Each year we discover more countries producing wine. For instance, did you know there are vineyards in the Gobi Desert? It’s no doubt that up-and-coming wine regions are intriguing, but just 10 countries are producing 80% of the wine on the planet. Let’s take a closer look at the top wine-producing regions of the world.
Top Wine Regions of The World
The top 3 major wine regions of the world are France, Italy, and Spain. They produce almost half of all the wine produced in the world.
The top 3 wine countries make enough wine to fill 5,127 Olympic-sized swimming pools!
1 France
While France and Italy compete for the top wine production region of the world, they are also reducing wine production every year. France has lowered production by 11% since 2007.
Major Grapes: Merlot, Grenache, Trebbiano Toscano, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Carignan, Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir, Gamay, Sauvignon Blanc
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Italy may be second to France, but there is a growing trend in both countries to remove vineyards. Italy has reduced its production by at least 7% since 2007.
Major Grapes Sangiovese, Montepulciano, Merlot, Trebbiano Toscano, Nero d’Avola, Barbera, Pinot Grigio, Prosecco
3 Spain
Spain is home to the largest vineyard acreage in the world. Despite this fact, Spain also 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 Argentina
Argentina continues to grow its wine production year after year resulting in the highest growth rate (8%) of the top 5 wine producers in the world. Argentina relies on wine exports.
Major Grapes: Malbec, Bonarda, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon
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 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
8 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
9 Chile
Chile is proud of the red wine variety Carmenere, known as the ‘lost varietal’ of Bordeaux. Still, export markets demand traditional varieties.
Major Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Carménère, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc
10 Portugal
Portugal is known for Port wine, a high alcohol dessert wine from northern Portugal made by blending several grape varieties.
Major Grapes: Tinta Roriz (Tempranillo), Touriga Franca, Castelão, Touriga Nacional, Alicante Bouschet, Alvarinho, Arinto
Up-and-Comer: China
In 2015 China ranked number 8. Right now, it’s one of the fastest-growing wine countries with a focus on the production of dry red wines, including Cabernet Sauvignon and Bordeaux-style blends.
We excluded those wines from the list for two reasons. First, China doesn’t export much of its juice. Secondly, there are some data quality issues. We’d love to see some better acreage reports out of China before officially adding them to the list.
It’s useful 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 focus on a distinct wine variety. For instance, Spain produces the highest volume of Tempranillo in the world. Meaning Spain produces both the most value 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.
