Whether you are new to wine or you are a seasoned wine aficionado, you have no doubt noticed the dramatic proliferation of wineries, tasting rooms, wine retail stores and other wine-focused businesses across our region. The Washington state wine industry has continued its phenomenal growth over the past year, reaching new heights in spite of lingering economic malaise. The Washington State Liquor Control Board licensed the state’s 700th winery, and the state Department of Agriculture reported more than 40,000 acres of wine grapes planted throughout the state. Read more: WASHINGTON WINE: Building a $3 billion industry | Puget Sound Business Journal