A new report pegs the full economic impact of the grape and wine industry in New York State at about five billion dollars. That's according to a report released by the New York Wine and Grape Foundation. The study was conducted by a California company and the most recent year it surveys is 2012.
The study shows that the $4.8 billion in economic impact was up 27 percent since 2008.
Jim Trezise is president of the New York Wine and Grape Foundation. He isn't surprised by these numbers, since the industry affects so many types of businesses.
"The grape and wine industry is a major economic engine for New York because we touch so many sectors, tank manufacturers to barrel manufacturers, transportation, tourism, packaging, advertising, obviously farm equipment and that kind of thing ."
Trezise also credited support from state government in promoting the New York wine industry and helping to ease regulations that had been impeding sales.