RICHMOND (AP) -- Virginia's wine industry seems to be bearing fruit.
Gov. Bob McDonnell's office said Thursday that an economic impact study shows the industry contributes nearly $750 million annually to the state's economy.
Between 2005 and 2010, the wine industry's economic impact has more than doubled and the number of wineries has increased from about 130 to nearly 200.
Along with the increase in the number of wineries, the number of those employed by the industry has grown. According to the study, the number of full-time jobs at wineries and vineyards rose from about 3,160 in 2005 to more than 4,750 in 2010.
Officials say sales of Virginia wine increased more than 11 percent in fiscal year 2011 to a record high of more than more than 5.5 million bottles sold.
AP-WF-02-02-12 1937GMT
