Top 10 Wine-Producing Countries

Written by Sam Lehman

Top 10 Wine-Producing Countries

Meant to be sipped, savored and sometimes used to sauté, wine is the supreme and sophisticated drink of the ages. Welcome to WatchMojo.com, and today we’re counting down our picks for the top 10 wine-producing countries.

For this list, we’re looking at nations whose wine exports are versatile and noted for quality as well as affordability. Those regions whose wines are varied, versatile, reputable and just tasty will score the highest.

#10: Germany

Known for its sweet white Riesling wine, the Federal Republic of Germany deals in euros and is most commonly associated with beer – not its classier cousin. However, the species of white grape used to produce Riesling is responsible for an aromatic, dry and slightly sweet concoction that’s pure to the core. With notes of fruit, usually apple, also commonly found in this variety, it regularly ranks alongside Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc as one of the top three varieties of white wine.

#9: South Africa

With several towns distinctly acknowledged for their wine production, it is evident that the South Africa certainly contributes to the market, both nationally and internationally. Franschhoek is one such town, and has actually been described as the food and wine capital of the country. Though there is no trademark variety of wine attributed to this country, Stellenbosch – known as a principal location for viticulture or research regarding the cultivation of grapes – is also making a name for itself with its Cabernet Sauvignon.

#8: Portugal

Portugal has been exporting wine since the time of the Roman Empire; Rome was well populated then and filled with people craving a good drink. Even now, the top two wine producing vineyards are so coveted that both, Douro Valley and Pico Island, have been declared UNESCO World Heritage sites. Portugal makes a multitude of different wines including Moscatel, and Port, which is offered in varieties like tawny or ruby.

#7: Australia

As the country that exports the fourth-most wine on the globe, Australia has a real corner on the market – in fact, the country’s economy is well supported by its wine production. It’s home to over sixty wine regions, the majority of which are located in cooler areas like the Southern portion of the country. Over 130 grape species are used by Australian winemakers, with a few of the most well known types produced being Shiraz, Chardonnay, Merlot and Pinot Noir.

#6: Argentina

Stemming from Spanish tradition, Argentina’s wine industry is the fifth largest on an international scale. The country’s many varieties of grapes reflect its illustrious immigration and its willingness to help make success a reality for every person. One of Argentina’s most celebrated wines is Malbec, which is made from vines brought over by the French. It’s a purple grape that produces a dark color of red wine, and is one of only six varieties allowed in the Bordeaux blend.

#5: United States

Wine has been made in the United States for three centuries, and today it is proudly produced in all fifty states – although almost 90% of American wine comes from California. Several varieties of grape call North America home; however, winemaking took off because of European colonists. Close to 3,000 vineyards are run commercially in the U.S., with at least one winery per state. Over 1,200 of those are in California alone, scattered across regions like the Napa and Sonoma Valleys, with their size varying from small vineyards to the large corporations like Ernest and Julio Gallo.

#4: Chile

Between the Andes Mountains and the Pacific Ocean lies a thin ribbon of land noted for its history of studying grapes. In the 1800s, several French wine types were introduced to Chile, including Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Carménère. The Carménère grape creates a rich red wine, the name for which originates from the French word for crimson. Merlot, on the other hand, is a dark blue, almost black grape widely grown in the Chilean Central Valley. Both are part of a recent rebirth of the Chilean wine industry, which has helped make the country one of the world’s largest exporters.

#3: Spain

With most of its product grown in the South Western portion of the country, Spain is the third largest international wine producer. A substantial amount of indigenous grapes are found in the country and are responsible for the strong Spanish reds cultivated in the local, sun-drenched vineyards. Spaniards are ranked ninth in terms of global wine consumption, with an average of almost 22 liters or 6 gallons per person a year. But aside from the robust reds, Cava, a sparkling wine similar to Champagne, is also notably Spanish.

#2: Italy

This country is famous as the home of il vino. With some of the oldest wine-creating regions in the world rooted in Italian soil, the alcoholic drink is a national staple. The Greeks and Etruscans began wine production in Italy even before the Romans planted their own vineyards. Noted expressly for their whites, Bianco in their native tongue, and reds, or Rosso; Italians tend to toast and salute at the drop of a hat.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions:
- China
- Greece
- New Zealand

#1: France

Billions of bottles of French wine are filled each year, which is unsurprising seeing as France is the largest wine producer in the entire world. And it’s little wonder, since many of the planet’s most popular grape varieties originated in French soil. Acclaimed for its amazing reds like the classic Bordeaux, and also for its whites like Chablis, it is the country to visit for whimsy and wine. The pinkish Rosé wine is another popular choice. Dating back to 6th century, France’s relationship with wine has certainly endured and been perfected.

Do you agree with our list? What are your favorite wine-producing countries? For more fascinating Top 10s published daily, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.