Wine was first developed over 8,000 years ago in a small village in Georgia (the country, not the US state). Since then, the practice of viticulture has pervaded virtually every civilization. From the highlands of Tuscany to the “land down under” in Australia, wine is profoundly engrained in our global society.
According to Zion Market Research’s Global Wine Report, the global wine market was valued at $302.02 billion in 2017. The industry is expected to grow more than $120 billion to $423.59 billion by 2023.
For most of human history, the wine industry and commerce was dominated by Europe. However, in recent years, there has been a tremendous surge in production and consumption in the Americas, particularly in the United States, Argentina, and Chile. Below are the best wine producers and consumers in the globe, in millions of hectoliters (mhl):
Best Wine Regions In The “Old World”
Which country has the finest wine in the ancient world? The answer really depends on personal preferences.
If you appreciate visiting Europe, you’re going to adore the wine regions on this list. Across this magnificent continent, you’ll find some of the finest and oldest wine regions in the world. Within each, I’ve also included the finest wine by country. Here are some of the top ones you definitely need to know about:
Burgundy, France
It’s no mystery that France is one of the finest countries in the world for wine. It’s been an essential element of French society stretching back centuries, and even millennia. Though pretty much all regions of this country deserve a spot on this list, Burgundy especially stands out.
Just a 3-hour journey southeast of Paris, Burgundy is one of the most prominent wine regions in the world. It’s also one of the most expensive, and for good reason. Burgundy is made up of minuscule villages and microclimates that yield ultra-premium red and white wines.
Tuscany, Italy
Ahh Tuscany. Cherished for its world-class wineries, majestic landscapes, and Renaissance art, this region in Central Italy is a must-visit for wine enthusiasts (and just about everyone else).
Tuscany is the origin of dry Chianti, produced predominantly from Sangiovese fruits. The Chianti Classico viticultural area— the world’s first established wine zone— is situated between the scenic cities of Florence and Siena. The Tuscan region is also known for several other red wines, including Carmignano and Elba Aleatico Passito. Tuscany’s elevated vineyards and gently undulating landscapes are a feast for the eyes. And then there’s the cuisine.
Rioja, Spain
If you’re a wine aficionado, you’ll really appreciate this region of Spain.
Located in northern Spain, Rioja is the foremost wine region in the country and arguably the most recognizable for foreigners. Rioja’s labels are straightforward and easy to comprehend, integrating three tiers: Crianza, Reserva, and Gran Reserva (ordered by price, lowest to highest). The principal fruits used in Rioja wines are Tempranillo and Garnacha.
Douro Valley, Portugal
Portugal is widely recognized for being one of the finest countries for wine. And Douro Valley has been paving the way.
Douro Valley is a picturesque region in northern Portugal that is best known for its Port wines. These syrupy, red wines are often served with chocolate and caramel desserts, though Port comes in drier varieties as well.
Bordeaux, France
If you’re a wine enthusiast and a voyager, you won’t want to miss Bordeaux.
The French region of Bordeaux is replete with rich history and exquisite wine. Located in southwestern France, Bordeaux is best known for its red wines, though it also has some white wines worth mentioning. It’s one of the finest wine regions in the world that surely deserves a visit in 2020.
The three prominent red wine varietals in Bordeaux are Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot. Unlike Burgundy which employs 100% Pinot Noir in its red wines, most of Bordeaux’s red wines are a combination of various varietals. For white wines, Bordeaux is praised for its Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon.
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Mosel, Germany
Ice vino, anyone?
Though Germany is known for its alcohol (Oktoberfest anyone?), it is also one of the finest countries in the world for wine. It’s home to several wine regions of global importance. Chief among them is Mosel, a province in the western portion of the nation that straddles France and Luxembourg. Though not Germany’s largest wine region, Mosel is undoubtedly the most internationally recognized. As such, it’s among the top wine regions in the globe that you should visit in 2020.
Mosel’s claim to prominence is its Riesling. The locals tend to favor trocken (“dry”) Rieslings, while most of us abroad are more accustomed with the sweeter kind.
Veneto, Italy
Italy is the supreme wine nation, and Veneto is one of the best wine regions within it.
Extending from the Adriatic Sea to the Dolomite Mountains in northeastern Italy, Veneto is the country’s greatest wine producing region. Veneto is home to several significant communities and tourist hot places, including Venice and Verona. Veneto is also home to Amarone, a dry red wine that originates from Corvina, Rondinella, and Molinara fruits.
Wachau Valley, Austria
Austria is one of those under-the-radar countries with some of the finest wine in the world. This one is a top wine producer in Austria, which is why I included it among the finest wine regions in the globe.
Situated along the Danube River in northeastern Austria, Wachau is a top-notch region in the domain of white wines. In this small fertile valley, the two mightiest wines are Riesling and Grüner Veltliner. The Riesling excels in the highest and steepest hillsides along the Danube, while the Grüner Veltliner flourishes on the lower slopes.
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