Wine exports from the USA reached $1.47bn in revenues and 375m liters (41.7 million cases) in 2018. Over 90% of this was exported from California.
Total exports were down 4.8% in value and 1.2% in volume due to the strength of the dollar, retaliatory tariffs and competition from foreign winemakers who receive free trade agreements in key markets.
“California wines performed well under very challenging circumstances as top markets continued to embrace our reputation for premium quality, leadership in sustainable winegrowing and diverse offerings,” said the president and CEO of Wine Institute.
“Strong marketing programs that invite international consumers to connect with California as a world-class destination and wine producing region continued to generate new fans among media, trade and consumers.”
Wine exports from California have increased by nearly 60% by value in the past decade. The Wine Institute’s California Wine Export Program includes more than 170 wineries that export to 142 countries.