Rob McMillan, Exec. Vice President & Founder at Silicon Valley Bank Wine Division, has released his report on the State of the Wine Industry 2015. The report provides insight into predictions for the US wine market in 2015 – the largest wine market and one of the most influential – wider global trends and how Australian wine producers should approach the US market.

Overall, the report suggests that 2015 will be one of the best seasons for the majority of US wineries, specifically indicating fine wine and bottled wine over $20 as the categories set to experience the most growth. Fine wine specifically, particularly in the 14-18 per cent range, is anticipated to see a year of strong growth, as well as increases in volume and price, driven by an improving economy and increased demand. Wines priced above $20 per bottle, particularly red wines, are also expected to see strong sales, due to “trading up” increasing as a trend, while bottled wine on the other hand, priced below $9, is expected to perform poorly.

Interestingly, the report suggests that grape planting opportunity is moving north, in particular to Oregon and Washington, where strong growth in plantings on a percentage basis is expected for the future. While financially, the report states that direct-to-consumer sales will be the largest growth channel for the majority of wineries in the US.

Click here to read the full report.