Wine regions
Reviewed by Gina Biernacki, Certified Sommelier, WSET Level 3 with Distinction.
Countries
- FranceVineyards run from cool Champagne in the north to the Mediterranean south, organized through an appellation system that strongly influenced European wine law.
- ItalyWine is grown in all 20 regions, from the Alps to Sicily, with hundreds of native grape varieties.
- SpainSpain has the world's largest vineyard area, much of it on the high, dry central plateau, with cooler regions near the Atlantic.
- PortugalAtlantic-facing and mountainous, with fortified Port and Madeira alongside a large table wine crop from native grapes.
- GermanyA cool northern European wine country with vineyards along rivers, valleys and rolling hills, and Riesling made from dry to sweet.
- AustriaVineyards sit in the east of the country, along the Danube and around the shallow Burgenland lakes.
- HungaryContinental Central Europe, with volcanic hills in the north and the sweet wines of Tokaj in the northeast.
- GreeceMainland mountains and hot, windy islands, where vineyards climb high or hug the coast for relief.
- GeorgiaWine has been made here for 8,000 years, and traditional qvevri fermentation is still important.
- CroatiaA long Adriatic coast of steep limestone islands and headlands, with a cooler continental interior to the north.
- SloveniaAlpine in the northwest and Adriatic in the southwest, continental in the east, and mostly planted to white grapes.
- SwitzerlandSwitzerland exports less than 3% of its wine, with vineyards on rolling hills and irrigated sites.
- RomaniaA major eastern European wine country with vineyards around the Carpathian arc and across the southern and eastern plains.
- LebanonThe Bekaa Valley, a high plateau held between two mountain ranges, where hot days meet cold nights.
- IsraelVineyards on the cool heights of the Galilee and Golan, and in the Judean Hills above the coastal plain.
- TurkeyA very large table grape crop across Anatolia, with wine made in Thrace, the Aegean and the eastern highlands.
- United StatesWine is made in all fifty states, though California, Washington, Oregon and New York account for nearly the whole crop.
- CanadaCold-climate vineyards clustered in southern Ontario and British Columbia, where winter freeze is the main risk.
- MexicoVineyards mostly in Baja California, where fog off the Pacific cools an otherwise hot, dry peninsula.
- ArgentinaVineyards in the Andean rain shadow, high, sunny and dry, and irrigated with mountain snowmelt.
- ChileA long wine country between the Andes and the Pacific, with cool coastal regions and vineyards on the Andean foothills.
- UruguaySmall, humid and Atlantic-influenced, with vineyards clustered near Montevideo and planted heavily to Tannat.
- BrazilBrazilian winegrowing is concentrated in the humid south, especially Serra Gaúcha, which is particularly known for sparkling wine.
- AustraliaA dry continent whose vineyards hug the cooler southern edge, from the warm Barossa to cold Tasmania.
- New ZealandTwo long, narrow islands in a cool maritime climate, with Marlborough on the South Island growing most of the crop.
- South AfricaVineyards are concentrated in the Western Cape, where cold Atlantic influence and varied mountain terrain create a wide range of growing conditions.
- ChinaVineyards spread from the dry north and west to humid Shandong in the east and mountain Yunnan in the southwest, with Ningxia on gravel at the foot of the Helan Mountains.
- JapanA wet, humid archipelago whose vineyards concentrate in the Kofu Basin in Yamanashi, growing the pink-skinned Koshu.
France
- BordeauxCabernet Sauvignon and Merlot shape the classic reds, while Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon make dry and sweet whites.
- BurgundyPinot Noir and Chardonnay define Burgundy, with regional, village, Premier Cru, and Grand Cru appellations marking increasingly specific origins.
- ChampagneThe benchmark for traditional-method sparkling wine, known for high acidity, fine bubbles, and long lees aging.
- Loire ValleyA long, cool river valley of crisp whites, dry-to-sweet Chenin, and light reds.
- Rhône ValleySyrah anchors many savory northern reds, while Grenache often leads the fuller, spiced blends of the south.
- AlsaceDry, varietally labeled aromatic whites in the Vosges rain shadow.
- ProvenceFrance's defining region for pale, dry rosé, known for fresh acidity and restrained red-fruit character.
- BeaujolaisGamay defines Beaujolais, from light, juicy wines to more structured cru reds.
- CorsicaA mountainous Mediterranean island with distinctive local grapes and wine traditions influenced by both France and Italy.
- SavoieA small alpine region near the Swiss border, with steep mountain vineyards and a strong tradition of local grape varieties.
- JuraA small region in the hills between Burgundy and Switzerland, with a distinctive tradition of oxidative aging.
- ChinonA Loire appellation on the Vienne river, known for fragrant, medium-bodied reds and a little dry white.
- CondrieuA tiny Northern Rhône appellation devoted to aromatic white wine from Viognier.
- AnjouA broad Loire region whose whites run the full range from bone-dry to sweet, alongside sparkling wine.
- BandolA warm coastal Provence appellation known for structured, ageworthy reds and dry rosé.
- MuscadetThe Loire's Atlantic mouth, cool and maritime, with a tradition of aging the wine on its lees.
- MadiranA southwest French red-wine appellation known for powerful structure, firm tannin and wines that can age.
- SaumurA Loire town built on soft limestone, whose cellars are cut into the rock and used for sparkling wine.
- Pouilly-FuméA Loire appellation facing Sancerre across the river, producing dry white wine on varied soils that include flint.
- CornasA tiny Northern Rhône appellation known for dark, structured and ageworthy red wines.
- GigondasA Southern Rhône appellation beneath the Dentelles de Montmirail, known for full-bodied, structured reds.
- CahorsA historic southwest French red-wine region along the Lot River, known for deeply colored, structured wines.
- ChablisThe northernmost part of Burgundy, cold enough to keep its whites lean, on fossil-rich limestone.
- SauternesA Bordeaux appellation where autumn mist and humidity favor noble rot, supporting a long tradition of concentrated sweet wine.
- Southern RhôneA warm Mediterranean region known for Grenache-led blends with ripe red fruit, spice, and full body.
- Northern RhôneSteep Northern Rhône vineyards where Syrah makes savory, peppery reds and Viognier makes perfumed whites.
- VouvrayChenin Blanc ranges from taut and dry to richly sweet, with high acidity helping even dessert wines stay balanced.
- MédocCabernet Sauvignon commonly leads the blend, producing structured reds with blackcurrant character and firm tannin.
- Côte de NuitsThe northern Côte d'Or and a benchmark for red Burgundy, centered on Pinot Noir.
- HermitageA single granite hill behind some of the most powerful, long-lived Syrah.
- Châteauneuf-du-PapeThe Southern Rhône's flagship appellation, known for powerful, structured Grenache-led reds.
- Saint-ÉmilionMerlot usually leads the blend, supported by Cabernet Franc, creating plush reds with plum fruit, savory depth, and firm tannins.
- Côte-RôtieA Northern Rhône Syrah benchmark, known for perfumed reds; small amounts of Viognier may be co-fermented.
- GravesBoth red and dry white Bordeaux matter here, with Cabernet Sauvignon central to the reds and Sauvignon Blanc to the whites.
- Left BankAn informal name for the Bordeaux vineyards west of the Garonne and Gironde, covering the Médoc and Graves, where red wines are commonly led by Cabernet Sauvignon, especially on gravel soils.
- MâconThe southern end of Burgundy, on limestone hills between Chalon and Lyon, planted mostly to Chardonnay.
- Right BankAn informal name for the Bordeaux vineyards north and east of the Dordogne, including Saint-Émilion and Pomerol, where red wines are commonly led by Merlot with Cabernet Franc.
- Languedoc-RoussillonFrance's vast Mediterranean south, known for ripe, savory reds built around Grenache, Syrah, and Carignan.
- LanguedocA broad, warm Mediterranean wine zone in southern France, ranging from large vineyard plains to smaller hillside appellations.
- MâconnaisThe warmer southern end of Burgundy, with limestone ridges rising above open, rolling farmland.
- Côtes du RhôneThe regional appellation covering the whole valley, though nearly all of the wine comes from the south.
- CortonThe only Côte de Beaune Grand Cru that includes red wine, wrapping around the Hill of Corton and producing mostly Pinot Noir with a small amount of Chardonnay.
- Côte ChalonnaiseA stretch of low hills south of the Côte d'Or, with Premier Cru vineyards but no Grand Cru.
- Moulin-à-VentA Beaujolais cru around its landmark windmill, known for firmer reds that can age for years.
- LudesA Premier Cru village on the northern slope of the Montagne de Reims in Champagne, known for Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier.
- MorgonA Beaujolais cru built around the Côte du Py, a hill of weathered schist at its heart.
- BanyulsSteep schist terraces above the Mediterranean at the Spanish border, known for sweet fortified wine.
- SavennièresA small appellation on the north bank of the Loire near Angers, making dry, long-lived Chenin Blanc from steep schist slopes.
- BarsacA sweet wine appellation beside Sauternes, on flatter limestone ground across a small river.
- Blanc de BlancsChampagne made only from white grapes, usually Chardonnay, typically bright and refined with citrus, high acidity and chalky, saline freshness.
- Crozes-HermitageA northern Rhône appellation surrounding the hill of Hermitage, making mostly red Syrah with dark fruit and pepper, and some white from Marsanne and Roussanne.
- Entre-Deux-MersThe broad Bordeaux area between the Garonne and Dordogne; its appellation now covers dry white and red wine.
- Crémant de BourgogneBurgundy's traditional-method sparkling wine, made mostly from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir across the region.
- Côte des BlancsA line of chalk slopes south of Épernay in Champagne, planted almost entirely to Chardonnay for Blanc de Blancs Champagne.
- JurançonA white wine appellation in the Pyrenean foothills near Pau, making both dry and sweet styles.
- Petit ChablisThe higher, flatter ground above the Chablis slopes, on younger limestone than the crus.
- TavelA southern Rhône appellation that makes rosé and nothing else, on stony ground west of the river.
- BergeracA Dordogne wine region immediately east of Bordeaux, using many of the same grape varieties.
- Chablis Grand CruSeven named plots on one southwest-facing slope above the Serein, across the river from the village.
- Montagne de ReimsA forested hill between Reims and Épernay in Champagne, with vineyards on its slopes known for Pinot Noir used in Champagne.
Italy
- TuscanySangiovese country, from classic Chianti to bold coastal blends.
- PiedmontItaly's defining home for Nebbiolo, with powerful, age-worthy Barolo and Barbaresco at its center.
- VenetoA major Italian wine region, central to Prosecco and home to Valpolicella, including Amarone made from partially dried grapes.
- SicilyA large, hot Mediterranean island whose high-altitude and volcanic sites stay much cooler than the coast.
- SardiniaA warm, dry and windy Mediterranean island with distinctive local grapes and varied mountain and coastal vineyard sites.
- AbruzzoA mountainous region running from the Apennines down to the Adriatic coast, known for soft reds and crisp whites.
- Emilia-RomagnaA broad northern region across the Po Valley, with a major tradition of Lambrusco alongside still red and white wines.
- MarcheA central Adriatic region known especially for white wine, alongside savory reds from the inland hills.
- PugliaThe warm, mostly flat heel of Italy, known for ripe, full-bodied reds in a dry Mediterranean setting.
- UmbriaA landlocked, hilly region in central Italy, known for structured reds and traditional white wines.
- LombardyA diverse northern region spanning alpine vineyards, Franciacorta sparkling wine country and the hills south of the Po.
- TaurasiA hilly inland appellation in Campania on volcanic soils, known for structured red wines with strong aging potential.
- LangheA hilly zone in southern Piedmont whose long-lived reds come from a patchwork of small named vineyards.
- ValpolicellaHills north of Verona producing red wines from fresh, bright styles through richer wines made with dried grapes.
- CollioA hilly strip along the Slovenian border focused largely on aromatic and textured white wines.
- GaviA Piedmont appellation focused on crisp, dry white wine.
- Vino Nobile di MontepulcianoA Tuscan hill-town appellation centered on Sangiovese; Montepulciano refers to the place, not the grape.
- Friuli-Venezia GiuliaBest known for distinctive whites, including Friulano, which often combines orchard fruit, herbs, and a gently bitter finish.
- CampaniaA hilly southern Italian region with major volcanic areas and important traditions in both red and white wine.
- AstiA southeastern Piedmont wine zone known for aromatic sparkling and lightly sparkling sweet wines.
- ChiantiA broad Tuscan red-wine appellation across six provinces, separate from the historic Chianti Classico zone.
- ProseccoItaly's leading sparkling wine, fresh and fruity.
- Chianti ClassicoThe historic heart of Chianti, where Sangiovese gives sour cherry, savory herbs, firm acidity, and tannin.
- AlbaThe market town at the heart of the Langhe hills in Piedmont, ringed by Barolo and Barbaresco.
- BarbarescoA defining Nebbiolo region of Piedmont, known for perfumed, structured reds that are often approachable earlier than Barolo.
- EtnaHigh-elevation vineyards on an active Sicilian volcano, where altitude moderates the hot Mediterranean setting.
- FranciacortaItaly's answer to Champagne. Traditional method with extended lees aging.
- SoaveA light, dry white from the Garganega grape.
- MontepulcianoMontepulciano is the Tuscan town behind Vino Nobile, a Sangiovese-based red. It must contain at least 70% Sangiovese and age for at least two years.
- Brunello di MontalcinoA powerful, long-aged single-variety Sangiovese.
- SiciliaNero d'Avola makes generous reds, while Etna is known for fresher, savory wines from Nerello Mascalese and Carricante.
- MontalcinoMontalcino is home to Brunello, a dry, structured Sangiovese red aged for at least two years in oak.
- BolgheriA Tuscan coastal reference point for Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, closely associated with the rise of Super Tuscan wines.
- Amarone della ValpolicellaAn iconic dry Valpolicella wine made from partially dried grapes, with full body, high alcohol, and dried-cherry character.
- Northeast ItalyThe northeast corner of Italy, from the Alpine valleys of Alto Adige and Trentino to the Veneto and Friuli, known for Pinot Grigio, Prosecco and Amarone.
- FriuliFriuli Venezia Giulia, in Italy's northeast corner beside Slovenia and Austria, known for fresh white wines such as Friulano, Ribolla Gialla and Pinot Grigio.
- Trentino-Alto AdigeAn alpine wine region following the Adige Valley, divided between Alto Adige in the north and Trentino in the south.
- TrentinoThe Italian-speaking southern half of Trentino-Alto Adige, centered on the Adige Valley and surrounded by alpine terrain.
United States
- Napa ValleyAmerica's defining Cabernet Sauvignon region, known for ripe fruit, full body, and polished tannin.
- Sonoma CountyA diverse California county spanning cool coastal Pinot Noir and Chardonnay to warmer inland reds.
- Willamette ValleyThe cool valley that defines Oregon Pinot Noir.
- Finger LakesNew York's defining cool-climate wine region, especially known for high-acid Riesling.
- Anderson ValleyA narrow, fog-influenced valley in Mendocino, with cool conditions suited to sparkling wine and fresh still wines.
- Santa Rita HillsA cool appellation in Santa Barbara County, between Lompoc and Buellton, where ocean fog and wind reach far inland, known for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Labels often spell it Sta. Rita Hills.
- Red MountainA small, very warm and windy slope in Washington, known for deeply structured, tannic red wines.
- Dundee HillsA ridge of red volcanic soil in the Willamette Valley, and one of Oregon's first planted areas.
- Yakima ValleyA long, dry Washington valley with varied sites and elevations, supporting a broad range of wine styles.
- CaliforniaCalifornia anchors American wine, from cool coastal vineyards to warm inland regions producing ripe, full-bodied reds.
- WashingtonCabernet Sauvignon and Riesling capture two strengths of the state: polished, ripe reds and aromatic whites with fresh acidity.
- New YorkA cool-climate state whose signature is Finger Lakes Riesling.
- OregonThe cool Pacific Northwest home of American Pinot Noir, especially in the Willamette Valley.
- Russian River ValleyA fog-cooled Sonoma valley known for red-fruited Pinot Noir and fresh, bright Chardonnay.
- Paso RoblesA warm, dry inland California region with a very wide swing between day and night temperatures.
- Central CoastCalifornia's long coastal wine region, known especially for Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Rhône varieties.
- Santa Barbara CountyA stretch of California coast where the valleys run east to west, letting cool ocean air reach far inland.
- Columbia ValleyA vast, dry inland region east of the Cascades, with warm days, cool nights and irrigated vineyards.
- Walla Walla ValleyA leading red-wine region spanning Washington and Oregon, especially known for Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah.
- CarnerosA cool, windy area spanning the southern ends of Napa and Sonoma beside San Pablo Bay, known for Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and sparkling wine.
- Santa Cruz MountainsA mountain range south of San Francisco, with vineyards scattered above the fog line on both the ocean and bay sides.
Spain
- RiojaSpain's classic Tempranillo region, known for red fruit and a long tradition of oak aging.
- Ribera del DueroHigh-altitude, concentrated Tempranillo on the northern plateau.
- PrioratA rugged hill region in Catalonia, inland from Tarragona in northeast Spain, known for red wines from Garnacha and Cariñena grown on dark slate soil.
- Rías BaixasAlbariño leads the whites, typically bringing high acidity, citrus, stone fruit, and a saline impression.
- GaliciaGreen, rainy northwest Spain on the Atlantic, with a cool maritime climate and a strong white-wine tradition.
- MontsantA Catalan appellation surrounding much of Priorat, with a warm, dry climate and a strong tradition of structured red wine.
- CatalunyaA Mediterranean region in northeast Spain covering everything from sparkling wine to full-bodied reds.
- BierzoA sheltered valley between Galicia and the Castilian plateau, where Atlantic and continental influences meet.
- CavaSpanish sparkling wine made by the traditional method, with about 95% produced in Catalonia.
- NavarraRioja's northern neighbor, running from Pyrenean foothills down to the Ebro, with a long reputation for rosé.
- ValdeorrasAn inland Galician valley with important slate sites and a warmer, drier setting than the Atlantic coast.
- RuedaSpain's classic crisp-white region, centered on Verdejo with citrus and a fresh herbal edge.
- PenedèsA Catalan region rising from the Mediterranean toward the hills, and a historic center of Cava and still-wine production.
- JerezPalomino underpins dry Sherry, from fresh, saline styles aged under flor, a layer of yeast, to richer oxidative wines.
- ToroTempranillo produces the defining reds, which tend to be full-bodied, deeply colored, and rich in ripe dark fruit.
- Ribeira SacraSteep terraces above the Sil and Miño river canyons in inland Galicia, worked by hand.
Australia
- Barossa ValleyWarm valley famed for rich, old-vine Shiraz.
- TasmaniaA cool maritime island region and a leading Australian center for traditional-method sparkling wine.
- OrangeA high-elevation New South Wales region around Mount Canobolas, with a cool growing season despite its inland location.
- Clare ValleyThe benchmark for steely, lime-zest Australian Riesling.
- Margaret RiverWestern Australia's leading region for Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay, known for structured reds and refined whites.
- Hunter ValleyOne of Australia's oldest wine regions, famous for light, low-alcohol Sémillon that develops toasty complexity with age.
- McLaren ValeA warm coastal zone for plush Shiraz and Grenache.
- CoonawarraA narrow South Australian region known for terra rossa soils and structured Cabernet Sauvignon.
- Eden ValleyA cooler hillside zone above Barossa, known for Riesling.
- Yarra ValleyVictoria's benchmark cool-climate region for Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and traditional-method sparkling wine.
- South AustraliaAustralia's largest wine-producing state, spanning warm Barossa and McLaren Vale to cooler Adelaide Hills and Coonawarra.
- RobeA cool coastal district in South Australia's Limestone Coast, associated with fresh Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz.
- RutherglenA hot inland district in northeast Victoria, long associated with sweet fortified wine.
Germany
- MoselSteep slate slopes making delicate, high-acid Riesling, often with low alcohol.
- FrankenA cool continental region in Bavaria, known for firmly dry wines and the distinctive flask-shaped Bocksbeutel bottle.
- AhrA tiny, steep-sided river valley and one of Germany's most northerly red-wine regions.
- BadenA warm, southerly German wine region along the Rhine opposite Alsace.
- PfalzA warm, dry region making riper Riesling and Pinot.
- RheinhessenGermany's largest wine region, known especially for Riesling alongside a broad range of styles.
- NaheA varied river valley making precise, mineral Riesling.
- RheingauA historic Rhine stretch making fuller, structured Riesling.
Portugal
- DouroSteep schist terraces producing both Port and concentrated dry reds.
- BairradaAn Atlantic-influenced region in central Portugal, known for firm, structured reds and traditional-method sparkling wine.
- AlentejoWarm southern plains making ripe, approachable reds.
- DãoTouriga Nacional contributes structured, aromatic reds, while Encruzado can make fresh, textured whites.
- LimaA cool river valley in the north of Vinho Verde, open to Atlantic rain from the west.
- MadeiraHeated, deliberately oxidized fortified wine of extraordinary longevity.
- Vinho VerdeLight, fresh, often spritzy whites from the cool northwest.
Austria
- WachauA benchmark Austrian region for dry Grüner Veltliner and Riesling, ranging from bright and precise to powerful and concentrated.
- SteiermarkSteep, green hills in southern Austria near the Slovenian border, cool enough for sharply defined whites.
- NeusiedlerseeA warm Austrian region around the eastern side of Lake Neusiedl, where humid autumn conditions can support noble rot.
- BurgenlandAustria's warm red and sweet-wine zone by Lake Neusiedl.
- KamptalGrüner Veltliner is a central reference, ranging from light, peppery whites to fuller, more concentrated examples.
- KremstalGrüner Veltliner commonly makes dry, fresh whites with citrus, orchard fruit, and a peppery edge.
Chile
- AconcaguaA Chilean valley running from the Andes to the Pacific, with warm inland sites and cool coastal ones.
- LimariA cool, dry coastal valley where ocean influence and limestone-rich sites support fresh, restrained wine styles.
- CasablancaPacific fog and cooling winds favor Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir with fresh acidity and restrained ripeness.
- Maipo ValleyA historic Chilean wine valley around Santiago, extending toward the Andean foothills.
- Central ValleyChile's main wine area, a long valley between the Andes and the coastal hills south of Santiago, including Maipo, Rapel, Curicó and Maule, known for Cabernet Sauvignon and Carménère.
New Zealand
- MarlboroughA sunny, dry region at the northeast tip of New Zealand's South Island, known for pungent Sauvignon Blanc with passion fruit and green herbs.
- Central OtagoA high, inland region with a dry continental climate, large day-night temperature swings and concentrated wine styles.
- MartinboroughA small, dry district at the southern tip of the North Island, sheltered from the west by mountains.
- Hawke's BayA warm, sunny New Zealand region with important gravel soils and a strong tradition of full-bodied red wine.
Argentina
- MendozaArgentina's high-altitude heartland for Malbec, known for ripe dark fruit, violet, and full-bodied reds.
- PatagoniaArgentina's southernmost vineyards, cool, windswept and dry, with a wide swing between day and night.
- SaltaA dry northern Argentine region with very high-elevation vineyards and intense sunlight.
- Uco ValleyA high-elevation part of Mendoza near the Andes, with cool nights and stony alluvial vineyard sites.
South Africa
- StellenboschA leading South African region for Cabernet Sauvignon and Bordeaux-style blends, known for ripe fruit and firm structure.
- ConstantiaA historic wine area on cool slopes near Cape Town, with a long tradition of both dry and sweet wine.
- Walker BayA cool coastal area near Hermanus, where ocean influence slows ripening and helps preserve acidity.
- SwartlandA warm, dry region north of Cape Town, with important old bush vines and low-rainfall vineyard sites.
Greece
- SantoriniA volcanic Aegean island making intense, mineral Assyrtiko.
- NaoussaA northern Greek red-wine appellation known for structured, high-acid wines with strong aging potential.
- NemeaA major red-wine appellation of the Peloponnese, with vineyards ranging from lower valleys to cooler high-elevation sites.
- CreteThe large Greek island in the southern Aegean, known for local grapes such as white Vidiano and red Liatiko and Kotsifali.