Americans drinking more domestic wine

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Why are Americans drinking more wine?

Sales of wine in the United States are ready to outstrip Italy in per capita consumption, and in less than a decade, Americans may leave French wine drinkers behind as well.

Experts offer several reasons.

Since they've come to understand the distinctive flavors offered by various grapes, American wine aficionados have come to realize that wine is a beverage -- or actually a food -- that pairs very well with food.

With the downturn in the economy, there aren't as many wine drinkers out there who are perusing a restaurant wine list in order to impress their table companions. They really are looking for a taste and aroma they will enjoy, and many of them aren't adverse to seeking out bargains. Experience has convinced them that many relatively inexpensive wines are high in quality.

The popularity of wine has risen, claim the experts, in part because of research crediting wine -- particularly red wine -- with possible health benefits. And then there is the increase in the number of women wine drinkers who now are earning high salaries. Distributors and vintners also have learned to market wine in a way that will attract a broader audience. Flashy names and eye-catching labels aren't doing any damage either -- new, younger imbibers find them very fetching.

Wineries also are putting more effort into producing higher quality wine that they can sell at lower prices.