Wine Countries and Regions
Very few products capture the essence of a place the same way wine does. A bottle is a gateway to understanding the history, traditions, geology, and landscape of where wine is made. The world of wine is vast, with numerous wine producing countries contributing to the rich tapestry of global viticulture.
It is with this in mind that we’ve started our Wine Countries & Regions knowledge bank. Here you will find easy-reference guides to the main wine-producing regions in our portfolio, with an overview of their history, grape varieties, appellation system, and all other must-know facts that will help you understand what’s behind the wines you love. From the biggest wine producing countries to hidden gems, we’ll explore the diverse world of wine production by country.
Ask any winemaker around the world, and they will most likely tell you that among their main references and inspirations are iconic wines from Burgundy, Bordeaux, Champagne, the Loire, or the Rhône. France, with its rich, if turbulent, winemaking history, has set standards of quality for all modern wine-producing countries. It remains, with its diversity and unique focus on terroir, an inspiration and treasure trove for wine lovers seeking the best wine in the world.
Famous across the world for its incredible gastronomy and lust for life, Italy is home to an incredible diversity of terroirs, indigenous grape varieties, and styles of wine. Italian winemakers set benchmarks for both classical and innovative winemaking styles. Regions like Tuscany and Piedmont are renowned for producing some of the most
Covering most of the Iberian Peninsula, Spain’s perimeter includes iconic and extremely diverse wine regions. The country’s regional diversity translates into an equally rich array of different wine appellations and styles, from the cool Atlantic-influenced whites from Galicia to the hefty reds of Rioja, Ribera del Duero or Priorat, by way of Andalucía’s incredible sweets and fortifieds. Spain is often considered one of the best countries for red wine.
With a unique diversity of indigenous grape varieties and micro-terroirs, Portugal is a true wine-lover’s dreamland. For too long underappreciated and misunderstood, the country has finally met a newfound recognition of the true potential and character of its wines. The Douro Valley, in particular, is renowned for its exceptional Port wines and robust reds.
There are well over 500 different vineyards currently operating in the UK. Most of them focus on Sparkling Wine production. English Sparkling wine makes up nearly 60% of all British wine production (Wine Standards official figures for 2018 – Wine GB), with some competing against French Champagne – and winning! This emerging wine region is quickly gaining recognition among the world’s top wine producing countries.
A unique country, where Eastern and Western traditions meet. If the historical wines of Tokaj put Hungarian wine on the international stage as early as the 18th century, the country’s modern styles are now finally being recognised for their distinctive elegance and complexity. Hungary’s diverse wine regions contribute to the rich tapestry of European viticulture.
In less than a century of winemaking history, New Zealand became one of the most successful wine nations, home of styles and labels seen in wine lists and shelves the world over. But there’s much more to New Zealand wine than the ubiquitous Marlborough Sauvignon Blancs. The country’s diverse wine regions, including Central Otago for Pinot Noir, have helped establish New Zealand as one of the best wine regions in the world.
The United States ranks 4th worldwide for both grape growing and wine production. Since 2011 it has held the #1 spot for wine consumption. No wonder it is home to so many fascinating regions, iconic producers, and varied wine styles. From the world-renowned Napa Valley to emerging regions in Oregon and Washington, the US offers a diverse range of winemaking styles and grape varieties. And also to puzzling contradictions that have shaped the country’s winemaking history!
Explore individual regions in depth:
California
New York
Washington
Oregon