Top Wine Producing Countries
When most people think of the top wine producing countries, they often instinctively think of France, Spain or Italy.
But amazing, award-winning wine is produced all over the world.
In this article, we will take a look at some of the top wine-producing countries in the world by production volume, and also by expert and consumer opinion.
What are the Top 10 Wine Producing Countries By Volume?
Despite wine being produced in all corners of the globe, global wine production is dominated by four main countries.
It's estimated that over half of the world's wine is produced by Italy, France, Spain and the USA.
The 10 countries with the highest wine production, as reported by the World Population Review:
- Italy (4,250,000 litres per year)
- France (3,641,900 litres per year)
- Spain (3,248,000 litres per year)
- United States (2,333,900 litres per year)
- Australia (1,369,000 litres per year)
- Argentina (1,182,100 litres per year)
- China (1,163,600 litres per year)
- South Africa (1,080,100 litres per year)
- Chile (949,200 litres per year)
- Germany (746,200 litres per year)
Which are the Best Wine Producing Countries, According To Wine Experts?
Food and drink website Eatthis.com ranked the best wine-producing countries based on some creative criteria.
Over a three year period, they reviewed the most prestigious wine awards, and came up with a list of the best wine-producing countries based on the number of 'wins' by country from 3540 possible awards.
The results:
- France (851 awards, 24%)
- Spain (794 awards, 22%)
- Italy (512 awards, 14%)
- Portugal (447 awards, 13%)
- United States Of America (352 awards, 10%)
Countries including Australia, Greece, Argentina and South Africa made up the rest of list, but there seemed to be a clear preference from the established wine experts for the 'Old World' wines of Europe.
Which are the Best Wine Producing Countries, According To Vinero Users?
The Accor Hospitality Group conducted an equally creative study, to look at the best wine-producing regions as voted for by the public.
They collated user ratings from 16,000 wines from the website Vivino and worked out an average score per country.
The results were really interesting, and far more favourable to the 'new world' wine regions such as the USA:
- United States Of America (Average score of 82.6%)
- France (82.3%)
- Italy (81.1%
- New Zealand (80.9%)
- Germany (80.9%)
Wines of America
America is the fourth-largest wine producer and is very popular amongst consumers, as supported by the Vivino study.
Vineyards and wine production exist in almost every state within the USA, but the majority of wine produced in America is from California, Washington, Oregon or New York State.
California has become quite renowned for the quality of its Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Our Guide to Wines of America | Our Favourite Wines Of America
Wines of Argentina
Argentina is listed as the sixth-largest wine producer in terms of world production.
The area of Mendoza is the largest wine-producing region within Argentina and is recognised for producing high-quality Malbec wine.
Other wines produced across Argentina include Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Bonarda and Cabernet Franc.
Our Guide to Wines of Argentina | Our Favourite Wines Of Argentina
Wines of Australia
The wine that Australia is most recognised for is Shiraz. It's estimated that Shiraz accounts for over 25% of Australia' total wine production, and the majority of wine exports.
However, the varied climate across Australia makes it ideal for a lot of different wine grapes.
Australianwine.com suggests that over 100 different grape varieties are used in winemaking across Australia, but after Shiraz the most popular are Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Chardonnnay and Riesling.
Our Guide to Wines of Australia | Our Favourite Wines Of Australia
Wines of Bulgaria
Bulgaria used to rank in the top 5 countries for world wine production, until the industry declined with the collapse of communism.
However, wine production in Bulgaria is back on the rise, and it is estimated that there are over 300 different wineries across Bulgaria.
The most common wine produced in Bulgaria is Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, although wine from the Pamid grape variety (native to Bulgaria) is also popular.
Our Guide to Wines of Bulgaria | Our Favourite Wines Of Bulgaria
Wines of Chile
Wine has been produced in Chile since the 16th Century, when Spanish settlers brought across their favourite European grape varieties.
The most established wine regions in Chile are within the Central Valley, close to the national capital of Santiago. Within the Central Valley, you have the sub-region of the Maipo Valley which is famous for high-quality Cabernet Sauvignon.
Our Guide to Wines of Chile | Our Favourite Wines Of Chile
Wines of France
France is one of the most famous and recognised countries for producing high-quality wine.
Wine is produced across the breadth of France, but dominant regions include:
- Loire (Sauvignon Blanc, Muscadet)
- Bordeaux (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot)
- Sud Ouest (Malbec)
- Provence (Rosé)
- Burgundy (Chardonnay, Pinot Noir)
- Alsace (Riesling, Gewurztraminer)
Our Guide to Wines of France | Our Favourite Wines Of France
Wines of Germany
Germany is ranked at number 10 in the global wine producers by volume list.
The majority of wine-producing regions are in the south, where the weather is slightly warmer.
The largest wine-producing region in Germany is Rhienhessen, which is known for the production of Riesling wines.
Our Guide to Wines of Germany | Our Favourite Wines Of Germany
Wines of Italy
Italian wine is produced in all regions of Italy, and is often recognised as one of the oldest wine-producing nations in the world.
Italy has the ideal climate for the production of wine, and there are over 600 grape varieties used for wine production across Italy.
The most popular grape planted in Italy is Sangiovese, which is used to make the Tuscan wine Chianti. Another popular grape in Italy is the Glera grape, which is used for the production of the famous sparkling wine, Prosecco.
Our Guide to Wines of Italy | Our Favourite Wines Of Italy
Wines of New Zealand
The ratings of Vivino users were very favourable to the wines of New Zealand, and the country has a strong reputation for producing high-quality Sauvignon Blanc.
In addition to Sauvignon Blanc, New Zealand is also recognised for producing quality Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Gris.
Our Guide to Wines of New Zealand | Our Favourite Wines Of New Zealand
Wines of Portugal
There is a long history of wine production in Portugal, and a lot of the wine grape varieties grown are native to the country.
Perhaps one of Portugal's most famous wines is the fortified red wine, Port which is typically produced in the Douro Valley.
Our Guide to Wines of Portugal | Our Favourite Wines Of Portugal
Wines of South Africa
South Africa is a country with a rich wine-making history, dating back to the mid 17th Century.
Popular South African white wines include grape varieties such as Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Chenin Blanc, and popular red wines include grape varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Pinotage.
Our Guide to Wines of South Africa | Our Favourite Wines Of South Africa
Wines of Spain
Spain is one of the world's top three leading wine producers, ranked alongside Italy and France.
With similarities to Portugal, a lot of the grape varieties grown in Spain are native to the country. However, there is an increasing presence of international grape varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot and Sauvignon Blanc being grown.