(NewLeader) - Wine and hard cider sales are up in Virginia, according to the governor's office.

More than 556,500 cases, or more than 6.6 million bottles, were sold for fiscal year 2016 — up 6 percent from 2015. Virginia wine sales have increased by 34 percent since fiscal year 2010, a release said.

The Virginia Wine Marketing Office also tracked Virginia cider sales separately from Virginia wines, which showed a 52 percent increase from 2015. During fiscal year 2016, more than 416,750 cases of Virginia cider were sold, a release said.

Virginia ranks fifth in the number of wineries in the nation with more than 285 and is also the nation’s fifth largest wine grape producing state, a release said. Virginia is sixth in the nation for number of cideries. According to a 2012 economic impact study, the Virginia wine industry, including the Virginia cider industry, employs more than 4,700 and contributes almost $750 million to the Virginia economy on an annual basis, a release said.

“Virginia wines and ciders are continuing to increase their robust sales and contributing to a more diversified Virginia agricultural sector,” said Governor Terry McAuliffe in a release. “These vineyards and orchards are providing jobs, revenue and expanded tourism opportunities, especially in many of our more rural areas across the Commonwealth. With more than 285 wineries and 16 cideries, Virginia is a preeminent destination for wine and cider lovers. The Virginia wine and cider industries, along with our craft beer and distilled spirits industries, play an important role in our efforts to build a new Virginia economy.”