California wine sales continue to dominate the U.S market. According to the Wine Institute, California wine shipments increased by 3 percent to a total of 248 million cases in 2018. The trade group reported that U.S consumers spent $40.2 billion on California wine shipments. Danny Brager, svp of Nielsen’s beverage alcohol practice area, underlined the effect of the current trend for consumers seeking ‘experiences’. This trend has expanded the number of locations where consumers can enjoy wine to places such as theaters, museums, concerts, festivals, sports/activity venues, and grocery stores. Over the last five years, the number of locations that sell wine in the U.S has grown by about 8.5 percent to 567,000 on- and off premise locations.
Source: Wine and Spirits Daily June 2019