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Americans Defeat the French (again)
Well, I just wrote about confusing French wine labels, and then news is just released that the Americans will eclipse the French in wine consuption by 2010. Coincidence? I don't think so...
More American adults than ever are drinking wine, according to a new survey by the Wine Market Council. The poll found that between 2000 and 2005 the wine drinking population in the U.S. increased by 31% among adults in households with a household income greater than $35,000. France's own Vinexpo - the world's largest wine fair, just released figures that the American market will shame the Frenchies by 2010 in per capita wine enjoyment.
Perhaps this French trend is further underscored by the fact that their new President is a self-confessed tee-totaler, who has more than once proclaimed that he does not drink a drop of wine. Having said that, neither does our current President...So, let the race begin! Perhaps our future President will take a kinder view to the wine industry and even relax advertising so our winemakers have a chance to fairly compete with the rest of the world, too.
Cheers!
I've always understood that in Europe, wine was enjoyed by everyone, no matter what the socio-economic group, and that in the U.S., enjoying the fruits of the grape is more common among the upper crust.
Is this just a sterotype, or has it been true? Is this changing?
Robin
Posted by rearl
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Yes, the old view that wine is for the upper crust is definitely a stereotype in the United States. In fact, wine has just surpassed beer as the #1 adult beverage in the US. How's that for blowing the upper crust myth out of the water? Additionally, among the 21-35 set, wine is now preferred 2-1 over any other alcoholic beverage.
If you look at the history of wine in the US, it was the immigrants (decidedly NOT the upper crust in the day) who introduced most of our vineyards to the US. The Italians and Germans were among the first to plant their native vines in California and even New York.
Wine is definitely equal opportunity - especially today with some bottles priced less than a bottle of "designer" water...
Cheers!
Posted by B_Vino_Vixen
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It's time that stereotype be banished. Wine is a drink for all economic and social levels.
I love beer, but I admire wine because of what has to happen for a drinkable bottle to be produced. Every bottle has a story to tell.
Posted by S_Jjacks
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