(Just-Drinks) - US wine exports hit a new high last year as sales growth outstripped volumes, new figures have shown.

Exports jumped 8% in value to a record US$1.6bn in 2015, as volumes climbed by 4% to 461m litres, according to trade association the Wine Institute. California remained the dominant player in the US market, accounting for 90% of exports.

"California wine exports have increased 91% by value in the last decade and we're seeing a 'premiumisation' trend with dollar sales outpacing volume growth," the Wine Institute said. "This growth is occurring despite heavily-subsidised foreign competitors, high tariffs and strong dollar."

Of the top ten export markets for California wines, the European Union's 28-member bloc was the largest, accounting for $622m, followed by Canada with $461m and Hong Kong's $97m.