(Wines&Vines) - September wine sales posted strong gains over 2011 in both the retail and direct-to-consumer sales channels. Sales for domestic table wines at food and drug stores grew 7% to $377 million in September, and the value of DtC shipments reached $133 million, according to WinesVinesDATA. The complete set of wine industry statistics can be found on the Wines & Vines Wine Industry Metrics page. Tracking DtC shipments by varietal, Pinot Noir and Zinfandel were the hottest in the past 12 months, growing 21% and 18% respectively in value. Conversely, Cabernet Franc fell 5%, and Merlot dropped by 10%. With 36% growth over September 2011, and if October and November sales beat September as they traditionally do, the value of the channel could grow to well over $200 million in both October and November.