According to a new study for the Iowa Wine Growers Association, the economic impact of Iowa’s wine and vineyard industry now tops $234 million.

 The study also reveals that Iowa produced 186,700 gallons of wine in 2008, for a total of $7.6 million in retail value of wine sold. The industry supported 1,773 jobs and $50 million in wages.

 Other facts about Iowa’s wine industry include:

 - During 2008, Iowa had 74 licensed wineries, 400 grape growers and 1,000 grape-bearing acres.
- An estimated 237,000 wine-related Iowa travelers spent $27.5 million in 2008.
- In 2008, Iowa ranked #14 in the number of wineries and #22 in wine production in the U.S.
- In 2009, Iowa wineries sold 212,891 gallons of wine, representing a 5.5 percent market share of wine purchased in Iowa, up from 5.25 percent in 2008.
- In January 2010, there were 82 licensed wineries, 400 grape growers and 1,200 grape-bearing acres.