Amid a declining U.S. wine market and uncertain economic conditions, wines from New Zealand eked out another gain in 2024, according to Impact Databank. The last time New Zealand wine suffered a downturn in the U.S. was in 2008, during the global financial crisis. Among the 10 largest origins for imported wine into the U.S., New Zealand was the only one which posted an increase last year.

The gain was even better in dollar terms, as premium-priced New Zealand labels again outperformed less expensive ones. Volumes of brands priced at least $15 a 750-ml. grew 14.4% in IRI/Circana channels last year, compared to a mere 0.8% increase for New Zealand wines priced below $15 a bottle. New Zealand ranks second—behind only France—among all major origins of imported wine based on the average price per bottle, according to Impact Databank.

Constellation’s Kim Crawford is the clear market leader, but Gallo’s Whitehaven has recorded double-digit increases the past dozen years. Treasury’s Matua has also performed consistently, including both its core variants and low-calorie Matua Lighter, while Delegat’s Oyster Bay has seen strong growth from its Pinot Grigio entrant. Beyond the largest-selling labels, double-digit gains have been registered by Foley Family’s Dashwood (+44%), Delicato’s Stoneleigh (+23%), Terlato’s Wairau River (+18%), Deutsch Family’s The Crossings (+14%), and The Wine Group’s Chloe (+14%).