From today's marketwatch.com
By Matt Andrejczak
SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) -- U.S. wine exports climbed 22% to $1.4 billion in 2011, the Wine Institute said Thursday, as costly trade barriers were reduced in certain markets. By value, the European Union was the largest market for U.S. wine, growing 10% to $478 million last year, followed by Canada, up 23% to $379 million and Hong Kong, up 39% to $163 million. The California wine industry has been making a harder push into China and this showed. Exports rose 42% to $62 million, making China the No. 5 export market by value for U.S. wines. Japan, the Wine Institute said, is acquiring bigger thirst for expensive California wine sold in high-end restaurants there. Exports to Japan jumped 39% to $105 million.