Sales of wines in the US have increased by 2% to 360.1 million 9l cases in 2012 with estimated earnings of $34.6bn, according to Wine Institute and Gomberg, Fredrikson & Associates (GFA) report.
Out of all the production sources, including foreign countries, California wine accounted for 58% of US wine sales with estimated revenue of $22bn from sales of 207.7 million cases in 2012.
With the addition of exports volume, California wine shipments in the US touched 250.2 million cases in 2012.
GFA wine industry consultant Jon Fredrikson said wine exports to the US markets have increased by almost 50% since 2001 and is expected to expand over the next decade.
"The amazing diversity of choices and exciting new offerings are attracting new consumers and boosting consumption," Fredrikson added.
"Among the key growth drivers are favorable demographics, a widening consumer base and increasing points of distribution in both on- and off-sale outlets."
Wine Institute president and CEO Robert Koch said, "California vintners continue to respond to growing worldwide demand with a wide array of outstanding wines from regions throughout the state and Wine Institute is supporting the effort by opening markets and eliminating trade barriers in the U.S. and abroad."
According to Nielsen, a provider of information and insights into what consumers buy, wine sales in the US food stores and other off-premise markets grew 2% by volume and 6% by value.
