The Top 5 Wine-Producing Countries and Recommended Wines to Try

Wine is a beloved drink throughout the world, highlighted by the fact that the global production hit 293 million hectoliters in 2018 and consumption of wine hit 244 million hectoliters according to Statista. However, some countries are just a little more serious about making top quality wines than others.
Like in most cases when it comes to buying a product, it’s a good idea to pick up a bottle of wine from the world’s top producers. After all, you can’t go wrong with a bottle from a country known for producing quality wine. If you’re looking for a new bottle to try for your next wine night, try choosing a bottle from the top producing countries:

1. Italy

Italy has a very long and rich history when it comes to wine production, which is why they take the top spot. The country produces a staggering 42 to 51 million hectoliters per year. To put that into perspective, Italy produces about 25 percent of the world’s wine bottles every year. Naturally, Italian vineyards produce a variety of red and wine wines with over 500 different grape varieties grown throughout the country.
Recommendations: Prosecco and Chianti

2. France

It shouldn’t come as a surprise to many that France would make its way onto this list. France produces roughly 36 to 47 million hectoliters of wine every year. French vineyards also grow a wide range of grape varieties, although most people are more familiar with France’s iconic red wines.
Recommendations: Bordeaux, Pinot Noir (Burgundy)

3. Spain

Spain is another country synonymous with wine production as they produce some of the most popular Old World wines. Spain also has a significant amount of land dedicated to growing grapes with nearly a million hectares. They produce about 14 percent of the total amount of the world’s bottles every year.
Recommendations: Rioja, Sherry

4. The United States of America

Although wine is made throughout the U.S., California, which is home to Napa Valley, produces 90 percent of the country’s bottles according to Corkbeard Wines. Thanks to the different climates found throughout the country, the U.S. grows a wide range of grapes used by different Old World wines. The U.S. also leads the world in wine consumption with 33 million hectoliters consumed in 2019.
Recommendations: Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay

5.Argentina
It may surprise some of you that Argentina rounds out the top five. However, Argentina heavily relies on its wine industry to spur economic growth via exportation and wine tourism. In terms of region, Mendoza is by far the most important wine producing region in the country.
Recommendations: Malbec, Merlot