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Washington Wine Month Promotions Spur Record Sales; Statewide Celebration Generates $4.6 Million in August Washington Wine Sales

Governor-proclaimed Washington Wine Month generated a record-breaking $4.6 million in Washington wine sales in Western Washington and Spokane markets during the month of August -- an impressive 28 percent increase over August 2004 sales(A). Organized by the Washington Wine Commission, August Washington Wine Month features innovative Washington wine displays, sweepstakes and special pricing to entice wine lovers to sample wines from the state's 350-plus wineries and discover why Washington State is the perfect climate for wine.

"Washington Wine Month provides a great opportunity to educate the public about our state's booming wine industry and encourage them to try new Washington wines," said Robin Pollard, Executive Director for the Washington Wine Commission. "Our retail partners are the key to the continued success of Washington Wine Month. Their ongoing support, innovative promotions and creative displays will help us achieve our ultimate goal of making every month Washington Wine Month in Washington state."

A record-breaking 69 retailers across Washington state participated in the Washington Wine Commission's fifth annual Retail Display Contest, more than doubling last year's participation. The Commission awarded the most creative Washington Wine Month retail displays to statewide grocers at the Retail Awards Party held at Chateau Ste. Michelle in Woodinville, Wash. on August 23. Prizes for the most creative retail displays included Chateau Ste. Michelle concert tickets, lodging at the Willows Lodge in Woodinville, restaurant and spa gift certificates.

QFC stores took home top honors for the fourth year in a row for their stand-out in-store displays and customized promotions. Safeway secured two grand prizes for its innovative displays in stores across the state. Hagen/Top Food Stores also took home a grand prize and several honorable mentions for their creative displays that educated consumers about the quality and value of Washington wines.

For the first time ever, select Target stores featured Washington wine displays as part of Washington wine month. Area Costco and QFC stores featured winemaker bottle signings all month long, with many specialty wine shops hosting Washington wine tastings with noted winemakers.

Washington's wine industry provides 14,000 full-time jobs and contributes $3 billion annually to the state's economy. Last year the state produced more than seven million cases of wine, equaling an estimated $684.9 million in retail sales, making Washington state the second largest premium wine producer in the United States.