Where Are The Best Wines Grown?
Mostly wine is grown between the 30th and 50th parallel in both the Northern and Southern hemispheres. It can grow in other places, but for the most part you will find it grown here.
We will look at the eight countries which produce the most and the best wine in the world.
France
I feel sure that most people would think of France and wine almost immediately. Certainly it has to be the most famous wine producing country in the world.
About 75% of French wine is produced in the Loire Valley. It is known for its rich and fertile soil as well as its moderate climate. The Loire Valley is best known for its white wines particularly the Sauvignon Blanc. However it also produces some really nice fruity reds.
Italy
If anyone has ever eaten Italian food then they have been exposed to Italian wine. Who has not heard of Chianti or seen the straw covered bottles displayed in their favorite Italian restaurant. Italy is well known for its very robust reds. Would you believe that Chianti wine comes from Chianti? Well, it does. It is located between Senna and Florence.
In addition to its castles, ruins, olive groves and over 10,000 acres of vineyards there is one fact that makes me go back often to marvel at the fact that they still stomp the grapes manually – with their feet. In fact as a visitor if you are there at the right time you can get involved in the action. It is not a requirement that you drink what you stomp.
Northern California
There is a lot of wine produced in Northern California. However, even though I am an American, I cannot honestly say that the wine from these valleys and vineyards are among my favorites. But they do produce a lot of wine and much of it receives excellent reviews.
Germany
Even though Germany is best known for its beer it does produce some excellent wine particularly in the Baden region. It is known for its strong flavor and low acidity. The best German wines are undoubtedly their Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris. If you haven’t tried these wines, do visit Germany and treat yourself. They are truly excellent.
Australia

Even though Australia is ranked fifth I firmly believe that ranking is based on volume. Since I now live in Melbourne Australia I have to admit to a real prejudice. I think Australian wines are among the best in the world and some of them are really impossible to beat.
Living in Melbourne I, of course, relate to the Yarra Valley wines because they are my local ones. The Yarra Valley is best known for its sparkling wines, but I also find that you can find most any wine that you like in the Melbourne area and many are as good as you can get.
Australia has many excellent areas including the Hunter Valley, the Barossa, Margaret River and McLaren Vale. You will have to travel very far to beat the spicy Shiraz from South Australia or the Pinot Noir from the Hunter or the Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc from the Margaret River area in West Australia.
Come on down and you will never regret it.
South Africa
Believe it or not the area just northeast of Cape Town is the seventh largest wine producer in the world. It mainly produces white wine, primarily the Chenin Blanc.
Chile
Chile has recently surprised the wine drinking world by producing some excellent wines rather than the very mediocre ones that we have known them to have. They now produce some very nice Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir and Merlot. They range from fruity to full bodied and the USA is their major market.
Portugal
There is no way I can leave Portugal out of any wine list. They are best known for their Port. A beautiful bottle of well aged vintage Portugese Port is unbeatable in my book.
In fact for years my wife’s Christmas present to me was a lovely Portugese Port and a Wheel of Stilton from England. You really can’t improve on that.
Conclusion
Hopefully you have been tempted to plan your next vacation as a world trip to these eight countries so that you can prove or disprove my contentions. Please don’t let any of those reds go off.

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