,000	79,900	113
State Total	156,000	160,000	103

Picture from Pacific Rim's Riesling Rules website - check it out!