Missouri Wine Industry Sees Boost

Missouri winery's have recently seen an increase in business due to the economy 
 
 
ROCHEPORT- Although it wasn't perfect weather for the winery on Sunday, Les Bourgeois says business is up.

The Department of Agriculture Director John Hagler says agritourism became more popular this past decade. He says people are trying to save money and are buying local wines more.

A Les Bourgeois winemaker says the market share of Missouri wines recently jumped from five percent to ten percent. He credits the quality and variety. "The Missouri wine industry has become such a big part of agritourism. People are visiting local wineries the local shops in the wineries communities. I think with the economy now, it's so nice to have a little day trip and just go out to a local winery and you can have all the benefits of going to Napa Valley", states Winemaker Cory Bomgaars. Bomgaars says business is so good Les Bourgeois is adding another production building.

There are more than ninety wineries in the state. That number's doubled since 2004.