(Olympia) – Special displays and information about the many and varied wines produced in Washington are being featured in state liquor stores this month as part of the annual Washington Wine Month celebration sponsored by the Washington State Liquor Control Board.

In its 21st year, Washington Wine Month offers an expanded list of premier Washington wines providing customers with great choices often at good value. The theme for this year’s event is "Washington Wines…Passport to Paradise."

Steve Burnell, Marketing manager for the Liquor Control Board, said the number of high-quality wines produced in Washington has been growing steadily as the state’s national and international reputation as a top wine producer has grown. More than 30,000 acres of land are planted in wine grapes and the state has over 400 licensed wineries.

About 15,000 cases of wine will be added to store inventories for the month, Burnell said. More wine will be sold in August than in any other month except December.

"The list of 112 featured wines includes many wines not normally carried in state stores," Burnell said. “The wines being featured also include best-selling brands from the state’s major vintners.” Normally, from 35 to 38 percent of the wine sold in state stores is Washington wine, Burnell said. During Washington Wine Month, 40 to 43 percent of wines sold are from Washington.

"Customers visiting state stores are sure to find excellent wine values and will get an opportunity to purchase some wines they might not normally have access to," Burnell said. Each store participating in the event creates special wine displays featuring some of the 112 wines featured. Not all stores will carry all of the 112 wines.

An annual competition for the best wine display is held among the stores participating. One store from each of the 10 retail districts will be selected as a winner and one store as an honorable mention. In early September, a committee composed of store managers, assistant managers and clerks selects the top store displays statewide.

"We believe this is a great way to share the state’s bountiful harvest of wine with our customers and to educate Washington residents about the depth and complexity of our state’s wine industry," Burnell said.

For more information contact Susan Reams, Public Information Officer, at (360) 664-1698 or Steve Burnell, at (206) 619-5415.

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