Senate Passes Blunt-Merkley Resolution Recognizing Economic & Cultural Contributions of American Viticultural Areas

Press Release

Today, U.S. Senators Roy Blunt (Mo.) and Jeff Merkley (Ore.) commended Senate passage of their resolution recognizing the significant contributions of American Viticultural Areas (AVA) and wine regions to U.S. jobs and the economy. The resolution passed the Senate last night by unanimous consent.

"Missouri's wine industry plays an important role in driving our economy, contributing more than $3.2 billion each year," said Blunt. "Missouri's history of wine production dates back to the mid-1800's, and our state is home to the first federally-designated American Viticultural Area in the country, which is located in Augusta, Missouri. I'm pleased to have the Senate's full support in this effort to recognize our nation's wines, wineries, and wine-growing regions across the country."

"Oregon wine country is one of the most beautiful and productive regions of our state," said Merkley. "Our delicious pinots, Rieslings and more create jobs and fuel our tourist economy. I am happy to recognize the wine industry's incredible contributions to Oregon and the United States, and will continue to be a strong ally and customer!"

An AVA is a designated wine-growing region in the U.S. that has distinguishing features that affect viticulture, including climate, geology, soil, physical features, and elevation. In addition to recognizing the contributions of the wine industry, the Blunt-Merkley resolution seeks to promote awareness of and appreciation for distinctive wine-growing regions and the unique, quality wines produced in these areas.

Missouri is part of five AVAs, including Augusta, Hermann, Loess Hills District, Ozark Highlands, and Ozark Mountain areas. Oregon is part of 18 AVAs, including: the Applegate Valley, Chehalem Mountains, Columbia Gorge, Columbia Valley, Dundee Hills, Elkton Oregon, Eola-Amity Hills, McMinnville, Red Hill Douglas County, Ribbon Ridge, the Rocks District of Milton-Freewater, Rogue Valley, Snake River Valley, Southern Oregon, Umpqua Valley, Walla Walla Valley, Willamette Valley, and Yamhill-Carlton District areas.

The wine industry directly employs nearly 1,000,000 people in the U.S. and supports nearly 740,000 jobs in industries that supply goods and services to winegrowers and wineries.

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