Wine sales up for 16th straight year

Jim Trezise, president of New York Wine and Grape Foundation, released the following statistics over the weekend. They are based on U.S. Wine and Consumer Trends, a recent presentation in Manhattan by industry experts including  John Gillespie, president of the Wine Market Council.

— 2009 marked the 16th straight year of growth in wine sales, up 1.5 percent, with 276 million cases sold compared with 205 million in 2000.

— Wine sales have shifted from on-premise (restaurant) to retail stores (especially grocery stores) as consumers increasingly choose to dine in, but still want wine.

— Consumers are buying less expensive wine,  which will have a long-term effect on the market.

—  Direct sales to consumers at tasting rooms, or through wine clubs and the Internet, are gaining in popularity.