• Growth in U.S. wineries: There were 6,223 wineries in the United States in November 2009, reports Wine Business Monthly, a 6 percent increase over 2008. About half of the wineries are in California, a figure that has been consistent for the past four years. The interesting news -- and what matters for regional wine -- is that 10 states now have more than 100 wineries: Not just California, Washington and Oregon, but New York, Virginia, Texas, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan, and North Carolina. In addition, the regional numbers in the study are almost certainly not up to date. Texas' wine trade group reports almost 200 wineries, about 50 more than the study, and I'm sure the other top regional states are equally under reported.
• Minimum wine prices in UK? The item last week that consumption would decrease 40 percent in Great Britain if binge drinking were eliminated elicited enough interest to note that one of the solutions being proposed to the abuse is minimum pricing. Critics say the country's four major supermarket chains sell booze below cost as loss leaders to attract customers, so the plan would force them to sell beer for at least £6 a six-pack (about US$10) and £4.50 (about US$7.50) for a bottle of wine. Needless to say, that would never happen in the U.S., and it is quite controversial in Britain.
• Chilean exports soar: Anyone who doubts that Americans have changed their wine drinking habits should note that Concha y Toro, the Chilean producer that makes a host of sub-$10 wines, saw exports rise 22 percent in 2009. The company's two biggest export markets Great Britain and the U.S.
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