August 6, 2021
California wineries experienced an increase in sales by volume in 2020, with 240.3 million cases shipped within the United States, up 1% from the previous year, totaling an estimated retail value of $40 billion.
California wine sales to all markets, including shipments to the U.S. and export markets, were 279.2 million cases in 2020, up 2% by volume from 2019, according to wine industry expert Jon Moramarco of bw166 and Gomberg, Fredrikson & Associates.
“Shipments of California wine were up slightly in 2020, demonstrating the continued interest in the diverse and high-quality wine the Golden State has to offer consumers domestically and abroad,” said Robert P. Koch, president and CEO, Wine Institute. “As the global pandemic recedes, we are optimistic that increased travel to wineries and in-person dining at restaurants will yield growth in both value and volume.”
“California wine continues to do well among consumers, despite the drastic halt of on-premise sales and the significant shift of purchasing behaviors to online, grocery and wine stores, as a result of COVID-19 shutdowns,” said Jon Moramarco, bw166 and Gomberg, Fredrikson & Associates.
“With closures and restrictions in bars and restaurants across most of the U.S. in 2020, alcohol volume experienced a tremendous movement to traditional retail stores including grocery and liquor stores,” said Danelle Kosmal, vice president, Nielsen’s Beverage Alcohol Practice Area.