Founded in 1934, the California Wine Institute unites the collective strength of over 1,000 wine
producers across the Golden State to ensure the best possible environment for producing and enjoying wine. We also represent our members in helping to promote and sell California wine across the globe, including in the very important markets of the United Kingdom and Ireland, where we work closely with importers, press and retailers to ensure a wide array of outstanding California wine is available to the British consumer.
Our UK operations are managed by Damien Jackman and Justine McGovern.
AMERICA’S #1 WINE PRODUCER
California makes 81% of U.S. wine & is world’s 4th largest producer
4,200 BONDED WINERIES
Mainly family-owned businesses, many multi-generational
5,900 WINEGRAPE GROWERS
Winegrapes are grown in 49 of 58 counties
635,000 ACRES OF WINEGRAPES
(256,975 hectares) 139 American Viticultural Areas. Vineyards preserve open space & scenic beauty
EMBRACING SUSTAINABILITY
More than 90% of California’s wine is produced in a Certified California Sustainable Winery
3.92 MILLION TONS OF WINEGRAPES
Over 110 winegrape varieties contributing to California as a wine & food paradise
242 MILLION CASES IN THE U.S. MARKET
Volume of California wine sales in the U.S.
$1.36 BILLION IN EXPORTS
U.S. wine exports, 95% from California, were 41.3 million cases
$43.6 BILLION IN RETAIL VALUE
Estimated retail value of all California wine sales in the U.S.
Sources: U.S. Tax and Trade Bureau; BW166; The Gomberg, Fredrikson Report; Global Trade Information Services; and California Dept. of Food & Agriculture. Statistics are for 2019. 1. Bonded winery number as of July 2020 includes all bonded winery production facilities; excludes second tasting rooms and other non-production bonded wine premises. Source: Wines Vines Analytics.
The economic impact of california wines
California is America’s number one wine state and the fourth largest producer in the world. California wine makes a significant contribution to the nation and all fifty states by providing quality jobs, bolstering economies through hospitality, taxes and tourism and enhancing communities through environmental stewardship.
