How Much Will You Spend on a Bottle of Wine? Americans Now Say $21.

Americans may be feeling financially constrained these days. And they may also be drinking less, as exemplified by the booming Dry January movement.

But that’s not stopping them from spending $21 on a bottle of wine.

That’s the price that has emerged as the consumer “sweet spot,” according to a new survey of more than 1,000 wine-industry professionals. And the figure is higher than a year ago, when the same survey, done by the wine-promotion company Colangelo & Partners and research firm Wine Opinions, found that $20 was the hot price tag.

To be clear, wines priced $10 and under—the so-called “jug” or “popular premium” categories—still account for the bulk of U.S. wine purchases. But a growing number of consumers are trading up—and that’s where the $21 “sweet spot” figure comes into play.

“It’s where the industry sees the most excitement and enthusiasm,” said Juliana Colangelo of Colangelo & Partners.

Wine professionals point to a variety of factors that explain why consumers are willing to spend $21 for a bottle.

For starters, many Americans have become more sophisticated about wine and can talk knowingly of a range of varietals and styles in a way that was unheard of a generation ago. And with that level of sophistication comes that desire to trade up, wine pros say.

“They want to expand their horizons,” said Leo Le, beverage director of Momoya Soho, a New York City restaurant.

Adam Levy, who organises wine competitions in cities across the world and heads up the Alcohol Professor website, said that he believes people are entertaining more at home, given the Covid-era hesitancy about eating at restaurants. And when they entertain, they’re willing to spend a little more, he explained, especially given that prices for bottles are still much lower at retailers versus restaurants.

Levy also said that wine prices have generally been increasing, due to supply-chain issues and other factors, so consumers who want to drink better will have to pay more by extension. “There’s so much pressure on wine producers,” he said.

Finally, Colangelo makes the point that natural wines have become very popular, especially with younger consumers. These wines are typically more expensive, so it stands to reason that the pricing “sweet spot” will go higher over time.

“You don’t really get a naturally produced wine for less than $20,” she said.

Klaus Busse would like you to close your eyes and imagine yourself behind the wheel of a Maserati. Picture the GranTurismo, which launched in Australia in 2024. Where do you see yourself? Chances are, Busse suggests, it’s not during the school pick-up or commuting to the office.

“You’re probably on a wonderful road in Tuscany, or Highway 1, or you’re going to a red carpet event,” says Busse, who holds the enviable title of Head of Design at Maserati, the iconic Italian car manufacturer. “Basically, it’s about emotion.”

At the luxury end of the market, the GranTurismo Coupe—priced between $375,000 and $450,000—is designed to transform the driving experience into something extraordinary. For Busse and his team, these “sculptures on wheels” are not just status symbols or exhilarating machines but expressions of pure joy. Their mission is to encapsulate that feeling and translate it into their cars.

“I really feel the responsibility to create emotion,” he says. “We have a wonderful word in Italy: allegria, which is best translated as ‘joyful.’ Our job as a brand is to lift you into this area of joy, perfectly positioned just short of ecstasy. It’s that tingling sensation you feel in your body when you drive the car.”

Even as 60 percent of the world’s population now lives in urban areas, Maserati’s design ethos captures the essence of “everyday exceptional.” Whether navigating city streets or open roads, a Maserati turns heads without being ostentatious or aggressive. “I’ve driven these cars all over the world, and no matter where I go, people smile at me and give a thumbs-up,” says Busse.

Since joining Maserati in 2015, Busse has reimagined and redefined the brand, steering his team through the reinvention of classic models and the transition to electric vehicles. Iconic designs like the Fiat 500, which entered the EV market in 2020, serve as a testament to Maserati’s ability to blend tradition with innovation.

Unlike other luxury car brands, Maserati embraces radical change with new designs every 10 to 15 years. Busse loves connecting with fans who follow the brand closely. He explains that each Maserati model reflects a specific era, from the elegant 35GT of the 1950s to the wedge-shaped designs of the 1970s and the bold aesthetics of the 1980s.

“I often ask fans, ‘What is Maserati for you?’ because their responses tell me so much about how they connect with the brand,” he shares.

Inspired by legendary Italian designer Giorgetto Giugiaro, Busse balances tradition with modernity in his designs. As Giugiaro once told him, “We always do the best in the moment.” This philosophy resonates deeply with Busse, who believes in honouring the past while embracing future possibilities.

Through advances in technology, techniques, and societal trends, Busse ensures Maserati remains at the forefront of automotive design. For him, the creative process is more than just a job—it’s a way to create joy, connection, and timeless elegance.

How Much Will You Spend on a Bottle of Wine? Americans Now Say $21.

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