Online and telephone wine sales in the U.S. grew by 29% and 16% respectively in 2009, according to a survey from market research firm VinterActive LLC.
The organization reported that tasting room, wine club, internet, and event sales remained at a record $3 Billion in 2009 as wineries adopted new marketing strategies to offset declines in tasting room traffic and consumer spending across the U.S.
In addition, 63% of U.S. wineries projected consumer direct as their fastest growing sales channel this year.
The survey also found that in 2009:
*Overall direct sales grew 3%
*Mail order sales declined 14%.
*Wine club sales fell 5%.
The survey polled more than 3,500 U.S. wineries.
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