Minneapolis, Minn., (August 4, 2026) — The U.S. wine industry continued to face significant headwinds in 2025 as changing consumer preferences, moderation trends, and growing competition from spirits and ready-to-drink (RTD) beverages drove total wine volume down 4.5% to 315.7 million 9-liter cases, according to the Beverage Information Group's 2026 Wine Handbook. The decline marks the fourth consecutive annual decrease for the category.
Domestic wine shipments fell 4.6%, while imported wines declined 4.0%. Although overall demand remained soft, imported wines showed slightly greater resilience as consumers continued seeking premium offerings that delivered strong quality-to-price value.
Table wine experienced the largest decline among major categories, falling 5.6%, while Champagne and Sparkling Wine showed signs of stabilizing after a difficult 2024, declining a more modest 2.1%. Wine-Based RTDs remained the industry's bright spot, growing 21.2% to 12.0 million 9-liter cases as consumers continued embracing convenient, flavor-forward beverages for a variety of occasions.
The industry continues to adapt to changing demographics as Baby Boomers reduce consumption, and younger legal-drinking-age consumers divide their purchases among a wider variety of beverage choices. Premiumization, packaging innovation, wine education, and new consumption occasions remain important opportunities for wineries seeking to strengthen wine's relevance with today's consumers.
Despite ongoing volume declines, investment across the industry remained active throughout 2025 as companies continued strengthening premium wine portfolios and expanding into high-growth RTD segments. The industry's long-term success will depend on its ability to innovate while reinforcing wine's unique strengths of quality, authenticity, and experience.
About the 2026 Wine Handbook
The Beverage Information Group’s 2026 Wine Handbook is a comprehensive source of information on U.S. wine and sales trends. It includes consumption and projection information by category and by market, tracks leading brands, and reports historical data.
You may order this publication at www.epgspecialtyinformation.com or by contacting Sherai Falcon at sfalcon@epgacceleration.com or 763-383-4400 ext. 4423.
