Governor Proclaims North Carolina Wine Month

North Carolina Wine Month

2025

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, wineries, vineyards, cideries, orchards, meaderies, and apiaries 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, Crest of the Blue Ridge Henderson County, 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 for grapes; and

Whereas, North Carolina ranks 10^th nationally in the 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's wines, ciders, and meads is estimated at over $6 billion, employing nearly 45,000 full-time workers in the state in multiple areas of the industry, including farming, production, retail, hospitality, hospitality, marketing, travel/tourism, business, and research, and providing nearly $300 million in consumer tax revenues; and

Whereas, North Carolina's towns and countryside’s invite exploration and discovery and North Carolina Wine Month serves as a time to honor and celebrate the craft, creativity, and dedication of our state's farmers and makers, whose passion and expertise enrich all our lives and communities;

Now, Therefore, I, Josh Stein, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim May 2025, as “North Carolina Wine Month” in North Carolina, and commend its observance to all citizens.

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 second day of May in the year of our Lord two thousand and twenty-fifth and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-ninth.