Economic Impact

Learn how the Paso Robles Wine Country impacts the state and local economy.

Paso Robles Wine Industry and Wine Tourism is Major Economic Driver on Central Coast

The wine industry in the Paso Robles American Viticultural Area (AVA) is a cornerstone of the regional economy and culture of the California Central Coast. Since the 1980s, wine grape production has driven economic development in San Luis Obispo (SLO) County. In 2025, the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance commissioned a study by Beacon Economics, titled “Paso Robles Wine Industry Economic, Fiscal, and Social Impact Study,” which reveals substantial contributions by the Paso Robles wine industry and wine tourism to the region’s economy, job market, and public services.

Paso Robles Wine Industry Generates $2.8 Billion in Economic Impact

Economic Impact summary 2025

 

Full Economic Impact

Paso Robles AVA Wine Industry + SLO County Economic Impact
Total Economic Impact in California $2.8 billion
Total Economic Impact within Paso Robles $2 billion
Total Economic Impact in the rest of SLO County $570 million
Total Economic Impact in the rest of California $270 million
Total Jobs in Paso Robles AVA Region 8,900 (more than 1 in 5)
Total Jobs Statewide 12,725
Value Added to the Economy $1.5 billion
Labor Income Generated $540 million
Total Tax Revenue Generated $327.8 million
Overnight Visitors 79.2%
Tourism -Related Output $484.9 million
% of Paso Robles City General Fund from Wine Tourism 37%
Annual Visitors 2.5 million
SLO County Winegrape Crop Value 2023 $323.9 million

The Paso Robles AVA plays a vital role in shaping the economic, fiscal, and social landscape of 1) the Paso Robles AVA, 2) the rest of San Luis Obispo County, and 3) the rest of California. This analysis highlights the AVA’s substantial contributions across multiple areas and various dimensions:

  • Economic Impact
  • Fiscal Impact
  • Social Impact

View the full Economic Impact Report below. For more information or questions, please contact Krista Smith, Marketing Director, at ksmith@pasowine.com.

Download the Paso Robles Wine Industry Economic, Fiscal, and Social Impact Study – May 2025 >>

 

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