Restaurant Wine, Issue 95 (May/June 2003)

Top 100 Wine Brands On-Premise Issue

Special Report: Restaurant Wine Top 100 Wine Brands Sold in USA Restaurants, 2002. Our second report lists the most popular wines sold in USA restaurants, ranking them based on estimated case sales in 2002. Key findings: The Top 100 Brands account for 55% (by volume) of all wine sold in USA restaurants; the Top 15 companies, which own/import/market brands in the Top 100, account for an amazing 84% of Top 100 wine sales. Other news: Italian and Australian brands surged in restaurants in 2002, while French brands declined.

Operation Profile: This San Francisco restaurant has one of the most exciting wine programs in northern California. During the past three years, its wine selections have quadrupled in number, wine sales per cover have increased (by around 9%), and word of mouth about its "Ultimate Wine Dinner" has made this promotion a long running hit with its customers.

Wine Reviews: 123 wines from around the world are included in this issue. Highlights include outstanding 2001 California Chardonnays; one of California's best Pinot Grigios; one of Duckhorn's best-ever Merlots; superb 2001 California Pinot Noirs (from Edna Valley through Russian River Valley); exceptional Argentine red wines; more top values from Australia & Chile; amazing Verdicchios from Italy; delicious Spanish white wines; and several of the best New Zealand Pinot Noirs.