NASHVILLE, TENN. (RFD NEWS) — U.S. wine consumers spent more in 2025, but they bought less wine, showing another demand challenge for vineyards and wineries. The BMO 2026 Wine Market Report says consumer spending topped $115 billion, up 3 percent, while total wine volume declined again.
The report describes the market as a reset, not a pause. Higher prices are supporting the dollar’s overall value, but fewer consumers are drinking wine, and those who do are doing so less often. That leaves wineries trying to manage weaker demand, rising costs, and excess supply.
California remains central to the story. BMO says wine entering the U.S. market from California has fallen nearly 25 percent in less than a decade, reflecting vineyard pullbacks, a historically small harvest, and a shift away from chasing volume growth.
Direct-to-consumer sales are also under pressure. Winery shipments fell 15 percent by volume to 5.4 million cases, while shipment value dropped 6 percent to $3.7 billion. Nearly one-quarter of surveyed wineries reported losing a primary distributor.
Still, 71 percent of wineries surveyed expect the industry to stabilize or rebound within three years.
Farm-Level Takeaway: Wine grape growers and wineries face a market in which higher spending is masking weaker consumption and shifting distribution channels.
Tony St. James, RFD News Markets Specialist
In part five of his blog series, “Top 10 Developments in Ag Law and Tax in 2023,” Roger McEowen tackles issue number three, California’s Prop 12 pork regulations.
February 01, 2024 04:06 PM
·
A glimpse into the mindset of the University of Kentucky’s trio of arborists as they relish their role in fostering healthy urban spaces across campus.
December 14, 2023 01:12 PM
·
Beekeepers across the nation face a common challenge during winter—helping bee colonies survive the harsh conditions. Now, a new product developed by an innovated apiarist is changing the game. Enter, the Hive Hugger.
December 07, 2023 12:30 PM
·
November 17, 2023 11:15 AM
·
This Gingery Chicken and Mushroom Soup is a comforting and nourishing option for cold weather, utilizing a medley of fresh, seasonal ingredients readily available in the winter.
November 10, 2023 01:14 PM
·
The FAO Food Price Index for October 2023 is out. Where do global food prices stand, and which categories saw the largest gains?
November 03, 2023 01:42 PM
·
