Temecula Valley Wine Country Touted In Washington DC

TEMECULA, CA — A resolution commending Southern California wineries and vineyards could bring Washington, D.C., eyes to Temecula Valley Wine Country.

Rep. Darrell Issa (R-Temecula) announced Tuesday that he recently introduced the U.S. House of Representatives resolution to garner congressional recognition of the Southern California wine industry and its impact on local, state and national economies.

Issa unveiled the resolution, co-authored by Rep. Ken Calvert (R-Corona), during a Temecula event hosted by the Temecula Valley Wine Association and Rancho California Water District.

Issa represents the 48th Congressional District, which includes central and eastern parts of San Diego County and a portion of Riverside County. Communities within Issa's district are Fallbrook, Bonsall, Valley Center, Ramona, Escondido, Santee, Poway, Lakeside, Alpine, Temecula, Murrieta and the mountain and desert areas of the San Diego-Imperial County line.

Several of the communities — including Temecula — are integral to the Southern California wine industry.

"While Southern California wine country is world-renowned for its quality and picturesque landscapes, the industry is also a central component of the local economic landscape," Issa said. "In just a short time, the traditional vintages and new varietals of Southern California have met the palettes of millions — from first-time tasters to the most experienced wine enthusiasts — and these wines are here to stay."

The Southern California wine industry employs over 600,000 people with more than 422,000 from California, according to the resolution, which also provided a regional breakdown:

Riverside County —

• Number of vineyards and winery operations: 93
• Jobs: 17,000
• Local revenue generated annually: $956,000,000
• Annual economic activity in the state: $2,700,000,000
• Number of visitors in 2022: 3,200,000
• Tourism spending in 2022: $487,400,000

San Diego County —

• Number of vineyards and winery operations: 203
• Jobs: 29,000
• Local revenue generated annually: $1,700,000,000
• Annual economic activity in the state: $4,400,000,000
• Tourism spending in 2022: $911,000,000

Orange County —

• Number of vineyards and winery operations: 45
• Jobs: 30,000
• Local revenue generated annually: $1,800,000,000
• Annual economic activity in the state: $4,700,000,000
• Tourism spending in 2022: $854,600,000

San Bernardino County —

• Number of vineyards and winery operations: 13
• Jobs: 13,400
• Local revenue generated annually: $752,000,000
• Annual economic activity in the state: $2,000,000,000
• Tourism spending in 2022: $376,400,000

San Luis Obispo County —

• Number of vineyards and winery operations: 498
• Jobs: 9,700
• Local revenue generated annually: $600,000,000
• Annual economic activity in the state: $1,900,000,000
• Tourism spending in 2022: $84,000,000

Santa Barbara County —

• Number of vineyards and winery operations: 327
• Jobs: 10,200
• Local revenue generated annually: $602,000,000
• Annual economic activity in the state: $1,700,000,000
• Tourism spending in 2022: $117,000,000

Ventura County —

• Number of vineyards and winery operations: 45
• Jobs: 6,900
• Local revenue generated annually: $400,000,000
• Annual economic activity in the state: $1,000,000,000
• Tourism spending in 2022: $171,000,000

Issa said the resolution will "ensure that Congress is aware of the resilience, achievement and prosperity of the Southern California wine industry."

The resolution specifically spells out that the U.S. House of Representatives recognizes the importance of Southern California wine growers and the wine industry to the Golden State, and the significant contributions the industry makes to the American economy, tourism industry and job market.

If the House of Representatives passes the resolution, it is just symbolic and does not become law. It would, however, express the collective sentiment of the House. The president's signature is not required.