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.
Facts and trends:
- Area under vine: ~792,000 hectares
- Hero grape varietals: Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Syrah, Grenache, Chenin Blanc, and more
- Iconic regions: Bordeaux, Burgundy, Champagne, Rhône Valley, Loire Valley, Alsace
- Trends:
- A renewed interest in organic and biodynamic farming.
- Rise of low-intervention wines in Beaujolais and Loire.
- Increased attention to lesser-known appellations (e.g., Jura, Savoie).
Italy is home to an incredible diversity of terroirs, indigenous grape varieties, and styles of wine. Regions like Tuscany and Piedmont are renowned for producing some of the most prestige wines in the world.
Facts and trends:
- Area under vine: ~718,000 hectares
- Hero grape varietals: Sangiovese, Nebbiolo, Barbera, Aglianico, Nero d’Avola, Vermentino, Trebbiano
- Iconic regions: Tuscany, Piedmont, Veneto, Sicily, Friuli-Venezia Giulia
- Trends:
- Revival of ancient native grapes.
- Orange and skin-contact wines from Friuli and Sicily.
- Quality sparkling wines from Franciacorta and Trento DOC.
Spanning much of the Iberian Peninsula, Spain’s rich regional diversity is beautifully reflected in its wines. From cool Atlantic-influenced crisp whites of Galicia to the bold, structured reds of Rioja, Ribera del Duero, and Priorat, not to mention Andalucía’s remarkable sweet and fortified wines! Spain offers a dazzling variety of styles. It’s no wonder the country is often hailed as one of the best sources of exceptional-value wines.
Facts and trends:
- Area under vine: ~945,000 hectares (largest in the world by area)
- Hero grape varietals: Tempranillo, Garnacha, Albariño, Palomino, Mencía, Godello
- Iconic regions: Rioja, Ribera del Duero, Priorat, Rías Baixas, Jerez (for Sherry!)
- Trends:
- Return to low-intervention and old vine winemaking.
- Rediscovery of native white grapes.
- Modern expressions of Garnacha and Mencía – less extraction and lighter.
Long underappreciated and often misunderstood, Portugal is finally receiving the recognition it deserves for the true potential and character of its wines. With a remarkable diversity of indigenous grape varieties and micro-terroirs, the country offers a wine landscape like no other. The Douro Valley, in particular, stands out, not only as the birthplace of world-renowned Port, but also for its bold, expressive reds that continue to impress wine lovers around the globe.
Facts and trends:
- Area under vine: ~192,000 hectares
- Hero grape varietals: Touriga Nacional, Baga, Alvarinho, Antão Vaz, Arinto
- Iconic regions: Douro Valley, Alentejo, Dão, Vinho Verde
- Trends:
- Growing acclaim for dry red and white wines.
- Emphasis on terroir-driven expressions.
- Port houses releasing aged Tawny and Colheita styles.
There are well over 1000 different vineyards currently operating in the UK. Most of them focus on Sparkling Wine production. English Sparkling wine makes up over 70% of all British wine production, with some competing against French Champagne – and winning! This emerging wine region is quickly gaining recognition among the world’s top wine producing countries.
Facts and trends:
- Area under vine: ~4,000 hectares and growing rapidly
- Hero grape varietals: Few native but most planted are Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier
- Iconic regions: Sussex, Kent, Hampshire, Cornwall
- Trends:
- Premium sparkling wines using the traditional method (just like Champagne!)
- Cool-climate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay still wines.
- Organic and regenerative farming practices.
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.
Facts and trends:
- Area under vine: ~63,000 hectares
- Hero grape varietals: Furmint, Hárslevelű, Kékfrankos, Juhfark, Kadarka
- Iconic regions: Tokaj, Eger, Villány, Somló
- Trends:
- Rising popularity of dry Furmint.
- Natural and skin-contact wines from small producers.
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 around the world. But there’s much more to New Zealand wine than the ubiquitous Marlborough Sauvignon Blancs, Pinot Noir from Central Otago has also become a rising star in the world.
Facts and trends:
- Area under vine: ~42,000 hectares
- Hero grape varietals: Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir
- Iconic regions: Marlborough, Central Otago, Hawke’s Bay, Martinborough
- Trends:
- Skin-contact and orange wines.
- Organic farming and minimal intervention.
- Shift toward lower-alcohol, food-friendly wines.
The United States ranks 4th worldwide for both grape growing and wine production. 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!
Facts and trends:
- Area under vine: ~440,000 hectares
- Hero grape varietals: Norton, but mostly international varieties dominate
- Iconic regions: Napa Valley, Sonoma, Willamette Valley (Oregon), Washington State
- Trends:
- Rise of minimal intervention and natural wines.
- Regional diversity—cool-climate styles in Oregon and Santa Barbara.
- Sustainable, dry-farmed vineyards are gaining attention.
Australia
Australia is celebrated for its expressive, sun-kissed wines, with regions like Barossa Valley and Margaret River leading the charge. Known especially for bold Shiraz, refined Cabernet Sauvignon, and vibrant Chardonnays, the country combines cutting-edge innovation with deep viticultural expertise. Diverse climates allow for a wide range of styles, from crisp whites in cooler Tasmania to rich reds in South Australia.
Facts and trends:
- Area under vine: ~146,000 hectares
- Hero grape varietals: Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay
- Iconic regions: Barossa Valley, Yarra Valley, Margaret River, McLaren Vale
- Trends:
- Shift toward cool-climate styles and lower alcohol.
- Organic and biodynamic farming rising fast.
- Pet-Nats and alternative varietals gaining traction.
South Africa
South Africa bridges the gap between Old World tradition and New World flair. With a winemaking history dating back to the 17th century, the country has come into its own with standout varietals like Chenin Blanc and Pinotage. The Western Cape’s dramatic landscapes and maritime influences shape wines of structure, freshness, and complexity.
Facts and trends:
- Area under vine: ~93,000 hectares
- Hero grape varietals: Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinotage (cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsaut), Carbernet Sauvignon
- Iconic regions: Stellenbosch, Swartland, Walker Bay, Paarl
- Trends:
- Revitalization of old bush vines.
- Skin-contact whites and Syrah blends from Swartland.
- Organic and minimal intervention producers gaining fame.
Argentina
Argentina has earned its place on the world wine map with its signature Malbec, thriving in the high-altitude vineyards of Mendoza. Intense sunlight and cool mountain nights help craft wines with deep colour and ripe, balanced flavours. Beyond Malbec, Argentina produces excellent Torrontés, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Bonarda, showcasing both tradition and innovation in its diverse terroirs.
Facts and trends:
- Area under vine: ~215,000 hectares
- Hero grape varietals: Criolla, Torrontés, Malbec
- Iconic regions: Mendoza (Uco Valley), Salta, Patagonia
- Trends:
- High-altitude Malbec with finesse.
- Organic and biodynamic vineyards booming.
- Focus on regional identity and terroir.