California Business Minute™

Hi, I am Tim Johnson and welcome to the California Business Minute.

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has declared September 2009 California Wine Month.
Recognizing the Golden State’s vintners and growers for their more than 200-year-old
agricultural tradition, positive impact on the state and national economies and
commitment to sustainable winegrowing practices, the proclamation praises the wine
community’s many contributions.

“Our wineries attract tourism and provide countless jobs for Californians. Many
are also committed to serving their communities and promoting socially and
environmentally responsible farming practices,” said Governor Schwarzenegger in
the proclamation.

California is the fourth largest wine producer in the world. California wine
generates 820,000 jobs in the U.S., including 330,000 in California. The state’s
vintners and growers, along with California’s 80,000 restaurants, have helped make
the Golden State a top destination for culinary travelers from around the world,
attracting nearly 21 million visitors each year to its wine regions.

Visitors to California can explore the state’s 2,800 wineries which produce 90 percent
of U.S. wine. Wine Institute’s consumer web site at www.discovercaliforniawine.com offers
a database of California winery tasting rooms and a trip planning tool that provides
maps and driving directions to the wineries. The database allows visitors to search
wineries by region, variety produced and by dozens of amenities, including winery
gardens, picnic grounds and green wine growing practices.

The web site also features special events at wineries throughout the state during
the month and includes a California Wine Month poster offer, the official proclamation
from the governor and an “Insider’s Guide to California Wine Country.”

I am Tim Johnson and this has been the California Business Minute.