SEATTLE (March 27, 2025)—Winegrowers in Washington are reporting a high-quality harvest in 2024, and a 5% decrease in fruit over the previous year. The Washington State Wine Commission’s annual Grape Production Report showed 150,000 tons of wine grapes were harvested in 2024. The report is compiled from information provided by all Washington State wineries and growers.
“The year started by giving us a scare, with an extreme cold event in January,” said Kristina Kelley, Executive Director of the Washington State Wine Commission. “Yet in nearly every region, we were happy to see the resiliency of our grape vines. When spring came, we saw healthy buds, even in the areas hit hardest by the cold.”
Spring was generally cool, which led to a slow start to the growing season. The cool weather persisted through June. In mid-July, Washington started to see above average heat which didn’t cool down until mid-August. Harvest began in late August and early September.
“Our harvest weather was ideal, just beautiful,” Kelley said. “Overall, growers and winemakers alike are thrilled about the quality of both red and white varieties.”
Cabernet Sauvignon remained steady as Washington’s top variety at 40,589 tons or 27% of total production. Riesling was second at 22,168 tons or 15% of the total, followed by Chardonnay, Syrah, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc, and Pinot Gris. These top seven varieties altogether equated to 86% of the crop. Red varieties accounted for 55% of total production, and experienced a decrease of 10% compared to 2023. White varieties experienced a 2% increase.
In 2024, growers received an average of $1,621 per ton, an increase over the previous year. Merlot received the highest average price per ton at $2,595.
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About the Washington State Wine Commission:
The Washington State Wine Commission (WSWC) represents every licensed winery and wine grape grower in Washington State. Guided by an appointed board, the mission of the WSWC is to drive growth of Washington Wine through Marketing, Communications, and Viticulture & Enology Research. Funded almost entirely by the industry through assessments based on grape and wine sales, WSWC is a state government agency, established by the legislature in 1987. To learn more, visit www.washingtonwine.org.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Heather Bradshaw, Communications Director
(206) 495-5844 / hbradshaw@washingtonwine.org
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