U.S. is World's Top Wine Consuming Nation

According to newly released data from wine industry consultants Gomberg, Fredrikson & Associates, the United States surpassed France as the top wine consuming country in 2010. They reported that total wine shipments in the U.S. were up 2 per cent in 2010 at roughly 330 million cases. In comparison, France shipped 320.6 million cases. The report also stated that retail value for wines consumed in the U.S. increased 4 per cent from 2009 at an estimated $30 billion.

The Gomberg-Fredrikson Report accredits these increases to the success of 'creative' value wines offering more variety to customers, such as value-priced Pinot Grigio, Riesling and Pinot Noir. While high-end wine sales lagged behind those of value wine, marketers counteracted this by utilizing social media to attract consumers. 2010 saw not only improved sales in value-priced varietals, but also in Champagne and sparkling wine, boasting a sales growth of 10 per cent from 2010 to 15.4 million cases, signaling a consumer trend in drinking bubbly beyond celebration customs.

Californian wine accounted for 61 per cent of U.S. market volume at 200 million cases. Of these wines, Chardonnay was the leading varietal with more than 53 million cases sold.

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