Oregon is one of America’s top wine-producing states, but the industry is contracting due to declining sales and visitation
PORTLAND, Ore. — This month, Oregon’s vineyards began harvest and the wine making is underway, which offers a unique opportunity to view how Oregon’s world class wines are made. Quality expectations are high with great anticipation for what the vintage holds for Oregon’s reputation.
“There is no better time than fall in Oregon wine country when after months of careful tending, the grapes are ready for harvest and wineries are abuzz with winemaking activity,” said Jana McKamey, executive director of the Oregon Winegrowers Association. “I encourage Oregonians to visit these local craft producers and pick up some bottles to share with friends and family over the upcoming holidays.”
Oregon is home to 800 wineries and 40,000 vineyard acres, which according to a Wine America 2025 economic study, supports 40,000 jobs and contributes $2.2 billion in wages, 3.7 million tourism visits a year, $1 billion in taxes and $7.08 billion in annual economic activity. But unfortunately, the industry is contracting due to declining consumption and visitation.
Alcohol consumption is at a 90-year low according to a recent Gallup poll. Overall, wine consumption nationally is down nearly -10% so far in 2025. This comes on the heels of declines in 2024. According to Wine Business Monthly, in 2024 Oregon lost 5% of its wineries.
Declining demand is putting pressure on Oregon’s winegrowers. Some growers have been unable to secure buyers for a portion or all their grapes, while others have faced expired or canceled contracts with wineries scaling back production. Many have had to lower prices, often to unsustainable levels that do not cover farming costs. A subset of growers chose to farm minimally to preserve the vineyard while waiting out the downturn. Pulling out vines has not been as widespread in Oregon as in California and Washington.
“Now more than ever, Oregon’s wineries and vineyards need the support of our local customers,” said McKamey. “Between increasing costs due to inflation and tariffs, recession concerns, and people overall drinking less, these homegrown businesses invite you to stop by a tasting room for a bottle today so they can continue making some of the world’s best wines for tomorrow.”
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About the Oregon Beverage Alliance
The Oregon Beverage Alliance is made up of local brewers, winemakers, cidermakers, distillers and their supply and hospitality partners creating hundreds of thousands of jobs and generating $17 billion of economic activity for Oregon annually. Learn more: www.DontTaxMyDrink.org
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