The production of alcohol in Oregon is proving lucrative as an industry review indicates growth and breweries expand across the state.
BY JACOB PALMER | OB DIGITAL NEWS EDITOR
The production of alcohol in Oregon is proving lucrative as an industry review indicates growth and breweries expand across the state.
Full Glass Research released its biennial report that said vineyard acres planted and number of wineries both experienced growth from 2011 to 2013.
The Portland Business Journal reported on “a few key takeaways from the report”:
- Wine grapes now Oregon’s most valuable fruit crop, with 950 growers producing a crop worth $128 million.
- Retail sales of wine in Oregon topped $816 million, with total revenue for wineries reaching $363.5 million.
- The industry directly employed 9,387 and total wine-related employment totaled nearly 17,100, with wages worth more than $527 million.
- Wine-related tourism contributed $207.5 million.
- Oregon is attracting outside investment, noted by Kendall Jackson’s 2013 acquisitions of Gran Moraine, Zena Crown and Maple Grove Vineyards as well as Domaine Drouhin’s purchase of Roserock vineyard and Chateau St. Michelle’s purchase of the Willakia vineyard in March 2014. Most recently, Méo-Camuzet purchased the Bishop Creek vineyard in September.
- U.S. adults consumed an average 3.11 gallons of wine in 2013, 26 percent more than in 2000.
- Table wine accounts for the vast majority of wine consumed, or 297 million cases in 2013, compared to 18.4 million cases of sparkling wine.
On the beer side of things, Bigfoot Brewery — which now serves as distributor for Ninkasi Brewing Co. — is planning to expand its warehouse in Bend.
Nikos Ridge, CEO and founder of Ninkasi Brewing Co., said Tuesday the time was right to switch to locally based, independent distributors. Ninkasi had found itself the sole independent craft beer in Oregon distributed by companies owned by Anheuser-Busch, he said.
Troy Potter, Ninkasi downstate Oregon market manager, said Anheuser-Busch possibly marketing its own brands over others became a concern.
Read more at the Bend Bulletin.
In Oregon City, the Arch Bridge Taphouse is planning a spring opening after renovations are completed to the 1,500 square foot space.
The taphouse will be run by Gene Gligorea, a beer lover who initially planned to open a brewery when he and his wife moved to Oregon City two years ago. But he soon realized Oregon’s first city just needed better access to all the great beer that was already out there.
Therefore, Gligorea’s tap list will include not just beers from the Pacific Northwest, but also from around the world. Gligorea plans 12 rotating taps — 11 for beer and one for cider. In addition, Arch Bridge Taphouse will carry bottled beer that can be enjoyed at the bar or at home.
