The Idaho Wine Commission will be working to promote and expand Idaho's wine industry thanks to two grants from the Idaho State Department of Agriculture.
The Capital Press reports that the grants, totaling about $118,000, are for two of 15 specialty crop projects submitted to USDA's Specialty Crop Block Grant Program for funding approval, expected in September.
Idaho has more than 50 wineries and 1,300 vineyards. According to the wine commission, the Idaho wine industry has about a $170 million economic impact.
Much of the grant funding will go to educating wine consumers about Idaho's offerings, though some will help IWC members improve the quality of their vineyards and wineries.