06/09/08 Wine Consumption p. 1

Welcome to Vine to Wine this is your host Linda Moran. You know the facts about world wine production and consumption have changed immensely over the past decade and today we will begin a series examining the world's "taste" for wine. Okay so when I first became involved in the wine industry most Americans were drinking martinis or Budweiser as their beverage of choice. Things have certainly changed. According to the 2007 Wine Market Council, America will soon consume more wine than any other country. In its annual survey of US wine consumers, the Council, a grouping of growers, producers and other wine industry professionals, indicates that some 304 million cases of wine were sold in the US last year, the largest number in history  and the 15th consecutive increase - and many of those supposedly "in the know" in the wine trade believe the US even passed Italy in terms of overall consumption  and is likely to pass France in total volume of wine consumption by 2010. The world wine consumption has been increasing by about 4.5% every year. The production of wine in the US has certainly increased. I believe wine of some sort is now produced in nearly every state in the union. Join me tomorrow as we take a look at why we believe this trend is happening and who is profiting and who is suffering as a result. Remember to send your questions to Linda at vine to wine dot net and thank you for joining me on today's Vine to Wine.