Report: County Wine Grape Crop Increased More Than 500% in 2012

San Diego County released the crop report for the 2012 calendar year, showing totals and trends in local agriculture and wine grape acreage increased across the board by more than 500 percent from 2011 to 2012.

According to the report, wine grape acreage grew from 416 to 752, with an overall value had an amazing increase of 512 percent, but the top top crop produced in that same year were ornamental trees and shrubs.

Wine grapes brought in more than $5.5 million in 2012, compared to the $903,552 in 2011.

Ramona is known for its increasing boutique wineries and celebrated a vintner's victory this week when the California Appellate Court affirmed a lower court ruling that helps better regulate and encourage vintner operations through a tiered permit system tied to the amount of wine produced and the size of the operation. It has made it easier and less expensive for smaller wineries to open on-site retail outlets and tasting rooms, according to Supervisor Dianne Jacob.

Currently in Ramona, there are 20 wine-tasting rooms and many vineyards.

View the full agriculture report here.