Since 2011, the United States has been the largest global market for wine and spirits consumption. This presents a golden opportunity for French producers, who are the country’s leading wine suppliers, as well as South American producers leveraging geographic proximity and a less complex understanding of wine. Want to export your products? The distribution requirements vary across states and demand an in-depth knowledge of the U.S. market. Here's our advice for selling your wines effectively and optimizing your chances of establishing a foothold.
Each U.S. state has its own laws and regulations. Requirements differ for labeling, import permits, and taxes.
Like many products, exporting bottles of wine and spirits is subject to customs duties and taxes, which vary depending on the state and type of beverage (still wines, champagne, spirits, etc.). Additionally, certain customs formalities (certificates of origin, customs declarations) are mandatory.
Wine consumption in the United States has seen a rapid increase in recent years. In 2020, the average per capita wine consumption was estimated at 12.2 liters annually. In 2022, Italy held the largest market share (15%), followed by Canada, France, and Chile. White wines dominate the market, followed by red wines, rosé, and sparkling wines. Since 2021, trends have emerged favoring the export of Sauvignon Blanc and refreshing white wines.
Another significant trend is sparkling wines. Often used as key ingredients in aperitif cocktails, they are experiencing substantial growth. Italian and American products are particularly well-positioned.
Beyond classic wines, American consumers are increasingly interested in niche markets, seeking unique experiences. Indigenous grape varieties and innovative winemaking techniques are gaining traction, particularly organic, biodynamic, and sustainable wines appealing to younger generations.
Key Insight:
New York, California, Texas, Illinois, New Jersey, and Florida are the top wine-consuming states, collectively accounting for nearly half the U.S. wine volumes and 15% of global wine consumption.
Successfully exporting wine to the U.S. requires a comprehensive understanding of state-specific markets and requirements. One common denominator across this market is the high emphasis American importers, distributors, and consumers place on the ratings of imported products.
Alessandra Tedone - Export Manager - Torrevento, Italy
"In an increasingly competitive market, the ratings our wines receive are a valuable asset, complementing their intrinsic qualities. When we present the results awarded by Gilbert & Gaillard, our winery and production sites’ image significantly improves. This advantage is particularly appreciated by distributors, importers, and buyers."
The Gilbert & Gaillard International Challenge, leveraging the 100-point rating system pioneered in the U.S., has been an international standard for over 20 years.
Scoring over 90 points is often a prerequisite for product listing by U.S. distributors. For this reason, the Gilbert & Gaillard International Challenge has been offering producers achieving 90+ points the opportunity to place a point-medal on their wines, significantly boosting shelf performance.
Using Gilbert & Gaillard medals for wine exportation means leveraging an internationally recognized wine competition with a 35-year history. Want to register your wines? Log in to your winemaker space for access to our database of over 10,000 importers and distributors, including a robust list of U.S. importers.
