Wine is one of the few drinks we share with our ancestors. The history of wine-producing as we know it today goes back to 8000-10000 B.C. when humans started settling, starting farms, and eventually transforming the way they drank alcoholic fruit juices.
The major wine-producing regions have never changed throughout the wine history, however, recently more regions here and there have started getting involved in the industry, but the mass producers still control more than 80% of the volume.
In this post, we introduce the top wine-producing regions in the world.
Please consider that this article is about the biggest producers of wine, not the best or most popular.
Traditionally, the largest wine producer regions in the world are three countries of Italy, France, and Spain with almost half of the world’s wine production.
The amount of wine produced by these three countries can fill 5,127 Olympic-sized swimming pools!
1- Italy
Italy is the largest wine producer country in the world. But producing reduced by 7% since 2007.
The most popular grapes in Italy would be Sangiovese, Montepulciano, Merlot, Trebbiano Toscano, Nero d’Avola, Barbera, Pinot Grigio, Prosecco.
2- France
France is the second-largest wine producer country in the world. Similar to Italy, France has had an 11% reduction in producing wine since 2007.
The most popular grapes in France would be Merlot, Grenache, Trebbiano Toscano, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Carignan, Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir, Gamay, Sauvignon Blanc.
3- Spain
Spain is home to the largest vineyard acreage in the world with more than 941,000 hectares of vineyards around the country.
The most popular grapes in Spain would be Tempranillo, Airén, Garnacha, Monastrell, Bobal.
4- United States
About 90% of United States wine production is produced by the states of California. California is home to the world’s largest wine producer, Gallo, in Modesto, CA.
The most popular grapes in the United States would be Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, Sauvignon Blanc.
5- Argentina
Argentina’s wine production percentage is increasing year after year since the country’s economy is counting on wine export. Argentina has the world’s highest growth rate in the wine-producing with more than 8% which secured this country’s position as the fifth-largest wine producer country in the world.
The most popular grapes in Argentina would be Malbec, Bonarda, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon.
6- Australia
Similar to Argentina, Australia’s economy is counting on wine export and Australian wines could find a better market in Hong Kong and Asia after the US dollar started becoming unreliable.
The most popular grapes in Australia would be Shiraz (Syrah), Chardonnay
7- Chile
Chile proudly produces its famous Carmenere, known as the ‘lost varietal’ of Bordeaux.
The most popular grapes in Chile would be Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Carménère, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc.
8- South Africa
South Africa is so beautiful and the weather is too perfect that it would’ve been a wonder if South Africa wasn’t among the top ten largest wine producers in the world. South Africa is the world’s largest Brandy producer.
The most popular grapes in South Africa would be Chenin Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinotage, Chardonnay.
9- Germany
Germany is mainly famous for its white wines which are so popular in the US and the UK.
The most popular grapes in Germany would be Riesling, Müller-Thurgau.
10- Portugal
Portugal’s most famous wine is Port wine, a high alcohol dessert wine from northern Portugal.
You’d love the views of the vineyards in this country even more than the wine’s taste!
The most popular grapes in Portugal would be Tinta Roriz (Tempranillo), Touriga Franca, Castelão, Touriga Nacional, Alicante Bouschet, Alvarinho, Arinto.
China
China’s most famous wine is dry red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon and Bordeaux-style blends.
China is one of the fastest-growing countries in terms of wine-producing but since there’s not an accurate and reliable data about the real percentage of their wine production, we couldn’t add it to the top ten list yet.