Gov. Jim Justice said he wants to expand West Virginia’s winemaking industry. On Wednesday, Justice said he is asking officials in the state’s commerce and agricultural agencies to look into growing the wine business in the eastern panhandle. Having more vineyards and wineries in West Virginia will boost tourism and local economies, according to Justice. He noted that Virginia has benefited from promoting its winemaking industry where the state borders West Virginia’s eastern panhandle.
Justice said he wants agriculture officials to evaluate winemaking conditions in the eastern panhandle. He wants commerce officials to investigate the market for vineyards.