What’s your tipple?


BY KIM MOORE

Wine consumption in the U.S. is growing, and wine-producing states are benefiting from the higher demand.

Share this article!

BY KIM MOORE

Wine consumption in the U.S. is growing, and wine-producing states are benefiting from the higher demand. A record 856 million gallons of wine was consumed in the U.S. in 2012, a 15% increase over 2008. The value of production in Oregon increased by 42% between 2011 and 2012 on the back of a 19% rise in grape prices and greater production. Case sales, including domestic and exports, are estimated to have increased by 17% between 2011 and 2012. The total value of Oregon’s wine sales is estimated to have increased to more than $300 million for the first time in 2012. California remains a leader in wine production, dwarfing other states. In 2012 California produced 4 million tons of wine grapes, Washington produced 188,000 tons and Oregon produced 50,186 tons. Pinot noir dominates Oregon’s wine market, with total value of production of the red wine variety increasing by 43% between 2011 and 2012 to $11.4 million. Other grape varieties are also growing: The value of production of syrah is up by 97%; pinot blanc, 103%; and pinot gris, 43%.

 

BTN-wine-0514


SOURCES:
1: The Wine Institute, Southern Oregon University Research Center, National Agricultural Statistics Center
2: National Agricultural Statistics Service, Southern Oregon University Research Center, Agricultural Marketing Resource Center
3: Southern Oregon University Research Center