The World’s Top Favourite Wines

In the ever-evolving world of wine, certain grape varieties have managed to capture the hearts—and palates—of drinkers across continents. From the rolling hills of Tuscany to the chalky vineyards of Marlborough and the bustling wine aisles of British supermarkets, consumer preferences reveal a fascinating picture of what the world is really drinking today.

Yet tracking wine popularity is far from straightforward. Official bodies like the International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV) provide excellent data on wine production and trade, but offer little about which grape varieties consumers actually choose. To uncover this story, we turn to two powerful indicators: real-world consumer preference surveys across major markets and the global footprint of vineyard plantings.

Together, these insights allow us to estimate the Top 20 most consumed wine grape varieties globally, highlighting the strong international presence of certain classic grapes and offering a closer look at drinking trends in the UK—one of the world’s most influential wine markets.

Understanding the Global Wine Landscape

Before diving into individual grapes, it’s important to understand the broader forces shaping today’s wine world.

Production Volatility:

Global wine production has faced major disruption in recent years. Extreme weather events, disease pressures, and changing climatic conditions have slashed yields. Both 2023 and 2024 recorded the lowest global wine outputs since the 1960s, with 2024 production estimated at just 225.8 million hectolitres, a 4.8% drop from the year before.

France, once the undisputed leader, suffered a staggering 23.5% decrease in 2024 alone. Meanwhile, Italy and Spain have also seen fluctuating fortunes, underscoring the fragile state of global wine supply.

Consumption Trends:

Worldwide wine consumption is also falling. In 2023, consumption dropped to 221 million hectolitres, the lowest since 1996, and preliminary 2024 figures predict an even steeper decline. Economic pressures, inflation, health-conscious behaviour, and evolving social habits are all contributing to a trend of “drinking less, but better.”

Nonetheless, the top five consuming countries—the USA, France, Italy, Germany, and the UK—still account for over half of all global wine consumption.

Premiumisation:

While people may be buying fewer bottles, they are often willing to spend more per bottle. Average export prices for wine reached record highs in 2023, suggesting a clear shift towards higher-quality selections—a key factor when looking at grape varieties that dominate premium shelves.

What People Are Drinking and Grape Varieties by Consumer Choice

Without direct global statistics on varietal consumption, we rely on comprehensive consumer surveys.

A landmark 2023 study by the International Wines and Spirits Record (IWSR) surveyed wine preferences in ten key markets, including the US, UK, Germany, China, and Australia—together representing the bulk of international wine consumption.

The findings paint a clear picture: a relatively small group of international grape varieties dominates drinking preferences across borders.

Top Red Wine Varieties

1. Cabernet Sauvignon

Often called the “king of reds,” Cabernet Sauvignon emerged as the number one or two choice in eight out of the ten markets surveyed. It led preferences in countries as diverse as Canada, Japan, South Korea, and China, confirming its global appeal. Its hallmarks—bold structure, dark fruit, and ageing potential—make it a favourite among both casual drinkers and serious collectors.

2. Merlot

Merlot offers a softer, plusher alternative to Cabernet and holds the top spot in major markets like the United States, the United Kingdom, and Germany. It consistently ranks among the two most popular red wine choices globally, showing broad demographic appeal.

3. Pinot Noir

Pinot Noir’s lighter body, vibrant acidity, and aromatic complexity have earned it top-five placement across all ten markets, taking the number one spot in New Zealand. Its rise reflects a broader consumer trend towards fresher, more food-friendly reds.

4. Shiraz/Syrah

Shiraz (as it is known in Australia) remains a national treasure Down Under, topping the charts there. It ranked third in New Zealand but placed slightly lower (4th–7th) in other countries. Consumption has softened somewhat in markets like the UK and Canada, but Shiraz remains a heavyweight globally.

5. Tempranillo

Despite being the third most planted wine grape globally, Tempranillo enjoys a more regionally concentrated popularity, particularly in Germany, where it ranks fifth. Its reach beyond Spain remains relatively modest compared to the Bordeaux and Burgundy giants.

Other Rising Reds:

1. Red blends are gaining popularity, especially in the United States.
2. Sangiovese (Italy’s key grape) finds niche appeal, particularly in Japan.
3. Grenache/Garnacha continues to underpin many Mediterranean blends but is rarely the star on its own.

Top White Wine Varieties

1. Sauvignon Blanc

Crisp, aromatic, and easy to love, Sauvignon Blanc holds the top spot in six of the ten surveyed markets—including the UK, Australia, and New Zealand. While its dominance remains strong, some countries report a slight dip in its market share, likely reflecting the broader trend towards diversification.

2. Chardonnay

Chardonnay remains the queen of white wines, leading preferences in the United States and Japan and taking second place in several other markets, including Germany and Singapore. It covers a broad stylistic range—from lean Chablis to buttery Napa—and continues to be a cornerstone of global white wine consumption.

3. Pinot Gris/Pinot Grigio

Known for its versatility, Pinot Gris/Grigio leads Canadian preferences and ranks high in the US, UK, and New Zealand. Its approachable style and affordability make it an everyday staple for many.

4. Riesling

While Riesling enjoys a more niche following, it boasts passionate fans in Germany, China, and among wine enthusiasts worldwide. Its capacity for everything from bone-dry to lusciously sweet expressions keeps it relevant across styles.

5. White Blends

Increasingly, consumers are embracing white blends, particularly in the US, as winemakers showcase creative combinations beyond traditional single-varietal offerings.

Spotlight on the UK: Favourite Wine Grapes in Britain

The United Kingdom stands as one of the most dynamic and influential wine markets globally, both for its enthusiastic consumers and its role as an international trade hub.

British wine drinkers exhibit trends that align with, yet subtly diverge from, global patterns:

1. Merlot leads as the most preferred red variety, prized for its smoothness and easy drinking style.
2. Sauvignon Blanc reigns supreme among whites, offering the fresh, zippy profile that suits Britain’s love for seafood, lighter meals, and aperitifs.
3. Chardonnay remains a strong second, benefiting from the UK’s deep ties to French Burgundy, but also from the popularity of fruit-driven, unoaked styles from Australia and California.
4. Cabernet Sauvignon holds a strong second place among reds, particularly among drinkers seeking richer, full-bodied options.
5. Pinot Grigio enjoys massive popularity in the UK as a safe, refreshing, crowd-pleasing white.
6. Shiraz maintains a solid following, especially for those who favour bold, spicy reds with food.

Interestingly, British consumers are also at the forefront of a rising interest in alternative white wines (such as Albariño and Picpoul de Pinet) and premium sparkling wines—including English Sparkling Wine, a fast-growing domestic success story.

What the World’s Vines Reveal

While consumer preferences shape what is poured into glasses today, the global vineyard footprint provides vital clues about the long-term pillars of wine supply.

Data compiled from the International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV) and the University of Adelaide’s Wine Economics Research Centre paints a picture of concentration and dominance by a relatively small group of grapes.

Key Takeaways from Global Vineyard Data:

1. Just 13 grape varieties account for more than one-third of all vineyards worldwide.
2. Approximately 50% of global vineyards are planted with only 33 varieties—despite the existence of 6,000 to 10,000 registered Vitis vinifera types.
3. Global plantings heavily favour international varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay, Syrah, and Sauvignon Blanc.
4. Some grapes with vast plantings, like Airén (mostly in Spain), are not widely consumed as named varietals but contribute significantly to overall wine volume, often in blends or brandy production.

Top 10 Most Planted Wine Grapes Globally (c. 2015/2016 Estimates)

Note: Vineyard areas approximate as of mid-2010s; newer detailed data is limited.

This vineyard hierarchy, dominated by international varieties, mirrors the consumption patterns we observed earlier, reinforcing the dominance of the “big six” in global drinking trends.

Estimated Top 20 Most Consumed Wine Grape Varieties

By synthesising consumer preference surveys and vineyard planting data, we can construct a credible estimated global ranking for the most consumed wine grape varieties.

This list reflects not only popularity at the checkout counter but also the long-standing establishment of certain grapes in the world’s vineyards.

The Estimated Top 20:

Key Observations:

1. Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay dominate both on the vineyard and in consumers’ hearts, confirming their role as the world’s most popular grapes.
2. Red wine continues to lead in volume, but white wine is growing—recent OIV data notes white wine now slightly overtakes red in production.
3. The UK follows global patterns: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc, and Chardonnay top British wine lists, with Pinot Grigio surging in everyday popularity.
4. Premiumisation is real: Even as overall consumption declines, people are willing to pay more for quality expressions of these trusted varietals.
5. Regional signatures are strong but secondary: Grapes like Tempranillo, Sangiovese, and Carménère highlight the importance of local loyalty but are still eclipsed internationally by the “big six” global varieties.

Final Words and the Future of Wine Drinking

The world’s love affair with certain wine grapes shows no signs of abating. Despite economic headwinds, shifting consumer behaviours, and a rising interest in alternative styles like organic and low-alcohol wines, the familiar pillars of Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc, and Pinot Noir continue to define the global palate.

For UK wine lovers, the picture mirrors the world stage—though with a unique twist. The British affection for Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and easygoing reds like Merlot reflects both tradition and an openness to vibrant New World expressions.

Looking ahead, environmental changes and a new generation of adventurous drinkers may slowly expand the roster of dominant grapes. Varieties like Albariño, Picpoul, and lesser-known reds like Nerello Mascalese could one day carve out bigger niches. But for now, the wines that have long captured the world’s imagination remain at the heart of what we drink.

Whether you sip a rich Napa Cabernet, a crisp New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, or a supple Chilean Merlot, you are participating in a global story—a story still led by a handful of extraordinary grapes that continue to define our taste and tradition.