Governor Proclaims North Carolina Wine Month 2024

NORTH CAROLINA WINE MONTH

2024

BY THE GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA

A PROCLAMATION

WHEREAS, the wine industry is an important part of North Carolina's agricultural, tourism, and commercial industries, fostering economic growth and community vitality; and

WHEREAS, vineyards, wineries, cideries, and meaderies significantly enhance North Carolina by providing unique travel destinations and opportunities for education, appreciation, and celebration of our state’s rich winemaking heritage; and

WHEREAS, North Carolina is home to six distinct American Viticultural Areas – Appalachian High Country, Haw River Valley, Swan Creek, Upper Hiwassee Highlands, and Yadkin Valley; the scenic beauty of these locations offers not only picturesque landscapes but also a rich array of diverse climates, soils, and growing conditions; and

WHEREAS, North Carolina ranks 9th nationally in number of producers, with nearly 200 wineries, cideries, and meaderies across the state, and 11th in number of tourist visits at nearly 700,000; and

WHEREAS, the annual economic impact of North Carolina-produced wines, ciders, and meads is estimated at $6.10 billion, employing nearly 45,000 full-time workers in the state; and

WHEREAS, North Carolina’s wine regions invite exploration and discovery, and North Carolina Wine Month serves as a time to honor and celebrate the craftsmanship, creativity, and dedication of our state’s winemakers, whose passion and expertise enrich our lives and communities;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, ROY COOPER, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim May, 2024, as “NORTH CAROLINA WINE MONTH” in North Carolina, and commend its observance to all citizens.

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Roy Cooper

Governor

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Great Seal of the State of North Carolina at the Capitol in Raleigh this thirtieth day of April in the year of our Lord two thousand and twenty-four and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-eighth.