Chambers announces Washington wine license plates now available

Rep. Kelly Chambers has announced Washington wine specialty license plates are now available through the Washington State Department of Licensing.

Chambers, R-Puyallup, is the prime sponsor of House Bill 1530, which was signed into law by Gov. Jay Inslee last March. The bill allows the creation of the new $40 plate, which features a scenic landscape of Horse Heaven Hills and the Columbia River in Washington wine country. All funds generated from sales of the plate, as well as from the $30 renewal fee, will go to State of Washington Tourism to advocate, promote, develop, and sustain destination tourism marketing across the state.

“I am thrilled to see this beautiful wine license plate become a reality. It not only recognizes and celebrates our state’s world-class wine industry, but it also allows Washington wine enthusiasts to show their pride by displaying the plates on their vehicles,” said Chambers. “This is also a win for our state’s tourism industry, which took a large hit during the pandemic. The revenue from these license plates will help the tourism industry promote our state and it’s small mom-and-pop shops, local restaurants, hospitality businesses, and Main Street retail businesses, many of which offer Washington wines for sale.”

Nearly 4,000 Washingtonians signed a petition in support of the wine specialty plate.

Washington motorists who would like to purchase the new plate can go to: www.dol.wa.gov/vehicleregistration/sp-wine-commission.html

Facts about Washington’s wine industry:

  • Licensed wineries in Washington state: 1,050
  • Washington ranks second in the nation as wine producer
  • Wine grape acreage: 60,000+ acres
  • More than 400 wine grape growers are in Washington
  • 80+ varieties produced
  • Total annual in-state economic impact: $8+ billion

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Washington State House Republican Communications
houserepublicans.wa.gov