For millennia, people have enjoyed wine and drank their troubles away thanks to the likes of Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot. With hundreds of world-class wine regions around the world to choose from, picking your next touring and tasting destination can get overwhelming.
To ensure your taste buds get what they deserve, we’ve highlighted dozens of renowned wine regions from the world’s largest wine producers, such as Italy, France, and Spain. Whether you’re after Chile’s famed Carménère or the French Grand Cru, you won’t be disappointed!
Italy

With an annual production of around five billion liters of wine, Italy is the second largest wine producer in the world. This Mediterranean country has been producing wines since at least 4,000 BCE and is famous for red wines like Sangiovese and Primitivo and white treasures such as Sauvignon Blanc.
Wine gourmets worldwide can often be found traversing the regions of Piedmont, Veneto, and Barolo. Wineries and vineyards are also integral to areas like Tuscany and Sicily. The former is home to picturesque landscapes and iconic wines like Chianti, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, and Brunello di Montalcino. On the other hand, Sicily is the country’s top wine-producing region, with hundreds of wineries and around 250,000 acres worth of vines bringing the likes of Nero d’Avola to the table.
France

Next comes France, another European country with a rich history that just recently took over Italy to secure first place in the world for wine production. Burgundy, Champagne, Jura, and Loire Valley are renowned wine regions boasting thousands of vineyards and note-worthy cellars. Arguably, the most famed wine region in the country and the world is the premier wine region of Bordeaux.
Home to the prime Grand Cru red wine, Bordeaux is known for its open-air markets and top-class food, complimenting the region’s 8,500 estates, which any wine connoisseur would love to visit.
Spain

La Rioja in northern Spain is one of the world’s top wine regions, renowned for its punchy, rich reds. The region is divided into three subregions: Rioja Baja, Rioja Alavesa, and Rioja Alta. Spanning just 56 miles from west to east, you could visit all three famed wine regions over the weekend and taste Rioja’s number one seller—the one and only Tempranillo.
While Rioja is not in short supply of rich red wines, other regions in the country are also worth mentioning. Among the top wine regions in Spain are Andalucia, Catalonia, Valencia, and Galicia, all with heritage dating back to Roman times.
South Africa

The majority of South Africa’s wine comes from the renowned Cape regions of Stellenbosch, Paarl, and Constantia. South Africa’s wine is predominantly white, with 55% of the vines in the sunny nation growing white grapes. Chenin Blanc is the most widely spread white wine grape, a highly acidic grape suitable for wines and champagnes. Cabernet Sauvignon is the red South African variety that every sommelier appreciates.
If you visit the Cape Winelands, you will have plenty of opportunities to indulge in wine tasting and winery tours.
Australia

Thanks to its warm climate, Australia has emerged as one of the world’s top wine producers. Regions like Yarra Valley, Clare Valley, Hunter Valley, and Margaret River contribute to the nation’s total vineyard coverage of over 146,000 hectares. More than half of the wine is produced in South Australia. Still, New South Wales and Victoria are not to be underestimated.
Commonly referred to as Australia’s top wine region is the Barossa Valley, home to many high-profile wineries and opportunities for cellar-door tastings. The region has been producing wine since German settlers arrived in the 1830s. It is particularly famed for its Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon.
USA

California and its sun-soaked valleys are responsible for 85% of the total wine production in the U.S. Particularly blessed by the wine gods is the Napa Valley, where many grape varieties flourish thanks to the temperate conditions. Sonoma, Paso Robles, and Santa Barbara are other places worth visiting to spoil yourself should you find yourself in California.
While it’s hard to beat the taste of luxury that comes with California’s Cabernet Sauvignon, other regions in the States, like the Willamette Valley in Oregon and the Texas Hill Country in Texas, can’t be ignored. Also, the Walla Walla Valley in Washington and Rhode Island are emerging as wine production superpowers.
New Zealand

There’s no mention of New Zealand’s wines without bringing up the Marlborough region and its iconic Sauvignon Blanc whites. Popular varieties are also chardonnay and pinot noir. Though the first major vineyards in the area haven’t flourished since the 1970s, the region is developing quickly, with views as scenic as ever and wines only getting better by the harvest.
In the country where 96% of the vineyard area is certified sustainable, other emerging wine hot spots are worth mentioning. Among them are Central Otago and Hawke’s Bay, which contribute to New Zealand’s 700 wineries.
Chile

Running under the slopes of the Andes are the fruitful wine regions of Cachapoal Valley and Maipo Valley, where the country’s signature grape – Carménère – is abundant. Both regions are particularly famous for their full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon and other reds enjoyed by millions worldwide.
Argentina

In the foothills of Argentina’s Andes lies the Mendoza Province, a viticulture hot spot responsible for growing 80% of the country’s grapes. The province is a perfect destination for wine-oriented holidays, with hundreds of wineries to choose from. After going on a horseback ride, indulge in the country’s famed Tempranillo and Malbec wines.
Throughout Mendoza’s subregions, like Maipu, Valle de Uco, and Lujan de Cuyo, there are plenty of opportunities for wine tasting and trying their iconic whites and reds, ranging from chardonnay to merlot.
Germany

Boasting production of nearly 10 million hectoliters of wine per year, Germany is not only famous for its beers but is also the fourth largest wine producer in Europe. Most vineyards are located in the west along the Rhine River, with whites such as their famed Riesling representing two-thirds of all wines produced in the country.
Among Germany’s 13 strategic wine regions worth visiting are the Rheinhessen, Mosel, Nahe, and Pfalz. On top of numerous vineyards and wineries covering the landscape, travelers seeking to expand their wine-tasting experiences will also revel in the presence of Rhineland castles and local taverns with a rich tradition.
Portugal

The Douro Valley is the number one place to visit if you’re going to Portugal for its fortified sweet wine port. The country’s gentle climate on the Iberian Peninsula and extensive wine production heritage have earned Portugal the title of the port wine capital.
Named after the seaside city of Porto, port wine has a particularly rich, sweet taste thanks to the grape spirit, such as brandy, added to the wine during fermentation. As you travel along Portugal’s coast, be sure to try fabulous port wines such as Douro Blanco (white port) or Tinto Douro (red port).
Canada

The wine market in Canada is on the rise, and the country’s signature ice wine and sparkling wines now contribute to an annual revenue of more than $10 billion. The most renowned wine region in the country is arguably the Okanagan Valley in British Columbia. The region’s combination of ideal soil, climate, and geographical elements allows winemakers to grow a variety of grapes.
While thinking of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Syrah, one should remember the famed Niagara Wine Region, where world-class wineries offer tastings for people like you. Get settled in the Niagara-on-the-Lake town before exploring the local vineyards and trying the fruits of hard labor.