Hong Kong a hot market for Calif. wines

Posted at 11:45 AM on Friday, Feb. 26, 2010
By Robert Rodriguez / The Fresno Bee

A drop in tariffs and a growing interest in California varietals is making Hong Kong one of the fastest-growing markets for U.S. winemakers.

Hong Kong’s imports of U.S wine — most of which come from California — soared 41% in 2009 over the previous year to $517 million.

The boost helped makers of high-end California wine, whose overall sales have slipped during the recession. Also benefitting are the makers of value wines.

San Joaquin Valley farmers — long known as the workhorses of the grape industry — produced the largest amount of grapes crushed in the state last year. And much of the tonnage is used for lower-priced wines.

A Hong Kong trade official said the consumption of California wine in his country is growing at all price levels.

[b]“We are talking about the full range of wines, from bottles as low as $12 to those that are easily $40 to $50 dollars,â€