(NacsOnline) - U.S. wine consumption grew 3% last year to reach 312.4 million 9-liter cases, according to The Beverage Information Group’s (BIG) recently released 2012 Wine Handbook. The group reports that 2011 was the 18th year of growth for the U.S. wine industry, as sweet reds and higher-end blends engaged more consumers. Domestic wines outpaced imports, with varietals from California, Oregon and Washington reporting strong sales. Total wine sales grew to $27.8 billion last year, with on-premise sales accounting for 43.8%, a 2.8% lift from 2010. And according to BIG, the numbers are poised to grow.