California Vineyard (© Rboncato | Dreamstime.com)

Sales of California wines in the U.S. rose 6% to a retail value of $18.9 billion in 2007, according to the Wine Institute. The industry group says the impressive growth was fueled by strong gains by premium California wines. The Wine Institute puts the retail value of worldwide sales of California wines at $30 billion.

The U.S. wine market continues to be dominated by Merlot, Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon, which together account for 45% of total wine sales. Sales of Merlot are more than double those of Pinot Noir, the next best-selling red wine. Domestic premium-priced Merlot is displaying particular strength, and now constitutes 17% of the domestic premium red wine market.

California’s winegrowers have shown a strong commitment to sustainable agricultural practices. The adoption of integrated pest management (IPM) methods is being aided by a $150,000 grant from the American Farmland Trust to the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance. The Wine Institute describes IPM as “a sustainable approach to pest control that provides a variety of tactics to prevent, avoid or suppress weeds, insects and crop diseases, while protecting human health, the environment and the profitability of agriculture.”

Many of the state’s winegrowers recognize that being good stewards of the land to maintain a beautiful and healthy environment is good for business, the surrounding community, and wine country visitors. For many the benefit is personal, since vintners and their families often live at their wineries.

For more info on the California wine industry go to: The Wine Institute

To listen to American Feast's interview with the Napa Sustainable Winegrowing Group go to: A Talk with the Napa Sustainable Winegrowing Group