21. Prices for premium California wines have risen steadily over the last year, because increased demand for the best wines has caused a shortage of grapes. 22. Premium wines include Jacaranda Ridge cabernet and Lawson shiraz. 23. Responding to this shift in taste, Gallo has moved production of its premium wines to Sonoma County, where it has been buying up land for years. 24. Sales of premium wines are pushing premium prices up, though, he said. 25. That was premium fine wines. 26. The slow volume growth and stronger revenues also mirror the shift from jug wine purchases to premium wines. 27. The stakes are enormous as consumers move from cheaper blends to higher-priced premium wines made from specific varietal grapes. 28. The tab at many steak houses is also growing as patrons spend more on premium wine and cigars. 29. While you might think that Colorado is too cold to grow premium wine grapes, popular varieties like Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot are grown. 30. Industry officials say the rules should be maintained for premium wines, but could be loosened for table wines. |