(Wines&Vines) - U.S. wine sales posted slower growth in 2017 than in 2016, but the steady pace of gains is helping wine edge out other forms of alcohol with consumers. 

Sales of U.S. wine increased 2% to $42 billion in the 12 months through December 2017, market-research firm bw166 reported, while off-premise sales as tracked by IRI also gained 2% to hit $8.8 billion in the firm’s multiple outlet and convenience store channel. A year ago, both categories posted 5% growth versus the previous year.