Updated January 2025
Each year, we discover more countries that produce wine. For instance, did you know there are vineyards in the Gobi Desert?
Up-and-coming wine regions are undoubtedly intriguing, but which are the top wine-producing countries in the world?
Ready to have your mind blown? Just 10 countries are producing 80% of the wine on the planet. Let’s take a closer look at the world’s top wine-producing regions.
Top Wine Regions of The World
The top four major wine regions are France, Italy, Spain, and the U.S.A. Together, they produce just over half of the world’s wine.
1 France
France and Italy compete year after year for the top wine-production region of the world. France took the top spot in 2023 with an average 8.4% increase in production over the previous five years.
Major Grapes: Merlot, Grenache, Trebbiano Toscano, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Carignan, Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir, Gamay, Sauvignon Blanc
2 Italy
Over the last decade, Italy’s production has experienced major shifts. Since our last check-in in 2017, it’s seen a nearly 24% decline in production, but that’s only after ramping up nearly 40% between 2011 and 2015.
Major Grapes Sangiovese, Montepulciano, Merlot, Trebbiano Toscano, Nero d’Avola, Barbera, Pinot Grigio, Prosecco, Nebbiolo
3 Spain
Spain is home to the largest vineyard acreage in the world. Despite this, Spain has much lower wine yields than neighboring France and Italy, resulting in less total wine.
Major Grapes: Tempranillo, Airén, Garnacha, Monastrell, Bobal
4 United States
90% of wine from the United States is from California. California is home to the world’s largest wine producer, Gallo, in Modesto, CA.
Major Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, Sauvignon Blanc
5 Chile
Chile has seen massive gains in the last few years, going from the ninth spot in 2017 to the fifth in the world. The country is proud of the red wine variety Carménère, known as the ‘lost varietal’ of Bordeaux. Still, export markets demand traditional varieties.
Major Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Carménère, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc
6 Australia
Australia relies primarily on the wine export market. Since the US dollar has weakened, Australia is expanding its wine marketing in Hong Kong and Asia.
Major Grapes: Shiraz (Syrah), Chardonnay
7 South Africa
South Africa has long been known for its Chenin Blanc and produces the largest volume of Brandy in the world.
Major Grapes: Chenin Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinotage, Chardonnay
8 Argentina
Argentina maintains its reputation as a top wine-producing country but has experienced steep declines over the last five years (nearly 30%), resulting in a drop of two spots. It relies on wine exports.
Major Grapes: Malbec, Bonarda, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon
9 Germany
German wine is known for its aromatic white wines. German wines are exported primarily to the US and UK.
Major Grapes: Riesling, Müller-Thurgau
10 Portugal
Portugal is new to the top 10 since our last check-in in 2017 (and, as a result, China is no longer on the list). The country, famous for Port, has seen 13% growth in production since 2018 because of the popularity of its table wines.
Major Grapes: Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Alvarinho, Tinto Roriz (aka Tempranillo)
It’s helpful to know what the most popular types of wine are in each of the top producing countries for two reasons: value and quality.
Finding Value & Finding Quality
Take a closer look at the regions above, including Germany, Italy, Australia, and Argentina. Each of these countries focuses on a distinct wine variety. For instance, Spain produces the highest volume of Tempranillo in the world. This means Spain produces both the most valuable Tempranillo as well as the best Tempranillo in the world.
The next time you buy wine from these top regions, focus on what their exceptional wines are. You are more likely to find something you’ll enjoy.
Curious about the #1 spot on this list? Of course! French wine is a powerhouse, and there are delicious options for every palate. Jump into our article 3 Tips on Getting into French Wine.