Decanter has the results of two interesting studies that explore the
choices U.S. consumers make regarding wine. In terms of domestic consumption, California is king.
Two out of every three bottles sold in the U.S. are from
California. The Supreme Court decision to permit wineries to sell directly to consumers and the
"Sideways" effect are believed to have contributed to the rise in sales. "Premium" wines, which are
considered to be those over $7 were two thirds of the sales. Another market research study from Chicago-based
Information Resources Inc (IRI) reports good news for wines from Europe and New Zealand.
The study, called The 2005 Table Wine Top 30 Brand Performers, found
that European table wines grew 9.4% last year . The sales of Spanish table wines was up 23.1% and German wines are up
18.9%. The really good news is for New Zealand wine producers. Their sales were up 190.5%.
