REMINDER: This month’s Virtual Tasting takes place this Thursday from 7-8pm. Read more about it here.

Washington State’s total grape production reached 160,000 tons in 2010, marking a record high production level. White Riesling took back the number one spot in the state, which Chardonnay held briefly in 2009. The state also bonded its 700th winery.

The 2010 production numbers in Washington were a 3% increase, despite a somewhat challenging growing season. The numbers were released Friday in the USDA’s Annual Grape Report (Note: opens .pdf).

33,500 tons of Riesling were produced in 2010 – 21% of Washington’s total production. Cabernet Sauvignon was the second most produced grape at 31,900 tons, Chardonnay third at 28,600 tons, and Merlot fourth at 28,300 tons. These four grapes accounted for 76% of Washington’s total production.

Overall, white grape production was down 6% – most likely due to the significant rot issues that occurred in 2010 due to the cool, wet growing season (see 2010 weekly harvest reports here). Conversely, red grape production was up 13% with Cabernet Sauvignon leading the way. Table 1 shows the complete production numbers for 2010.

Malbec remained the most expensive grape per ton at $1,540. Cabernet Sauvignon averaged $1,297 dollars per ton and Merlot $1,160.

In other news, the Washington Wine Commission announced yesterday that the Liquor Control Board licensed the state’s 700th winery last year. This is up from 360 wineries five years ago. Washington bonded its 600th winery in February of 2009.

White Variety

Quantity Utilized

in Tons

 % of 2009 Total

2009

2010
Chardonnay

33,400

28,600

86
White Riesling

32,100

33,500

104
Pinot Gris

6,300

6,100

97
Sauvignon Blanc

4,300

4,800

112
Gewurztraminer

4,000

3,100

78
Viognier

1,300

1,500

115
Semillon

1,200

800

67
Chenin Blanc

1,100

700

64
Other White

1,300

1,000

77

Total White

85,000

80,100

94
Cabernet Sauvignon

27,600

31,900

116
Merlot

24,800

28,300

114
Syrah

10,000

10,900

109
Cabernet Franc

2,600

2,500

96
Malbec

1,000

1,100

110
Sangiovese

900

800

89
Pinot Noir

800

900

113
Other

3,300

3,500

106
Total Red

71,000

79,900

113
State Total

156,000

160,000

103

Picture from Pacific Rim’s Riesling Rules website – check it out!