Doctor Not Surprised By Study of How Much Booze Americans Are Drinking

A new study shows Americans are drinking less wine. A doctor told Fox News Digital he’s not surprised at all.

Data from the Wine and Spirits Wholesalers of America’s SipSource reveals wine sales dropped nearly 8% in 2024 compared to 2023.

The decline includes both restaurant and retail sales. The report was published in early January.

Wine sales fell 7.9%, slightly worse than the overall on-premise decline of 1.3%, according to SipSource.

"Dining captured 55.6% of on-premise wine revenue but trailed the bar and nightclub channel growth by a point and a half, which holds a 15% share of on-premise wine sales," the report stated.

"Table wines," including red and white varieties, made up 75% of total wine revenue. Sales for these wines dropped 8% from the previous year.

Sparkling wine and champagne accounted for 16.8% of total sales. They also saw an 8% decline.

"The dining channel continues to face significant challenges for wine and spirits," the report said.

"As consumers increasingly shift toward off-premise purchases and other alternatives, the sector is struggling to recover."

Dr. Raj Dasgupta of California told Fox News Digital the drop is expected. Americans, he said, are drinking less overall.

"I've seen more people become aware of the health risks linked to alcohol, and that's likely contributing to the decline in wine consumption," said Dasgupta, an internal medicine specialist at Huntington Health in Los Angeles.

"We now know that even moderate drinking can raise the risk of conditions like cancer, liver disease and heart problems," he added.

He believes conversations about alcohol risks, along with efforts to add warning labels, are making people rethink their drinking habits.

Dasgupta also has another theory: the rise of the mocktail.

"Younger generations, more than ever, are turning to alcohol-free options that offer the social experience of drinking without the health downsides," he said.

Non-alcoholic drinks, he added, "are more accessible and convenient, which makes wine feel less appealing in comparison."

"It's less about disliking wine and more about how people are prioritizing health and ease," he said.