5 Highlights from the 2022 Direct-to-Consumer Wine Shipping Report

Lizzy Connolly
January 20, 2022

This January, Sovos ShipCompliant released the 2022 Direct-to-Consumer (DtC) Wine Shipping Report with our partner, Wines Vines Analytics. The report is the most comprehensive, complete and exclusive collection of data and insights on the state of the industry. Wine shipments to consumers reached a record $4.2 billion in 2021, meaning this is a fantastic time to delve into the DtC wine channel and learn more about the ever-evolving trends.

About the data

The Direct-to-Consumer Wine Shipping Report takes shipment data from more than 1,300 U.S. wineries’ shipments to consumers each month, totaling more than 42 million shipments over the course of 2021. As we gather information, each shipment is edited for submission for governmental tax and reporting requirements, and all elements are validated by standardized tables. The verified data is submitted to a proprietary model built on a database of 11,000+ wineries that is updated monthly by Wines Vines Analytics.

Highlights from the 2022 report

The report takes a deep dive into findings from 2021 including by winery region, winery size (production), varietal, destination of shipments and price to produce the most thorough analysis available of the DtC shiping channel. Here are some notable takeaways:

  • 2021 saw the smallest ever year-over-year increase in DtC shipment volume, inching up 1.4% for 8.5 million cases. Considering that this volume growth is off the anomalous 2020 pandemic year, which had seen a record-breaking volume increase.
  • In a return to more normal pricing patterns, 2021 saw the largest growth ever in average price per bottle shipped, with an 11.8% increase to $41.16.
  • The Limited Production Winery Size category (producing up to 999 cases annually)   outperformed larger winery size classes, seeing a 26.8%  increase in average price per bottle shipped.
  • In a reversal of 2020, shipments of wines priced $100+ increased in both volume and value in 2021, while those priced under $30 per bottle dipped in each of those respective categories.
  • Napa wineries saw a strong rebound, accounting for 45.0% of the value of the overall DtC shipping channel in 2021.

What comes next?

Tune in for our free webinar on February 17, where we will dive deeper into the report data and takeaways. Register here for the live discussion.

Take Action

Download your free copy of the 2022 Direct-to-Consumer Wine Shipping Report for additional insights and analysis of DtC channel trends.

Sign up for Email Updates

Stay up to date with the latest tax and compliance updates that may impact your business.

Author

Lizzy Connolly

Share this post

alcohol deliveries
North America ShipCompliant
December 20, 2024
What if No One is Home to Sign for an Alcohol Delivery?

This blog was last updated on December 20, 2024 When no one is home to sign for an alcohol delivery, it becomes more than just a minor hiccup for direct-to-consumer (DtC) alcohol shippers. It’s a domino effect that transforms a perfectly curated product into a customer’s disappointment before it’s ever opened. This becomes an even […]

taxation of motor insurance policies france
North America VAT & Fiscal Reporting
December 18, 2024
Taxation of Motor Insurance Policies: France

This blog was last updated on December 18, 2024 France is one of the most challenging countries in Europe when it comes to the premium tax treatment of motor insurance policies. This is mainly due to the variety of taxes and charges that can apply and the differing treatment of different vehicle types. This blog […]

california bottle bill compliance
North America ShipCompliant
December 13, 2024
California Bottle Bill: Compliance Updates for Wine and Spirits

This blog was last updated on December 16, 2024 California’s bottle bill got a major upgrade earlier this year, and it’s changed the rules for wineries, distilleries and beverage distributors in a big way. For the first time, wine and spirits manufacturers will need to register with CalRecycle, report sales and pay California Redemption Value […]

unclaimed property compliance for wineries
North America ShipCompliant
December 12, 2024
Unclaimed Property Compliance: What Wineries and Wine Clubs Need to Know

This blog was last updated on December 12, 2024 Although hard to believe, unclaimed property obligations impact ALL industries, including wineries and other wine clubs. While most companies typically only associate unclaimed property with outstanding checks, including accounts payable and payroll, there are other exposures for wineries and wine clubs to consider. Understanding these risks […]

retail delivery fees for alcohol shipping
North America ShipCompliant
December 5, 2024
Navigating Retail Delivery Fees: A Guide for DtC Alcohol Sellers

This blog was last updated on December 5, 2024 Direct-to-consumer (DtC) alcohol shippers are no strangers to navigating a complex regulatory landscape. However, recently, a new challenge has emerged—the rise of retail delivery fees. From excise taxes to shipping restrictions, the industry has long dealt with a maze of state-specific rules that require careful attention […]