U.S. Surpasses France in Wine Consumption

For the first time the good old U.S.A. in 2010 exceeded France in purchasing wine. Reportedly, it is the millennial generation -- consumers in their 20s and 30s -- that are leading the way in driving upward the overall consumption numbers, much of which is fueled by their interest not only in wine but in pairings with artisan cheeses.

Last year, the French consumed 321 million cases of wine. But the U.S. sipped up 330 million cases. Although the number of American wine consumption has increased, Americans are seeking the most bang for their buck in this era of recession.

• Shoppers flocked to bottles priced at less than $7 during the peak of the recession; sales of $7 to $14 bottles were up 5% last year.
• Domestic wine sales were up 7% over 2009.
• California's vintners saw sales increase 1%, to $18.5 billion.
• Wine exports were particularly rosy: up almost 26% to a record $1.14 billion.

Check out the article in Time.