Although Isabella is not as popular as it once was, it is still one out of almost five thousand different varieties in the world. Of these, only about 150 are grown commercially and only nine are considered classics. Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, and Semillon for whites while reds include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, and Syrah. Washington is very fortunate that all of these grow with great success (MacNeil 49).
Washington wine is a $2.4 billion industry. It consists of almost 300 growers, over 200 wineries, and totals over 28,000 acres. One source states, "The area for future planting is immense. In the 10.7 million-acre Columbia Valley, only 16,000 acres are planted to grapes. The wine industry's futures is limitless and as consumers discover the quality of Washington wines, demand continues to grow nationally and internationally- (Washington 2). Over 11,000 people are employed and wages paid are in excess of $350 million per year. Estimated wine production for 2003 is approaching 15 million gallons. Even with consumption on the rise, there is still plenty of room for more new wine drinkers. Not only will new drinkers benefit health wise but they will also gain pleasurable experiences. Washington, too, will benefit economically. With strong marketing, all of this is possible. It is obvious that no matter what the per capita consumption is, an increase would surely be welcome by all involved. (Washington 1-2).
However, Washington's competition may be far too strong to break its second place ranking for wine production in the United States. California, with over 40,000 acres of premium grapes in the Napa Valley alone, is by far the leader in this industry. Washington is more comparable to New Zealand in production and acreage but it is fair to say that all three are competing for more shares in the same markets. Some sources show that many farmers are removing acres in California.
