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February 2026
As a new year and new vintage begin, the U.S. wine business remains hamstrung by its longstanding challenges and that makes charting a course through newfound obstacles even more daunting. Winery direct-to-consumer shipments recorded a weak January, yet total U.S. wine market value held steady.
January 2026
2025 did not end on a high note but the past year may have seen the end of the most significant sales declines offering some hope that the U.S. wine market is poised for a rebound or modest growth. Hope, of course, is not a strategy and achieving any growth will require wineries to embrace new technology to hold on to direct sales while taking advantage of limited opportunities in the off- and on-premise markets.
December 2025
Most people are still just “googling it,” but the number of those “asking” AI assistants for answers is rapidly increasing and that’s changing how wineries should tell their story online to ensure those helpful bots recommend them to potential customers. Winery direct-to-consumer (DtC) shipments declined in November, but the total market remained steady thanks to sparkling wine and flavored wines.
November 2025
There was a change to this year’s list of the top 10 U.S. wine distributors, but not what many may have expected given the shakeups seen earlier this year. As the crucial fourth quarter sales period began, total winery direct-to-consumer (DtC) shipment value nearly hit the same mark as last year.
October 2025
Wine sales continue to decline in the off-premise market where alternative formats such as cans keep outperforming the total category by a wide margin. Cans appear to be having a moment by offering drinkers more options with less commitment. Winery recruiting continues to slow, as total market value grew 4% yet volumes continue to decrease.
September 2025
It’s not any easier to sell wine in the on-premise sector given the dramatic shift in attitudes toward drinking among young people. An approachable atmosphere and affordable pours on draft, however, can help. Winery recruiting continues to slow as off-premise sales remain consistent if not growing.
August 2025
Wine industry hiring continues to slow as economic anxiety rises with prices driven higher by tariffs that have also curtailed U.S. wine exports. Strong import sales did help the U.S. market grow by 4% in the past 12 months, but the Winejobs Winery Job Index is 30% less than last year.
July 2025
As direct-to-consumer (DtC) sales become even more important for wineries, DtC shipments continue to decline as costs increase, demand weakens, and competition intensifies. Winery hiring also remains slow, yet total US wine market value grew in the most recent 12 months.
June 2025
Total US market value grew in the past 12 months, thanks in part to consumers shifting on price to take advantage of perceived value and quality. Wineries continue to ramp up efforts to connect with younger drinkers as total direct-to-consumer (DtC) shipments declined by both value and volume in May.
