Here's some
news of the "Who'da Thunk It" variety. The Great Granite State of New
Hampshire has a per capita annual wine consumption rate (2013 numbers) of 19.6
liters. The most of any in the US of A, excepting the District of Columbia.
Though not actually a state, the leading rate of consumption in DC may explain
some things. We in California, with over half of all the wineries in the
country, are mere piker's by comparison. To pull our weight, denizens of the
former Bear Republic need to add 5.7 liters annually to claim the #2 spot!
This is according to the American Wine Consumer Coalition's
2013 Report Card. That also notes wine production being at record levels and
average bottle pricing up from $9 in 2012 to $10.85. Meaning I have no idea
what kind of wine the masses are drinking but it sure didn't come from the
Central Coast. I also doubt it represents what our Representatives are
imbibing.
The report card score for New Hampshire was A+, which was
awarded to only five other states. And of course the aforementioned District.
The Coalition concluded there is no better state in which to swirl, sniff and sip,
based on availability, price and liberal regulations. The last item including
taking wine into restaurants, having it shipped to their door or buying it in
grocery stores. That said, you may be surprised to know that New Hampshire is a
state run liquor store location, one of only six beverage monopoly states left
in the U.S. Those familiar with such states know it usually means limited
selection, inconvenient locations and high taxation, near semi-prohibition in
places like Utah until recently.
Of the A+ states in the report, only New Hampshire levies no
tax on wine. Here in CA, the rate is only $ .20/gal while the District's rate
is $1.61. An unusual case of paying their own higher taxes. But less than half
that of the protection of home-made whiskey in Kentucky with its (highest in
the nation) rate of $3.56 a gallon. The state run operation also markets
extensively and allows sales outside of the locations it runs directly.
Thanks to Reid Wilson of the Washington Post for bringing some of this to my attention.
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