America Becomes the Largest Wine-Consuming Nation in the World

The U.S. surpasses France in Wine Consumption

It’s official: Americans are the biggest winos. According to the Wine Institute, The U.S. has surpassed France the world's largest wine-consuming nation.

In 2010, wine shipments within and to the U.S. increased by 2% from 2009 to approximately 330 million cases. This is a record high for the wine industry, according to wine industry consultants Gomberg, Fredrikson & Associates in Woodside, CA.  The estimated retail value of these sales was $30 billion, up by 4% from the previous year.

California wine accounted for 61% of the total U.S. wine market with retail sales estimated at $18.5 billion. It’s nice to know we’re keeping it in the family. Let’s raise our wine glasses and have a toast to our wine-loving nation, the United States of America!

Happy Wine Wednesday!