VIENNA, Md. - Blame the economy, or just call it an increased craving for that grape goodness, but more Americans are gushing over wine. A new report shows that the U.S. is the top global consumer for fermented grapes, consuming almost 4 billion bottles of wine in 2011.
"It's not because we certainly have a larger population, but its just indicative of the change in culture here and that it's a part of everyday like," said Jennifer Layton, General Manager of Layton's Chance Vineyard in Vienna.
She also says sales have grown tremendously in Maryland. Their winery alone has seen a 30 percent increase.
"The millennials are the largest segment of the wine industry. They certainly are more inclined to buy products that are local, that means something to them, authentic, and that they know the story behind," said Layton.
Millennials are also referred to as 80's babies.
"The old fashion culture and the wine drinking since the 1950''s and the 40's and things like that have always interested me," said Samantha Ingraham of Preston.
Despite the spike in the average cost of a bottle of wine, a new study predicts wine consumption to jump again, about 10 percent in the next four years.
Trailing in second place, behind the U.S. in wine consumption, is Italy. France came in third and Germany came in fourth.
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