Restaurant Sciences LLC, an independent firm that closely tracks food and beverage product sales throughout the foodservice industry in North America, released its annual Wine-By-the-Glass Price Study, revealing several shifts in wine-by-the-glass popularity in the first three quarters of 2013. For the first time, Pinot Noir surpassed Merlot in wine-by-the-glass sales. While on-premise patrons preferred Chardonnay for white and Cabernet Sauvignon for red, blended wines increased market share for both whites and reds.
"Pinot Noir wine-by-the-glass sales continued to soar," says Chuck Ellis, president and CEO of Restaurant Sciences LLC. "We also saw blended reds make a strong showing and Muscato crack the top five wines-by-the-glass compared to 2012 preferences. American diners cooled to Red Zinfandel, as they are increasingly selecting blended reds and Malbecs by the glass."
Americans were willing to pay a hefty price for wine when they go out with average wine-by-the glass prices ranging from $5.49 for Muscato at family dining establishments to $13.75 a glass for Chenin Blanc at hotel bars. Restaurant Sciences analyzed 30 million guest checks from January 2013 through October 2013 at all full service restaurant segments, bars, nightclubs, and hotel bars.
