The increase has been fueled by media coverage featuring the health benefits of moderate red wine consumption. Whites still dominate the market, but their growth has been slower. In a completely arbitrary and unscientific survey, I called several local restaurants to check the stripes of Milwaukee area wine-drinkers. Bar managers and restaurant owners answered questions about their customers' wine preferences. With reds, no one varietal has taken hold.
Reds are all over the place.
He sees fewer people asking for house wine, opting instead for brand-name or premium choices. This mirrors industry reports that consumers are shifting to upscale wines. Asked whether men and women have different preferences, Chancery bar manager Michael Kramer said that men favor red wine, beer and cocktails, while women are more likely to order white Zinfandel. Chardonnay takes first place, and Merlot comes in second. For his customers, at least, whites pale in comparison to reds.