2/04/2007

Oklahoma Wineries in the Tulsa World

U.S. Wine and Grape Industry Worth $162 Billion Annually

This Sunday's Tulsa World contains a short article on the growing economic impact wineries are having on all 50 U.S. states. The reporter interviewed my Dad from Nuyaka Creek Winery and Gary Butler from Summerside Winery about the critical wine industry decisions facing Oklahoma legislators this year.

Here's a link to the article: http://www.tulsaworld.com/BusinessStory.asp?ID=070204_Bu_e1_wine. Here's a brief quote:

"There's no doubt the wine industry is booming across the United States.

A new report by MKC Research of St. Helena, Calif., found that the U.S. wine and grape products industry is worth $162 billion a year, and it affects the economy in all 50 states.

There are now 4,929 wineries across the country -- up from 2,904 in 2000 -- and those wineries produced $11.4 billion in sales in 2005, the study said. -- Tulsa World"


Last year a judge eliminated the constitutional change Oklahoma voters passed to allow our state to participate in this rapidly growing industry. This year, Oklahoma lawmakers will have to show where their loyalties are.

Will Oklahoma join Washington, Oregon, California and New York by creating a system that supports the principles of free trade and economic growth or will we continue to provide a handful of wholesalers a forced monopoly at the expense of our local wine industry?



Mom and Dad




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