Wine maps are one of the most effective tools for learning about wine. They show you where grapes grow best, highlight famous regions, and reveal nearby areas that are often overlooked. You’ll find key details like geography, political boundaries, and appellation names, all essential for understanding what’s in the bottle.
Wine Folly has been mapping the world of wine for over a decade, and our latest collection is updated to 2024. Each map was created with input from regional wine authorities and governing bodies to ensure accuracy and up-to-date information. They’re made to be clear, useful, and easy to explore.
“Enjoy the journey — wine is better with context.” – Madeline Puckette, Wine Folly
Italy
Italy is most famous for the red wines of Tuscany, particularly Chianti, a region renowned for producing Sangiovese wine. But Italy’s wine scene is incredibly diverse. Its 20 regions stretch from the Alps to the Mediterranean, with over 350 grape varieties — including the light, bubbly Prosecco of Veneto and the nearly opaque red Sagrantino from Umbria.
France
France inspires a world of wine, and wine maps help connect its regions to iconic grapes, such as popular varieties like Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Pinot Noir. Its regions — like Bordeaux, Burgundy, and the Rhône — have set the benchmark for wine styles and quality for centuries.
Spain
Spain is the third-largest wine-producing nation in the world. It’s best known for the red wines of Rioja, made from the country’s champion grape, Tempranillo. But Spain’s diversity runs deep — from old-vine Garnacha to the refreshing sparkling Cava of Catalonia and the nutty dessert wines of Andalucía in the south.
Argentina
Although South America is considered a New World wine region, winemaking in Argentina dates back to the 1500s. Most of the country’s vineyards sit at high elevations in Mendoza, where Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, and the aromatic white Torrontés thrive.
Chile
As a New World wine region with 2,700 miles (4,345 km) of Pacific coastline, Chile benefits from cool ocean breezes and dramatic mountain ranges. Its vineyards, often nestled in long river valleys, produce wines that are fruit-forward, herbal, and strikingly fresh.
Australia
Australia renamed Syrah to Shiraz in the 1980s to set itself apart from the U.S. and France. Shiraz here is often richer and darker, especially from regions like Barossa. Today, Australia is diversifying both its grape varieties and wine styles, driven by small producers and shifting climatic conditions.
USA: California
Wine maps of California make it easy to see why the state produces the vast majority of wine in the United States. With regions like Napa and Sonoma, it’s most known for bold, fruit-forward red and white wines, though its climates range from coastal cool to inland heat.
South Africa
South Africa’s wine story began in the 1600s as a stopover for the Dutch East India Company. The industry took root with Chenin Blanc, used for both wines and brandies. Today, regions such as Swartland and Stellenbosch are producing standout red wines, including Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. The country’s ancient soils add a rustic edge to its fruit-driven wines.
Germany
Germany cultivates around 100,000 acres of vineyards — many perched on steep, south-facing slopes. Riesling reigns here, prized for its balance of acidity and sweetness. You’ll also find excellent German Sekt (i.e., sparkling wine) and up-and-coming reds like Spätburgunder (Pinot Noir).
Riesling is the focus here, but there are many other amazing finds including German Sekt (ie sparkling wine).
Portugal
Portugal is home to more than 250 unique wine varieties, many of which are virtually unknown outside the country. From bold reds in the Douro Valley to crisp Alvarinho in the north, Portugal is a goldmine for wine lovers seeking both quality and value.
New Zealand
New Zealand is most known for its zesty Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough. But there’s much more to explore — elegant Chardonnay, vibrant Pinot Noir from Central Otago, and high-quality sparkling wines that deserve attention.
Napa Valley
Cabernet Sauvignon is the most planted grape in Napa Valley, and the region’s calling card. Known for producing powerful, age-worthy reds, Napa is one of the most prestigious wine regions in the world.
France: Bordeaux
Bordeaux is the original home of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and classic blends. The region’s red wines, especially from the Left and Right Banks, are known for their structure, complexity, and ability to age for decades.
France: Burgundy
Burgundy’s vineyards were shaped by Cistercian monks, who walled off plots to study their differences and protect against disease. The region specializes in Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, and its five subregions each offer a unique expression of terroir. Some of these historic plots, known as climats, are among the most prized in the world.
France: Champagne
Champagne is a cool-climate region that turned its growing challenges into a sparkling success. The locals developed the traditional method (méthode champenoise), blending Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Meunier into wines with finesse. The best cuvées often age for years, developing the toasty, nutty notes that Champagne fans love.
USA: Washington
Washington State focuses on red blends of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, but also produces standout dry Riesling. While most think of Seattle’s rain, vineyards thrive on the sunny, dry side of the state, especially in the Columbia Valley. Washington is now the second-largest wine-producing region in the U.S., and it continues to grow rapidly.