Wine is an alcoholic beverage obtained through the fermentation of grapes. Red, white, rosé or sparkling, wine comes in a multitude of flavors and varieties that greatly influence the quality and price of the bottle.

 

This market report includes largest wineries, wine distributors, retailers, and biodynamic wineries in California. 

 

Traditionally, there are three characteristics of wine: grape variety, color, and texture. Among the most represented grape varieties in California are Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah, and California's own Zinfandel. Most of the vineyards are located between the Central Valleyand the Pacific Coast. 

 

Americans are the world's largest consumers of wine, ahead of the French and Italians. Each year, more than 430,000 hectares of vineyards are cultivated on American soil. The overwhelming majority of California's production (87.63%) is consumed by Americans, with the rest being exported to the rest of the world. Canada and the United Kingdom are the two main export destinations for California wine.

 

California is the undisputed leader in the U.S. wine market, with the state accounting for more than 85% of total production, and annual wine consumption exceeding 150 million gallons per year, far ahead of Washington and New York.

 

The wine market in California has been affected by the covid-19 pandemic, the increase in sales in supermarkets has not offset the drop in sales through restaurants, wine clubs and tasting rooms. Wine tourism, one of the fastest growing segments in recent years, has been severely affected by the crisis.

 

Today, organic wines account for more than 5% of the total California production, with two labels: CCOF (California Certified Organic Farming) and NOP (national organic program). Sales of rosé wine have shown the highest growth rates with 40% per year over the last few years.