California wine sales are showing strong growth, despite a downward trend worldwide. The Wine Institute reports a three-percent increase in shipments and a nearly-four-percent hike in the sales value of California wine last year to just over 40-billion-dollars. Spending on all other wine was just under 28-billion and overall wine sales grew only one-percent. The Institute says sales of more expensive, premium wines are growing the most, as consumers are "drinking better but not a lot more."
Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon are still the top-selling varietals, but Rose' is growing in popularity, with sales soaring 46-percent over the last year.
Photo: Getty Images