In this article, we are going to discuss the 5 states that drink the most wine. If you want to check out our detailed analysis of the wine market in America, the state of the American wine industry, and the recent acquisition in the wine industry, head to 20 States that Drink the Most Wine.
5. Oregon
Wine Consumption per Capita: 0.68 gallons
Oregon is a land of vinous riches and the state is regarded as one of the premier Pinot-producing regions in the world, as Pinot noirs from the Willamette Valley have received much critical acclaim from wine connoisseurs and critics. In fact, although the Beaver State produces only a small percentage of the country’s wine, in 2015 and 2016 it earned 20% of Wine Spectator’s domestic 90+ ratings. Oregon wines bucked overall trends in the wine market last year and registered impressive volume growth of nearly 13% to almost 5.3 million cases.
4. Vermont
Wine Consumption per Capita: 0.72 gallons
Whether it’s maple liqueurs, vodka, craft beers, or wine, Vermont products are popular because they come with a story and a set of values. The Green Mountain State is home to a small but growing wine industry. Vermont winemakers are making inroads in the niche market of low-intervention, natural wines, as it fits well with the state’s brand.
3. New Hampshire
Wine Consumption per Capita: 0.76 gallons
New Hampshire has relatively high alcohol sales per capita due in part to its state-operated liquor stores. Alcohol is a big revenue generator for the state government and the low prices in stores located near the state’s borders draw in customers from across the region.
The designation as a ‘control state’ enables New Hampshire liquor outlets to offer the widest selection of name-brand wines and spirits at great prices with no taxes. That’s why more than 12 million customers from throughout North America shop for alcohol in the Granite State each year.
With a per capita ethanol consumption of 4.43 gallons, New Hampshire is the Number 1 Alcoholic State in America.
2. Delaware
Wine Consumption per Capita: 0.8 gallons
When you think of states that are famous for their alcohol production, Delaware might not immediately come to mind. However, the Diamond State’s craft wine and beer scene continues to grow. There are four wineries, two meaderies, and more than 20 breweries, some of which also distill spirits, in the state’s 1,982 square miles.
Delaware also does not have sales tax on alcohol, which means many wine lovers cross state lines to buy to save money. Delaware sits among the Top 5 Drunkest States in America.
1. District of Columbia
Wine Consumption per Capita: 1.07 gallons
The District of Columbia is home to the biggest wine drinkers in America, with its residents drinking 1.07 gallons of ethanol per capita solely in the form of wine. The capital’s liberal alcohol importation permit system underpins the extensive choice of wines. In a country hampered by a notoriously arcane patchwork of alcohol importation and distribution laws, this translates to excellent news for wine lovers. D.C.’s eateries, bars, and bottle shops offer one of the most extensive selections of small-producer wines in the country – along with every trophy bottle your heart desires, of course, given that the city is awash with big spenders.
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