Wine in the U.S: The time and place of consumption

United States, wine is mostly consumed without food. Indeed, a recent study among American consumers of wine contradicts the claims of the U.S. wine industry, which argues that the wine is mostly consumed with food. The survey conducted by Wine Opinions from regular consumers of wine indicates that only 41% of wine is consumed with meals, 59% are without food, at least among the biggest consumers of wine. The interviewees say that a quarter of the wines they consume is drunk without association with food, 14% is consumed in the preparation of a meal and 19% as an aperitif with snacks and appetizers. The proportions are different in the Club, Hotels or Restaurants where 58% of wine consumed during the meal, 19% before starting the meal, and 12% in anticipation of the meal in the bar or lounge and 11% after the meal. The wine represents 51% of alcoholic beverages consumed at the bar or lounge, beer and spirits count for 20% each. The survey is based on 800 responses to a panel of 5,500 people, representing the segment of consumers who purchase and consume wine most often.

Another study conducted in 2010 by the Wine Market Council, 9% of U.S. wine consumers drink wine every day and 29% use it several times a week. This study confirms the decline in consumption of the most expensive wines. A substantial number of consumers of wine continue to reduce its purchases of wine over $ 30, including classic wines such as Cabernet Sauvignon from the Napa Valley and Bordeaux. 
Some consumers come back, but there is a clear growth and thrust of the wines from Oregon, Washington of South America, like Zinfandel, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir.

The last good news from this survey is that wine is supplanting more and more other alcoholic beverages, especially as an aperitif.

Source: Credit Agricole of Acquitaine