Direct Wine Sales Reach $2.8 Billion; Mail Portion Declines

U.S. consumer direct wine sales reached $2.8 Billion in 2007, a drop of 2% from the year before, according to market research firm, VinterActive LLC.

Key findings of this year's research reveal:

* Phone order sales grew 33% in 2007.

* Online wine sales grew 3% in 2007.

* Direct mail wine sales decreased 11% in 2007.

* Wine club sales declined 4% in 2007.

* Tasting room sales grew 29% in 2007.

Despite a sluggish economy and rising fuel prices, winery sales managers remain upbeat about prospects for growth, with most wine regions forecasting direct sales gains of 10% to 20% in 2008, the study noted..

This study was based on a poll of more than 3500 U.S. wineries.