CHATHAM, Va. (AP) — Virginia officials are unveiling new road signs aimed at attracting more visitors to Virginia wineries.
Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Todd Haymore unveiled the Southern Virginia Wine Region road signs this week at The Homeplace Vineyard in Chatham.
The signs in southern Virginia are part of a larger program that has located nearly 40 signs in thirteen Virginia American Viticultural Areas and wine regions.
Officials say Virginia is home to more than 250 wineries and is fifth in the nation for wine grape production.
A 2012 economic impact study shows that Virginia’s wine industry contributes $747 million annually to the state’s economy. Virginia wineries and vineyards support 4,800 jobs that provide $156 million total in wages.
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