U.S. Wine Exports Up 28% in 2004

Aided by the weak U.S. dollar, American wine exports surged 28% to $794 million last year, the Wine Institute said.

The top market for U.S. wine was Britain, which purchased $299.1 million, up 41% from last year, the trade group said. Other leading markets included: Canada, up 10% to $123.8 million; Netherlands, up 15% to $85.6 million; and Japan, up 35% to $82.1 million.

California produces 95% of the wine exported, the San Francisco-based Wine Institute said.

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-- Jerry Hirsch