Top Wine Producing Countries of the World

Written by Madeline Puckette

It’s been a few years since our last article on the top wine countries of the world. The most recent statistics on the top wine producing countries will astound you. For instance, did you know that China is now in the top 5?

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6.8 billion gallons is enough wine to fill an area of 99 city blocks in Manhattan 40 feet high –that’s over 3 stories high.

Top Wine Producing Countries (2012)

  1. Italy
  2. France
  3. Spain
  4. United States
  5. China
  6. Argentina
  7. Australia
  8. South Africa
  9. Chile
  10. Germany
  11. Russia
  12. Portugal
  13. Romania
  14. Moldova
  15. Greece
  16. Austria
  17. New Zealand
  18. Ukraine
  19. Brazil
  20. Others

Statistics from wineinstitute.org


Weird facts about the world of wine

  • We make enough wine to feed the world a gallon of wine every year.
     
  • Cabernet Sauvignon is the top wine variety in the world.
     
  • California makes almost 90% of the wine in the United States.
     
  • The United States drinks 15% more wine per capita than we did in the 2000’s. Yay.
     
  • China’s wine production grew by 50% in 5 years and moved into the top 5. Whoa dude.
     
  • Italy surpassed France for #1 place due to foul weather that reduced the crop size in France.
     
  • Spain technically has more vineyards than any other country. Vineyards are spread out due to irrigation laws.
     
  • The Russian Annex of Crimea from Feb. 23–March 19, 2014 occurred in Ukraine’s most important wine region.
     
  • Canada makes less wine than Mexico They are 32nd place and 25th place respectively.
     

 
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Written byMadeline Puckette

James Beard Award-winning author and Wine Communicator of the Year. I co-founded Wine Folly to help people learn about wine. @WineFolly