LUBBOCK, Texas (RFD-TV) — Eastern U.S. wineries are carving out a stronger position in a flat national wine market by leaning into local sales and small-scale flexibility rather than volume growth. While California remains dominant in production, data show winery growth and confidence shifting east of the Rockies, where producers rely more heavily on direct customer relationships.
Industry data indicate the number of wineries east of the Mississippi River has continued to rise, even as total U.S. winery counts decline. Most Eastern wineries are small operations producing fewer than 5,000 cases annually, allowing them to adapt quickly and avoid the pressures facing large national brands and virtual wineries.
Direct-to-consumer sales are a key advantage, explains Chris Laughton, Farm Credit East’s Director of Knowledge Exchange. Surveys show Eastern wineries posted stronger tasting-room and direct sales growth than West Coast peers, helping offset weak wholesale demand and shrinking retail shelf space. These local connections mirror successful agritourism and value-added strategies seen across rural agriculture.
With fewer virtual wineries and deeper community ties, Eastern producers appear better positioned to weather market shifts while building a distinct regional identity.
Farm-Level Takeaway: Small, locally focused wineries are finding resilience through direct sales and regional loyalty rather than scale alone.
Tony St. James, RFD-TV Markets Specialist
As domestic production and blending slowed, export demand remained a clear bright spot.
January 11, 2026 12:00 PM
·
Protein markets are fragmenting. Beef is supply-driven and more structurally expensive, whereas pork and poultry remain price-competitive.
January 10, 2026 07:00 AM
·
Reducing mental stress and focusing on controllable actions can improve decision-making in high-pressure environments, according to Hollywood actor and former Calif Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger.
January 09, 2026 03:59 PM
·
Tight fed supplies shift margin risk to packers, strengthening cattle price leverage but increasing volatility.
January 09, 2026 03:36 PM
·
Expanding chicken supplies are likely to keep prices under pressure in early 2026 despite steady demand growth.
January 09, 2026 11:00 AM
·
The “Wild, Wild West” of Taxes
January 09, 2026 09:00 AM
·
Prompt removal of Christmas trees and careful handling of decorations reduce winter fire risk during an already high-demand season for emergency services.
January 09, 2026 08:00 AM
·
Reduced winter placements indicate tighter fed cattle supplies and greater leverage during peak-demand months.
January 09, 2026 06:00 AM
·
AFBF Economist Faith Parum provides analysis and perspective on the Farmer Bridge Assistance Program—what commodity growers should know and potential remedies for producers facing crop losses where that aid falls short.
January 08, 2026 02:45 PM
·
