If you calculated the world's total wine consumption, it would equal around 3.3 liters per person. That's a lot of vino!
When you think about global wine production, you might first think of the vineyard-filled regions of Italy and France. While it's true that these are two of the top wine producing countries in the world, they are far from the only ones.
Today, we're taking you on an international adventure and sharing some of the most prominent and prolific wine producers in the world.
Italy
You knew Italy would be at the top of our list of countries that produce wine! You can trace its roots all the way back to the time of Greek civilization -- that's how serious and storied wine production is here.
Put simply, Italians and wine go together like a great bottle of red and a knob of aged cheese. This is partly due to the local climate and topography. The country's rolling hills are the ideal backdrop for a vineyard, and the climate stays relatively mild all year round.
In all, Italy produces at or around 50 million hectoliters (hl) of wine each year. That's about a quarter of the total global production! With such a vast quantity, you might think they'd simply copy and paste a generic formula, but that couldn't be further from the truth.
Italy's vineyards contain more than 500 different varieties of grapes. The country is well-known for both red and white wines. Some of the most popular wine regions in the country include:
- Tuscany
- Puglia
- Sicily
- Lombardy
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Looking for a great Italian wine? We recommend starting with a classic red, like Lupo Meraviglia Tre di Tre Rosso Puglia IGT 2020. With notes of red fruit and jam, as well as woodier elements, it's a wonderfully balanced bottle.
Is white wine more your preference? If so, you can't go wrong with Vietti Cascinetta Moscato d'Asti 2021. With prominent notes of peach, ginger, and rose petals, it's as delightfully refreshing as a vacation in Rome.
France
Italy might be best known for producing wine, but France is close on its heels. According to the same survey above, the country produced 45.6 hectolitres of wine in 2022.
The landscape here also lends itself to excellent growing conditions. There is temperate weather, fertile soil, and plenty of sunlight to help the grape varieties grow.
The top wine producing regions in France include:
- Bordeaux
- Provence
- Burgundy
- Loire
- Rhone Valley
Of course, we can't leave out another well-known French location that's famous for producing a certain kind of wine: Champagne!
To be called champagne, the sparkling wine must come from the Champagne region of France, which is located about 90 miles east of Paris. If the bottle you're holding can't trace its roots all the way back there, then it's really just sparkling wine.
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If it's champagne you're craving, we recommend starting with a bottle of Champagne Taittinger La Francais Brut. With delicate but pronounced elements of peach, white flowers, and vanilla, it's a refreshing pick-me-up any time of the day.
In addition to many prominent white and red wines, France also maintains a steady rosé market, too. Chateau d'Esclans Whispering Angel Cotes de Provence Rose is a favorite.
Spain
Italy and France might outpace Spain in terms of hectolitres of production (producing around 35.7 million in 2022). However, Spain does have one benefit that helps it stand out: It has the largest number of acres in the world that are devoted to vineyards.
In all, you'll find 961,000 hectares dedicated to wine growing, here. That's a total of 2.4 million acres.
With all of that land, these regions stand out as some of the best:
- La Rioja
- Pais Vasco
- Jerez
- Ribera del Duero
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Spanish wines have a distinctly bold flavor and aroma. No matter where you're at in the world, you can find a delicious bottle that represents this region.
One of our favorites is a Spanish Red called San Alejandro Evodia Old Vine Garnacha 2019. With notes like violet, sandalwood, and blackberry, you know it's going to be delicious.
Prefer something a little more mellow? If so, why not try a delicate Spanish white, like Torres Pazo das Bruxas Albarino 2021? Showcasing citrus hints of pomelo and nectarine, it's best served chilled.
United States
Looking at the United States as a whole, nearly every state in the country participates in wine-making to some degree. However, there are some states that make more wine than others. In 2022, the country produced around 22.4 million hectolitres of wine.
It might come as no surprise to find that California tops the list here. In fact, this state produces around 90% of the country's wine! If you were to consider the Golden State as its own independent nation, it would rank fourth on this list.
While many other countries have been making wine since ancient times, the U.S. is a relative newcomer to this space. We've only been stomping grapes for a few centuries, but we've quickly made a name for ourselves. Most wines produced domestically are made from a European variety of grapes called Vitis vinifera.
Fun fact: All wines that are produced in non-European countries have a unique moniker. They're called New World wines.
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Some of the most popular wines made and enjoyed in the U.S. include Zinfandel, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon.
If you're in the mood for a light white wine from California, why not try our Conundrum California White Wine 2021? This bottle puts a spin on traditional whites, making use of not one but five different varieties of California grapes, including:
- Chardonnay
- Sauvignon Blanc
- Muscat Canelli
- Viognier
- Semillon
Featuring the best qualities of each grape, it's a light and refreshing drink that goes well with nearly every dish.
For a deeper and bolder flavor, try our Red Diamond California Cabernet NV. One sip, and you'll reap the benefits of the state's warm climate and long growing season. Notes of black fruit, oak, and coffee hit the palate at different stages for a delightful experience.
Australia
As in the U.S., wine is produced in almost every state in Australia. However, most of the country's vineyards are located in the southernmost regions, where the weather tends to be sunnier and milder. In 2022, Australian winemakers made a collective 12.7 million hectolitres of wine!
One interesting aspect of the wine-making industry in Australia is that each separate region puts its own spin on the process. This is because they all feature unique and separate growing conditions, with regional attributes that affect the following:
- Topography
- Climate
- Soil conditions
As such, a wine produced and purchased in Queensland might look and taste quite different from the same kind of wine made in New South Wales! This makes for a diverse and nuanced drinking experience.
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If you're throwing some shrimp on the barbie, you might as well pour up a delicious glass of Australian wine while you're at it!
Wine producers here know how to make a delicious Shiraz. Start with our Yellow Tail Shiraz to get a feel for the flavor. Deep red with purple undertones, this wine is impressively balanced, with spicy notes of licorice and black currant.
If you really want to stock up, you can always grab our 12-bottle case of Lindeman's South Eastern Australia Bin 55 Red Blend 2019. A classic Australian wine featuring excellent flavor and balance, it blends the depth of a traditional Cabernet Sauvignon with the spice of a Shiraz!
Argentina
When researching countries that produce wine, you might not expect Argentina to be in the top 10, but this country is quickly rising in the ranks. Year after year, it continues to increase its wine-growing capacity, though it still widely relies on exports to keep its market strong.
In 2022, Argentinian winemakers produced 11.5 million hectolitres of wine. Over the last few decades, this number has continued to steadily rise. In this country, most of the grapes are grown at high altitudes.
This is evident throughout the Mendoza region, which produces an impressive 80% of the country's total wine. All around this region, there are various cities and subregions that also produce their own grape varieties, including the Maipu and Lujan de Cuyo areas, as well as the Valle de Uco.
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A tall glass of Argentinian wine goes beautifully with any hearty feast. For something light on the palate, we love Crios de Susana Balbo Torrontes White Wine 2020. Think white pears, white flowers, and fresh citrus fruits, with intoxicating aromas to match.
On the red side, you can't go wrong with Catena Zapata La Marchigiana Criolla Chica 2017. A limited-run product, this homemade wine is free of sulfites and is known as a "naked" wine. This means that the only thing you'll taste are the grapes and the natural terroir which offer a pared-back, special flavor.
Chile
Have you ever heard of the Carmenere grape? Known as one of the lost varieties of the Bordeaux grape, it's the most common and popular variety grown throughout Chile.
While this country might be directly adjacent to Argentina, you might be surprised to find that its wines are markedly different from its neighbor. This is because the high altitudes that make Argentina such a prominent wine-growing region aren't as readily available in Chile.
However, the country does have its own features going for it, including high temperatures in the summer and gentle ocean breezes all year round. As a result, it holds its own in the wine-making market, producing 12.4 million hectolitres in 2022.
One of the best parts about Chilean wine is that it's not only delicious, but most varieties are also available at an economical price point.
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Chile offers both red and white wines but is best known for its white varieties. The reds that it does produce are limited to grapes that can thrive in a cool climate.
We recommend beginning with The Dreaming Tree Cabernet Chile 2020. The notes of blackberry and plum go beautifully with the finishing elements of dark chocolate and caramel. It's an elegant, understated wine that you'll reach for at any special moment.
Then, lighten things up with Santa Carolina Reserva Sauvignon Blanc 2021. With its dry citrus, orange blossom, and tropical fruit flavor, it's like a visit to the country itself.
China
Globally, Chinese winemakers have been on the scene for one of the longest periods of time. This country was making wine in ancient times, though few others around the world knew about it.
It wasn't until the 1980s, when globalization came to China, that it became well-known for its wine production, exporting, importing, and consuming. Today, it's a prominent player on the scene, producing between 4.8 and 9.2 hectolitres of wine each year.
Hong Kong is a world leader in fine wines, though many have a distinct French influence. Year after year, these wines become higher quality and more delicious.
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In China, Bordeaux blends reign supreme. Marselan and Cabernet Gernischt are two of the most popular varieties, though they're far from the only ones. In addition to wine, China is also a producer of fine liquors, such as the premium Bigallet China-China Liqueur.
Explore the Flavors of the Top Wine Producing Countries
The next time you enjoy a great bottle of Shiraz or your favorite glass of Merlot, take the time to read the label and learn more about its origins!
There are many wine producing countries all around the world and it's fascinating to learn more about them all. If you need to buy several bottles just to discern the difference between each region, we can help with that.
We offer many different varieties of wine, from countries on every corner of the map. Feel free to search through our full collection online and choose your next favorite!