NewsMeter

Wine stocks draw investor attention as U.S. alcohol sales jump 55% in lockdown's first week

8/1/2026

alcohol sales rose 55% during the first week of extended coronavirus lockdowns, with wine sales up 42% on a year-over-year basis, per Benzinga. Those demand numbers have pushed beverage producers into investor focus.

Consumer staples, the sector where wine and alcohol producers sit, tends to outperform during recessions because food and alcohol demand stays relatively flat regardless of economic conditions.

Five tickers, one sector Diageo (NYSE: DEO), Brown-Forman Class A (NYSE: BF/A), Pernod Ricard S.A.

ADR (OTC: PRNDY), Willamette Valley Vineyards (NASDAQ: WVVI), and Constellation Brands (NYSE: STZ) are the publicly traded names on Benzinga's wine stock list.