• March 15, 2011

As of 2010, the U.S. surpassed France as the world's largest wine-consuming nation,according to wine industry consultants Gomberg, Fredrikson & Associates.

Domestic and foreign wine shipments to U.S. retailers grew 2% versus 2009, to nearly 330 million cases, a record high for the industry. The estimated retail value of these sales was $30 billion, up 4% from 2009.

California wine accounted for a 61% volume share of the total U.S. wine market, with sales at 199.6 million cases -- up 1% from the previous year. Retail value was $18.5 billion.  California's total domestic and export  wine shipments totaled 241.8 million cases, up 2% from 2009.