Many people tend to think that wine originated from France or Italy, as these two European countries are known internationally for producing quality wines. However, ancient wine practicing studies have found evidence suggesting that wine originated at sites in Jiahu, Central China about 9000 years ago.
It is possibly after this period that wine production started emerging between the Caucasus and Zagros Mountains and spreading to wider regions which includes nowadays the countries of Armenia, Azerbaijan, Iran and Greece. Furthermore, both wine production and consumption have increased in the 15th century due to European expansion and colonialism. Having said that, you maybe wondering why is it useful for me to know all these information?
The answer is simple, for if you are a wine lover, it is beneficial to know which are the top wine producing regions in the world, as this will help you find the best value and quality wines, since these areas produce exceptional wines and liquors.
Today, let us take a closer look at the 7 pinnacles of wine production regions in the world. Notably, Europe hosts the 3 countries of Italy, France and Spain that spearhead wine production around the globe.
Tired of opening a wine bottle and cracking the cork?
Here's the solution
1. Italy
The Romans took wine production very seriously and adopted wine consumption as a central part of their culture. Wine production and consumption thrived during the Roman Empire era to the extent that Italy was referred to as “The Land of Wine”.
Similarly, latest statistics show that Italians are the biggest wine producers and consumers in the world. As a result, Italy retains its top position among wine producing countries, as the nation provides roughly 10 billion bottles of wine annually. Moreover, Italy is the birthplace of Prosecco, and there are around 150 million bottles of Italian Prosecco produced every year and the demand is on the rise.
There are 20 wine producing regions in Italy. Most notably are Veneto, Tuscany, Sicily and Sardinia which happen to be very famous for a beautiful holiday vacation around the Italian terrain. Is this a coincidence or are the two characteristics related? Let this amazing tour decide for you.
2. France
France is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. The main attractions are Paris, Disneyland and of course the lovely wine regions.
French wine is produced throughout France in quantities ranging between 7 to 8 Billion bottles per annum. The special characteristic of French wine is that unlike other wines which are branded based on grape type, French wines are branded based on which soil the grapes were yielded.
There are almost 7 primary wine producing regions in France, out of which Bordeaux is the largest and most famous wine region known for its quality red wine. Is it possibly where the name Bordeaux is derived from, referring to the red-brown color of the wine? Or is it where the color name is derived from?! In any case, let’s just enjoy the aromatic wine and hold thinking for later…
3. Spain
Spain is the 3rd largest wine producer and the top exporter of both organic and ordinary wines in the world. Therefore, Spain’s largest consumer markets are the UK, Germany and the USA.
The top producing area is Castilla-La Mancha, which is located near to the capital of Madrid. Additionally, Spain is home to more vineyards than anywhere else in the globe.
Wines are classified by their Spanish region and not by their grape type, since many regions are known for using a certain kind of grapes with specific characteristics. At the same time, Spain is more famous for its red wines, although the majority of its vineyards have white grapes. This is the beauty of rarity don’t you think?
If you wish to explore wines in Barcelona, Catalonia we suggest you check this lifetime tour.
On the other hand, if you like to hit two birds with one stone, we may suggest you try a mixed wine tour between France and Spain. We guarantee your excitement for every minute of the trip.
4. United States
The United States is one of the top grape growing countries in the world and the 4th largest wine producing nation globally.
Wine is undertaken in all 50 states with California producing nearly 90% of the entire American wine production. More than 17 million gallons of wine are produced in California alone, each year.
Second place comes Washington, followed by New York, Oregon and lastly Texas. It is worth mentioning that the oldest winery in the United States is found in Washingtonville, New York.
Check this amazing wine tour in San Francisco. Where You get to see the best parts of San Francisco including all bridges, movie landmarks, fishermen warf and most importantly the famous wine country.
5. Argentina
Argentina is the number one producer of wine in South America and the 5th biggest wine producer in the world.
Most of the wine regions in Argentina are located in the western central part of the country in the Andes Mountains. Besides, some of the vineyards in Argentina have the highest altitudes in the entire world.
6. Australia
Australia is the 6th largest wine producing country around the globe. People from all over the world visit Australia to take part in the annual harvest and get purple hands.
The grapes Australia most famed for are the Chardonnay and Shiraz. About 2 million bottles of wine leave Australia every day heading to almost 111 international markets. Moreover, wine is the 4th on the list of Australian farm exports after meat, wheat, wool and dairy.
South Australia is the country’s largest wine producing state, accounting for more than 50% of Australia’s grapes.
Check the famous Barossa Valley Wine Tour in Adelaide, Australia.
7. Portugal
Despite its small size, Portugal is the 7th largest wine producing country in the world. Portugal is famous for its Port wine which is the main ambassador of the Portuguese wine and was exclusively produced in one region only called Douro, one of the 14 wine producing regions in the country.
Notwithstanding the fact that now Portugal has much more wine to offer than just Port wine. Douro has amazing scenery and is one of the most visited wine regions in the world. For this reason, it is protected by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.
The list stated above is by no means conclusive. Many other nations produce great quality wines and are on the rise in recent decades to compete with traditional markets.
Having said that, maybe now is the perfect time for you to visit one of the above countries and experience the wine production scene by yourself.
