Wine consumption drops in U.S.

For the first time since 1994, wine consumption in this country dropped. According to IWSR, the industry’s tracking service, Americans drank .9 percent less in 2019.

Experts attribute the decline to health-conscious millennials who have turned to alternatives such as hard seltzers, sparkling water and even non-alcoholic beer.

Sales by value rose about a percent, however, because consumers are drinking more expensive bottles.

Consumption got a boost from stories about the health benefits of wine consumption, but millennials haven’t been influenced by such an old story. Instead, they are focused on healthy foods and beverages as well as cost.

If additional tariffs are executed as early as this week, the wine industry is going to take an even bigger hit.