California wine sales hit record 360 million cases

Wine sales in the U.S. increased 2 percent in 2012 to a record 360.1 million cases with an estimated retail value of $34.6 billion, the Wine Institute announced Monday.

California wines accounted for 58 percent of the U.S. wine market, selling 207.7 million cases at an estimated retail value of $22 billion, the trade group announced, citing figures from wine analyst Jon Fredrikson. Including exports sold overseas, California wineries shipped 250.2 million cases last year.

"Wine shipments to the U.S. market climbed by nearly 50 percent since 2001 and it is likely that American consumption will continue to expand over the next decade as wine continues to gain traction among American adult consumers," Fredrikson said.

Sales of sparkling wine and champagne also rose 2 percent last year to 17.7 million cases.