North Carolina had 21 wineries in 1999. The number grew to 68 by 2005, the latest year for which data is available.
Nationally, the number of wineries grew 85 percent during the same period.
At least one winegrower said growth will be hampered unless Congress makes immigration reforms that will allow more workers into the country.
#x201C;There is no labor force to do the work, #x201D; said Charlie Shelton, co-owner of Shelton Vineyards in Dobson.
#x201C;We don #x2019;t get any (job) applicants other than the immigrants. #x201D;
Wine and grape products contribute more than $162 billion annually to the American economy, according to the report by MKF Research done in conjunction with grower organizations in nine states, including North Carolina.
The economic effect on North Carolina in 2005 was $813 million, said Margo Knight, executive director of the N.
C. Wine and Grape Council.
#x201C;In the grand scheme of things, we are still a pretty small piece of the pie, #x201D; Knight said.
#x201C;But we are making our own mark, and our drop in the bucket is getting bigger all the time. #x201D;
Changes in North Carolina #x2019;s farming industry, particularly the decline in the number of tobacco growers, have been credited in part for the growth of the state #x2019;s wine industry.
Increased national interest in wine production has also helped, said Susan Norris, marketing director for Raylen Vineyards in Mocksville.
She said she has seen higher sales and more festivals and other related events in recent years.
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