WINE REGIONS

We have been producing wines for over 5,000 years. Most experts agree there are also over 5,000 different varieties of grapes, with numerous names, depending on where they are grown. Of those 5,000 varieties there are only about 150 that are produced in quantities for commercial sale. It would be very difficult to list all wine producing regions so this lists contains the top wine producers in the world and the dominant grapes that are grown within those regions.

ITALY
There is no region or district that does not produce wine in this country. Wine is considered a part of daily life and is produced and drank in huge quantities.

Tuscany
Red: Sangiovese

Piedmont
Reds: Barbera, Nebbiolo

Tre Venezie
Whites: Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc
Reds: Merlot, Cabernet Franc

FRANCE
This is one of the most famous wine countries in the world and has been producing quality wines for centuries. It is thought to be the homeland of most of the world’s great grape varieties like Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah.

Bordeaux
Whites: Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Muscadelle
Reds: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec

Burgundy
White: Chardonnay
Red: Pinot Noir

Loire Valley
Whites: Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc
Reds: Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir

Champagne
White: Chardonnay
Reds: Pinot Meunier, Pinot Noir

Rhone Valley
Whites: Marsanne, Roussanne, and Voignier
Reds: Grenache, Mourvedre, Syrah

Provence
Reds: Cinsaut, Grenache, Mourvedre

Alsace
Whites: Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris

SPAIN

Rioja
White: Viura
Red: Tempranillo

UNITED STATES
Every state in the United States produces wine but approximately 90% of the total wine production is in California. This is changing as states like Oregon, Washington, and New York have been increasing production and making outstanding wines in recent years.

California
White: Chardonnay
Red: Cabernet Sauvignon

GERMANY

White: Riesling

SOUTH AFRICA

White: Chenin Blanc
Reds: Pinotage, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon

AUSTRALIA

White: Chardonnay
Red: Shiraz

CHILE
Chile’s wine regions benefit from abundant sunshine and moderating influences of the Andes mountain range and the Pacific Ocean.

Maipo
Whites: Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay
Reds: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Syrah

Argentina

Mendoza
Whites: Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc
Reds: Malbec, Bonarda