Great grape growth

摘要

A new vineyard or winery seems to pop up in Michigan every month. That's actually not far from the truth, according to the results of a new economic impact study commissioned by the Michigan Grape and Wine Industry Council (MGWIC). The data shows thatsince 2005, the number of wineries that use Michigan grapes or other fruit for most of their production has jumped from 42 in 2005 to 132 in 2017.That's just the tip of the iceberg, according to Karel Bush, executive director of the MGWIC. "To me, the biggest highlight from the 2017 study is the total economic impact," she said, noting that it represents an 18-fold increase. As reported, the totaleconomic impact in 2017 includes about $90 million in direct wages paid to nearly 2,000 winery and vineyard employees; more than $680 million in additional direct wages paid to retail, tourism and other employees; and more than $426 million paid in state and local taxes.