It is fascinating to discover the many wine producing regions of the world. But although there are more than 60 countries of the world, where wine is produced, only 10 of them account for more than 80% of global wine production.
Let’s have a closer look at these major wine countries and their wine production in 2014*:
Wine region France
It is undisputed that France has taken an outstanding position in the world of wine. Every year, France and Italy are competing for the top position among the world’s wine producing countries. In 2014 France was in the first place with a production volume of 47 million hectoliters.
Major Grapes: Merlot, Grenache
Wine region Italy
While Italy was the biggest wine producer in 2013, in 2014 it was far behind France with a production volume of under 45 million hectoliters. The reason for this decrease is that Italy was hit by wet and cold weather in summer which led to crop shortfalls.
Major Grape Varieties: Sangiovese, Trebbiano
Wine region Spain
Although Spain has the largest vineyard area in the world the yields are in general lower than in France and Italy with 37 million hectoliters in 2014. Spain is a very diverse country which is characterized by many grape varieties and wine styles.
Major Grape Varieties: Tempranillo, Garnacha
Wine region United States
While wine production in Europe, the so called “Old World” is decreasing, “New World” wine countries are increasing their production. In 2014 the United States produced 22 million hectoliters. 90% of wine production in the US originates from California.
Major Grape Varieties: Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon
Wine region Argentina
In 2014 Argentina suffered from the bad weather during crop season, which leads to a projected decrease in wine production (15 million hectoliters) for that year. As Argentina relies on exports, the high inflation rate is a major challenge for the wine industry.
Major Grape Varieties: Malbec, Chardonnay
Wine region Australia
Although Australia’s 2014 vintage was challenging due to difficult weather conditions, the production volume was on previous year’s level (12 million hectoliters). The country is a strong wine exporter and could slightly increase its exports in volume and value.
Major Grape Varieties: Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon
Wine region China
The global wine scene has a new important player. In recent years, China has shown an unprecedented development and is today the largest grape producer of the world and among the top 10 wine producing countries of the world with a production volume of 12 million hectoliters.
Major Grape Varieties: Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon
Wine region South Africa
South Africa’s production volume (11 million hectoliters) was pretty much the same as in 2013. The record of exports in 2013 which was i.a. assisted by the depreciation of the rand against the major currencies, couldn’t been beaten this year.
Major Grape Varieties:, Chenin Blanc, Colombard
Wine region Chile
Wine production in Chile was decimated by frost and has significantly decreased by around 23% to a production volume of 10 million hectoliters. Despite this decrease prices aren’t expected to rise as there are still plenty of leftovers in the tanks.
Major Grape Varieties: Carmenere, Cabernet Sauvignon
Wine region Germany
Wine production in Germany showed a significant increase of 16% with a production volume of almost 10 million hectoliters. Almost one quarter of German exports goes to the United States but also the Scandinavian markets are catching up.
Major Grape Varieties: Riesling, Mueller-Thurgau
*The production volumes are based on the preliminary numbers 2014 published by The International Organisation of wine and vine (OIV).
