Wine O’Clock: The States That Love Wine The Most

There are countless occasions that are simply enhanced by a glass of wine in hand. From work happy hours and weddings to cozy Sunday brunches, wine is a beloved companion.

Wine enthusiasts have an extra reason to celebrate on February 24th, recognized as National “Drink Wine” Day. This day invites everyone to embrace the joys of wine, making it a perfect opportunity to explore wine culture across the United States.

To discover which states indulge in wine the most, we’ve analyzed recent wine consumption data, revealing the states that enjoy their wine the most and those that may not keep a corkscrew handy.

States That Drink The Most Wine

Idaho leads the pack, with each resident enjoying an impressive average of 37.8 bottles per year. Even Hawaii, ranked #10, contributes to the wine culture with 18.9 bottles per person.

States That Drink The Least Wine

These states, mainly located in the South and Midwest, show a more modest wine consumption, with each averaging less than 7 bottles per person. Continue reading to discover how your state fits into the national wine landscape.

Each State’s Favorite Wine

Wine Jobs By State

Wine Jobs by State

If you’re passionate about wine, consider pursuing a career in the thriving wine industry. The latest data shows that wineries employ over 64,000 individuals nationwide, a significant increase in the sector’s growth.

California leads the way, with 58% of all winery jobs found in the state (36,924 positions). Following California are Oregon, New York, and Virginia, solidifying California’s status as the epicenter of wine production.

How We Figured This One Out

To calculate wine consumption by state, we examined the gallons of table wine consumed per state from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. We then converted these figures into bottles, using the standard conversion of approximately 1 gallon equaling 5 bottles of wine.

Considering population differences across states, we calculated per capita consumption, which includes non-drinkers and minors. This means some residents might be consuming significantly more than others.

Our data on winery jobs is sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

To determine each state’s preferred wine, we analyzed Google search trends, focusing on specific wine types rather than general categories.

Maybe Don’t Drink at Work..

While enjoying a glass of wine can be a great way to relax after work, drinking during work hours is generally discouraged and can negatively impact your career.

In a professional setting, consuming alcohol can be viewed unfavorably by supervisors and colleagues alike. Consider saving your wine enjoyment for after hours instead. However, if your workplace culture allows for it, a responsible drink can be a nice touch during social events.

In light of National Drink Wine Day, perhaps plan an after-work happy hour to celebrate responsibly.

Which State Drinks the Most Wine (Plus Wine Jobs and Favorite Wine)

State	Bottles Per Person	Favorite Wine	Wine Jobs
Idaho	37.8	Cabernet	197
New Hampshire	28.0	Cabernet	133
Vermont	26.0	Cabernet	191
Delaware	23.3	Cabernet	N/A
Massachusetts	21.0	Cabernet	241
California	19.7	Cabernet	36924
Connecticut	19.5	Cabernet	321
Nevada	19.3	Cabernet	N/A
Rhode Island	18.9	Cabernet	N/A
Hawaii	18.9	Cabernet	N/A
Oregon	18.8	Pinot Noir	3145
New Jersey	18.6	Cabernet	609
Florida	17.1	Cabernet	362
New York	16.8	Cabernet	3012
Alaska	16.6	Cabernet	N/A
Colorado	16.6	Cabernet	N/A
Montana	16.6	Cabernet	59
Washington	16.5	Cabernet	2397
Virginia	15.9	Cabernet	2397
Maine	14.7	Rose	N/A
Illinois	14.5	Cabernet	575
North Carolina	14.5	Cabernet	695
Minnesota	14.0	Cabernet	303
Michigan	13.0	Cabernet	992
Wisconsin	12.6	Cabernet	534
Arizona	12.4	Cabernet	281
Maryland	12.4	Rose	305
Missouri	12.2	Cabernet	303
Pennsylvania	10.8	Cabernet	1789
North Dakota	10.6	Cabernet	N/A
Louisiana	10.6	Cabernet	N/A
Texas	10.5	Cabernet	1736
Tennessee	10.3	Cabernet	452
Wyoming	10.1	Pinot Noir	25
New Mexico	10.0	Cabernet	205
Ohio	9.9	Cabernet	875
Indiana	9.3	Cabernet	875
Alabama	8.3	Pinot Noir	13
South Carolina	8.0	Cabernet	50
Georgia	7.9	Cabernet	208
Arkansas	7.5	Cabernet	N/A
Iowa	7.3	Cabernet	414
South Dakota	7.0	Cabernet	118
Kentucky	6.9	Pinot Noir	143
Nebraska	6.7	Cabernet	N/A
Oklahoma	6.2	Cabernet	74
Utah	6.0	Rose	N/A
Mississippi	5.7	Cabernet	N/A
Kansas	4.5	Cabernet	102
West Virginia	3.6	Cabernet	24

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Author

Kathy Morris

Kathy is the head of content at Zippia with a knack for engaging audiences. Prior to joining Zippia, Kathy worked at Gateway Blend growing audiences across diverse brands. She graduated from Troy University with a degree in Social Science Education.

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