Data from the U.S. Census Bureau has some surprising comparisons of California County wineries. This graphic demonstrates this based on 2010 numbers. Napa and Sonoma are no surprise, but see the prominence of San Luis Obispo as the third highest county. Great growth there.
This graphic really demonstrates how wide ranging the wine industry has become in the state. And may settle some debates about the prominence of certain counties!
Comment: I have had several comments on the accurancy of the numbers in the chart. The numbers are from the U.S. Census Bureau. Under the Bureau's guidelines, each location identifies its primary activity, and only one is listed for each location. As defined by the U.S. Census Bureau, an establishment is "a single physical location at which business is conducted or services or industrial operations are performed. It is not necessarily identical with a company or enterprise, which may consist of one or more establishments. When two or more activities are carried on at a single location under a single ownership, all activities generally are grouped together as a single establishment. The entire establishment is classified on the basis of its major activity and all data are included in that classification." The definitions further clarify that to be counted a location must have had paid employees during the year.
Wine Institute figures differ because its figures are not as restrictive.
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.
