wine
nation index

We have looked at the world through a wine glass — ranking countries by how naturally wine sits on the everyday table.

We measured two things: how much wine they drink, and whether they choose it over beer and spirits. We also priced the same six bottles, city by city.

France isn't first. New York is the cheapest city on the list. Nothing is quite where you'd expect it.

Wine consumption per adult
The annual volume of wine consumed per person aged 15+, based on OIV data (2023) and adult population figures from UNDP. Using adults rather than total population keeps countries with very different age structures comparable — and means our figures run higher than the per-capita numbers OIV publishes.

Wine's share in total alcohol consumption
Using WHO Global Health Observatory data on recorded consumption (2023), we compare wine against beer and spirits – whether people prefer wine to beer and spirits

Germany

All Alcohol Types

Beer

10.2

4.8

3.0

2.4

0.0

Wine

Spirits

Other Beverages

Throughout its long history as a wine-producing nation, Germany has already experienced several dramatic rises and falls. Its first great golden age came in the 19th century. Then came the decline: wars, changing tastes, increasingly industrial production and an international reputation built around Liebfraumilch rather than the names of great vineyards.
And now Germany is climbing back towards the top. Riesling still defines the country, although preserving its natural freshness is becoming more challenging in some warmer sites. At the same time, varieties once overshadowed by it — the Burgunder family — are finding increasingly favourable conditions.
Taste its dry Rieslings. Explore the full Burgunder spectrum — Chardonnay, Weissburgunder, Grauburgunder and Spätburgunder.
Germany may not remain one of the fine-wine world’s best-kept secrets for much longer.

Spain

All Alcohol Types

Beer

11.1

4.7

4.0

2.3

0.2

Wine

Spirits

Other Beverages

A fascinating country for studying wine, and one of the few that blends seemingly incompatible extremes. For instance, Spain is the world’s largest producer of bulk wine. At the same time, it is the birthplace of iconic, benchmark wines such as Vega Sicilia, Álvaro Palacios, Viña Tondonia, and many others.

If I were asked to choose a single country whose wines I could drink for the rest of my life without ever getting bored, it would be Spain. Whites, reds, rosés, sparklings across all levels of complexity, fortified sherries, and even brandies—it offers absolute stylistic freedom. Add to this the diversity of its climate zones—Atlantic, continental, and Mediterranean—and it becomes obvious that it will never be monotonous or dull here.

Slovenia

All Alcohol Types

Beer

9.7

4.4

3.9

1.4

0.0

Wine

Spirits

Other Beverages

Not the most obvious wine country, which makes it all the more fascinating! For instance, in the far west of Slovenia lies the Brda wine region, situated on the hilly borderlands with Italy’s famous Friuli—more specifically, the Collio Goriziano wine zone.

On both sides of the border here, producers craft orange wines, including those made from the region’s traditional grape varieties: Ribolla Gialla and Friulano. However, there is a crucial point: while you may have already heard of the Italian versions and can easily find them in wine shops, Slovenian wines have been discussed significantly less for a long time.

By the way, one of the most significant modern trends is the expansion of wine horizons. We fully support this!

Norway

All Alcohol Types

Beer

6.3

2.6

2.4

1.1

0.3

Wine

Spirits

Other Beverages

A clear illustration of how to become a 'wine country' without producing any wine.

The Nordic countries—especially the trio of Norway, Denmark, and the Netherlands—lead European rankings in the number of fine dining concepts (exquisite cuisines with the highest standards of service) per capita. And where there is fine dining, there is always plenty of fine wine. May beer and spirits lovers forgive us.

Norway entered the top 20 wine countries largely due to its relative preference for wine rather than its absolute consumption, which remains fairly moderate. True, when choosing between beer and wine, locals will prefer beer, but wine has also become well-established.

Norway belongs to the group of countries where wine culture was shaped not by a historical domestic production tradition, but through the import of wines from various countries and regions—driven by a high level of prosperity that allows them to purchase the finest products from around the world.

UK

All Alcohol Types

Beer

9.4

3.4

3.1

2.4

0.5

Wine

Spirits

Other Beverages

Another European wine power without mass production, yet with a colossal influence on the wine world. Here, beyond the gastronomic context, it is worth delving into historical roots.

It was England that became the primary market for Bordeaux as early as the Middle Ages—thanks to its fleet and the English Channel. Later, it played the exact same role for Champagne. The dry Сhampagne category, Brut, emerged thanks to the British: it was their request, rather than the winemakers' initiative.

And what about today? Today, the United Kingdom has not only preserved its wine heritage in the form of powerful négociant houses and the largest secondary fine wine market, Liv-ex, but has also established itself as the global capital of wine education and the professional sommelier community. Yes, there is no mass wine production, but British sparkling wines are already making waves.

Georgia

All Alcohol Types

Beer

7.5

2.2

3.1

2.1

0.0

Wine

Spirits

Other Beverages

I often say that Georgians have their own very particular understanding of wine and its place in their culture. They almost worship it. But there will be no snobbery here. Because in Georgia, wine is not something to be placed on a pedestal, endlessly discussed, and saved for the right occasion. It is an inseparable part of everyday culture — present in every home, at every table, and shared without ceremony. 

This practical, almost instinctive approach to wine is perhaps best reflected in Georgia’s famous amber wines. So, the next time you find yourself saving a bottle for a “special” occasion, the perfect dish, the right guest, or the proper glass, think of the Georgians — and simply open it for yourself.

Argentina

All Alcohol Types

Beer

6.6

2.9

2.0

0.7

1.0

Wine

Spirits

Other Beverages

The country can be easily described in three words: mountains, steaks, and Malbec. It is widely considered a perfect match.

At the same time, Argentine Malbec has long moved past the 'everyday wine' category. If you still remember it as a heavy, flat wine with mouth-drying tannins, it is high time to give it another try. Ideally, look beyond Mendoza as a whole and seek out bottles from the Uco Valley (Valle de Uco), where the style becomes more refined, fresh, and elegant.

Don’t overlook Bonarda, another local gastronomic star. While it might lack the depth and complexity of a fine Malbec, its lively acidity and juiciness make it an ideal pairing for a premium, well-marbled ribeye steak.

Austria

All Alcohol Types

Beer

11.4

6.2

3.6

1.6

0.0

Wine

Spirits

Other Beverages

Austrians are remarkably loyal to their own wines. There is a legend: during the wine scandal that erupted in the country in the 1980s—when unscrupulous producers added diethylene glycol to wines, a substance mimicking the sweetness and body of more southern wines—Austrians did not turn their backs on local winemaking even after the fraud was exposed. It is said they simply began choosing more expensive and reliable wines.

It was precisely after this crisis that Austria’s wine legislation underwent a radical transformation: evolving from one of the most lenient in Europe to the most strictly regulated and controlled. Today, a repetition of that 1980s scenario is virtually impossible.

Netherlands

All Alcohol Types

Beer

7.8

3.6

2.8

1.5

0.0

Wine

Spirits

Other Beverages

The Randstad conurbation, which encompasses Amsterdam, The Hague, Rotterdam, and Utrecht, has the highest population density in Europe. Moreover, by global and even European standards, this population is long-lived, highly educated, and affluent.

Add to this an abundance of businesses, including multinational corporations, a noticeable percentage of wealthy expatriates, and a well-developed gastronomic scene—and all of this goes a long way toward explaining the Netherlands' position in the wine country rankings.

This serves as another example of a nation developing its wine culture without a local tradition of production, driven instead by international trade, rising prosperity, urbanization, and education.

Belgium

All Alcohol Types

Beer

8.7

3.9

3.4

1.1

0.3

Wine

Spirits

Other Beverages

Another Benelux country—the historical heart of the European Economic Area and the European Union.

Practically everything we wrote about the Netherlands is also true for Belgium: a large percentage of urban population, a high level of prosperity (albeit slightly lower than that of the Netherlands), and a fairly well-developed gastronomic scene.

By the way, Belgium’s domestic production is also gradually gaining momentum, with both the number of vineyards and their total area growing year after year. Naturally, they are still far from reaching any remotely significant scale, and the improvement in wine quality depends heavily on how rapidly the climate changes—but this is a trend that deserves attention.

Greece

All Alcohol Types

Beer

8.0

2.2

3.8

1.8

0.1

Wine

Spirits

Other Beverages

A case where a country has managed to carry its roots and traditions through millennia of history: from the very birth of viticulture to the present day, without spilling a single drop of accumulated experience and knowledge regarding its indigenous varieties.

Just a decade ago, few European sommeliers seriously considered Greek wines for their wine lists.

Yet today, it is a pleasure to watch Assyrtiko and Xinomavro appear in rankings, tasting notes, and reviews by leading critics.

I am certain that the triumph of Greek winemaking is only a matter of time, and we will undoubtedly witness it.

Sweden

All Alcohol Types

Beer

7.4

2.7

3.4

1.2

0.2

Wine

Spirits

Other Beverages

In the post-war period, the Swedish government, concerned about the nation’s health, began making efforts to reduce the consumption of spirits. The result was the dominance of wine in the beverage mix, alongside fairly moderate overall consumption volumes. Wine firmly established itself as a drink to accompany meals, including at home.

Sweden is another wealthy northern country without historical domestic production that is now mastering a beverage not traditional to its culture, driven by the boom in international trade. However, climate change has made an impact here as well: although the country’s vineyard area remains modest, Sweden is currently experiencing a true wine boom.

Perhaps the catalyst for this is the easing of strict alcohol sales regulations in June 2025. Wineries are now permitted to sell wine directly to consumers from their premises, albeit with reservations: up to three liters of wine per person during a single visit, and strictly within designated hours. 

Australia

All Alcohol Types

Beer

10.0

3.2

4.2

1.6

1.0

Wine

Spirits

Other Beverages

The only 'beer' country in the top 10 with a final score above 5.8. Perhaps it is due to the impressive level of wealth, or perhaps it is the impact of its rapidly growing domestic wine industry.

Australia made a loud and bold statement in the conservative Old World market by introducing its Shiraz to the world—a ripe, fruity, and expressive interpretation of the French Syrah.

Since then, Australian winemaking has come a long way: from simple, budget-friendly versions of Shiraz to complex, noble wines that, in a blind tasting, could easily be mistaken for a restrained and elegant Syrah from the Northern Rhône in France.

Despite primarily working with French grape varieties, the wines here turn out truly authentic. Another hallmark of the country has become the Semillon from the Hunter Valley—it is harvested significantly before full ripeness to preserve its outstanding acidity and aging potential. Or, for example, the sparkling wines of Tasmania, crafted from 'Champagne' varieties. And do you know why this is possible? Tasmania is so much further south than Champagne that it is just as cold there.

Denmark

All Alcohol Types

Beer

9.0

3.3

4.0

1.6

0.1

Wine

Spirits

Other Beverages

A wealthy northern nation that gradually shifted its preference from spirits to wine at the late 20th century.

As in Sweden, this was partly due to deliberate government policy, but a massive contribution was made by rising prosperity, a passion for a healthy lifestyle, and the trend towards the 'Mediterranean diet,' which pairs food with wine rather than beer.

By the way, climate change is progressively encouraging the development of winemaking here as well: winters have become milder, and the grape-growing season has expanded.

Nevertheless, due to challenging cultivation conditions and limited production volume, Danish wine remains among the most expensive, and even local merchants struggle to sell domestic bottles.

For instance, the price of Danish wine in Denmark is 200 kroner or 27 dollars and above, which is more than double the price of the cheapest French wine.

Uruguay

All Alcohol Types

Beer

5.2

1.8

2.6

0.8

0.0

Wine

Spirits

Other Beverages

A South American nation that has earned a reputation as the local Switzerland, Uruguay is rarely mentioned in the context of wine, unlike its larger producing neighbors, Argentina and Chile. Nevertheless, Uruguay has outperformed them in our wine country rankings.

Most likely, several factors came into play at once. First, migration waves from Spain and Italy in the 19th and early 20th centuries made a highly noticeable contribution to the population structure, bringing with them an everyday culture of wine drinking, along with the vines themselves. Second, while Uruguay is not among the wealthiest nations in the region, it is not among the poorest either. Moreover, according to the World Bank, the middle class accounts for over 60% of the population.

Uruguay also has its own winemaking industry, but it caters primarily to the domestic market. Furthermore, over half of its already modest exports go to neighboring Brazil, rarely making it onto the global wine market.

Switzerland

All Alcohol Types

Beer

8.1

2.9

3.8

1.4

0.1

Wine

Spirits

Other Beverages

One of the wealthiest countries in Europe (and the world), Switzerland is not so much switching from beer to wine as it is returning to it. The culture of winemaking and wine drinking here dates back to the times of ancient Rome.

Behind the facade of a highly expensive and seemingly exclusive drink are often small family growers who have cultivated their vineyards and made wine for generations.

Yes, Swiss wine is expensive. But unlike many global wine brands, much of what lies behind that price is not a vast marketing machine but small-scale production, costly manual work and people who know the value of their land and labour. Many remain deeply rooted in tradition and focused more on their vineyards and local customers than on international recognition or wine critics. 

France

All Alcohol Types

Beer

10.4

2.6

5.4

2.2

0.1

Wine

Spirits

Other Beverages

*Fr. Pigeage —  a technique used during red wine fermentation where the rising "cap" of grape skins, seeds, and sometimes stems (pomace) is regularly punched down into the must to ensure a more even extraction of color, tannins, and aromatic compounds.

**Fr. Dégorgement — a stage in the production of traditional-method sparkling wines: after secondary fermentation and ageing in the bottle, the sediment collected in the neck of the bottle is removed.

***Fr. Délestage — a technique similar in purpose to pigeage, in which the fermenting wine is completely drained from the tank and then poured back over the cap of skins and solids.

Let’s be honest: France was not the birthplace of winemaking. After all, it originated in Mesopotamia.

However, the country’s contribution to the development of wine culture is unmatched by any other. It is no coincidence that nearly all professional terminology in the industry is French: pigeage*, dégorgement**, délestage***, and many other terms, ranging from vine-training methods to cellar manipulations.

The most famous international grape varieties—Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Cabernet Sauvignon—are also of French origin. And one cannot help but recall Louis Pasteur, as it is to him that we owe our knowledge of yeast and the fermentation process. As for the creation of Champagne and Burgundy—a big Merci beaucoup to the French from me personally!

Italy

All Alcohol Types

Beer

7.8

2.1

5.2

0.5

0.0

Wine

Spirits

Other Beverages

The level and development of a country’s winemaking are determined not only by its history—of which Italy can be justly proud—but also by how well these traditions have been preserved and evolved to this day.

One of the most crucial elements of wine heritage is the diversity of local, autochthonous grape varieties. No international variety can convey the nuances of terroir—the combination of climate, soil, topography, and winemaking practices—as precisely as varieties that evolved in and perfectly adapted to a specific locality.

Italy boasts the richest varietal palette in the world, with up to five hundred officially registered autochthonous varieties. And, as you might have guessed, Pinot Grigio is not one of them.

Portugal

All Alcohol Types

Beer

13.2

3.3

7.1

1.7

1.1

Wine

Spirits

Other Beverages

Portuguese winemaking is far more diverse than it appears at first glance. Primarily, this is due to a striking variety of soils and climate zones.

We know the Douro and Porto well for their port wines. Some may also recall that unfortified wines, including whites, are produced here from the very same grape varieties.

Slightly further south, in Bairrada, sparkling wines are born from Baga—a highly acidic red grape. And to the north, bordering Spain, lies Vinho Verde—a region producing mineral, salty, vibrant, and genuinely complex wines from Alvarinho.

Doesn’t sound like the mass-market Vinho Verde from your local supermarket? Excellent. Then it is high time to discover the real Alvarinho.

Luxembourg

All Alcohol Types

Beer

22.4

4.3

5.4

12.7

0.0

Wine

Spirits

Other Beverages

Luxembourg is the strangest entry in this index. By volume, it is second in the world with 45.3 litres of wine per adult annually, ahead of France and Italy. By preference it is thirtieth: wine takes less than a quarter of the alcohol here, while spirits take well over half. No other country in the top twenty is pulled this far in two directions at once.

The reason is that Luxembourg is where a good many residents of neighbouring Germany and France buy their bottles. The distortion is large enough that the WHO does not report Luxembourg's own figures at all, substituting the average of its two neighbours instead. We went to the national data and use it as published — sales, not estimates of what stays in the country. The bias cannot be stripped out, and we would rather name it than quietly correct for it.

None of which makes this a country that only buys wine. The Moselle terraces on the German border hold 1,216 hectares of vineyard worked at some of the highest yields in this index — a small industry, and an old one, going back to Roman times.