San Diego Wine Industry Posts 19% Sales Increase As More Wineries Open After Pandemic

By Chris Jennewein, Times of San Diego

April 13, 2022

San Diego County’s wineries reported a 19% increase in sales last year as this growing agriculture and entertainment sector recovers from the coronavirus pandemic.

The San Diego County Vintners Association said in its annual report released Wednesday that wineries recorded $44.1 million in gross sales last year, just below the pre-pandemic high of $46.2 million in 2019.

“Like other industries, the county’s wine industry has been challenged the last few years. But this report demonstrates the resiliency of wineries and the interest in winemaking in our region with a 6% increase in winery openings in 2021,” said Vintners Association President Ray Schnorr, co-owner of Highland Valley Vineyards in Escondido.

The number of active wineries in San Diego County rose to 160 in 2021 — nearly twice as many as in neighboring Riverside County.

Local vintners harvested 1,370 acres of vines, producing 3,073 tons of wine grapes. The top three varietals produced in the county were Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Sangiovese.

“Our wine industry continues to make great strides, especially in North County. I was a big supporter of keeping wineries open during the pandemic to keep these small businesses afloat. Local wineries are thriving despite the last few years of uncertainty, creating jobs, attracting tourism, and providing an important cultural industry in the county. It’s impressive,” said San Diego County Supervisor Jim Desmond, whose district includes many of the wineries.

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