A letter by the regional editor for north America: Snapshot of the north American wine industry – the Challenges of growth

Author: Liz Thach, MW, Ph.D.

Publication: Wine Economics & Policy Journal

Publication Date: June 2015

Abstract:
According to Wines & Vines, North America now boasts more than 9000 wineries, with the last count in 2014 showing 8287 wineries in the US, 703 in Canada, and 100 in Mexico. This number attests to the growth of the North American wine industry, which has increased by 45% since 2004 when there were approximately 5000 wineries.

In addition to this growth, the three North American wine countries support one another in terms of imports and exports. For example, after the EU, the largest wine export market for the US is Canada and the fifth largest market is Mexico. Likewise, the US is the largest importer of Canadian wine, and Mexico exports its wines to both the US and Canada. This letter provides a snapshot of each market as well as potential future challenges.