FRANCE

Call it the big time. The Major Leagues. The A-list. The top of the charts. Or choose your own metaphor. But when it comes to wine, France is at the top of nearly everyone’s list. France was not the first country to produce wine though. In fact, during some years, France is second to Italy in terms of total wine production. But if you’re talking about fine wine, or famous wine, or expensive wine, or wine that sets the standard for the rest of the world, France is the place you have to start.

Wine lovers still consider France to be the world’s leading producer of fine wines. Here’s why:

France was the first country to export wine commercially on a broad scale. As a result, French wines are recognizable around the world.

Historically, France has been the traditional leader in quality and reputation. The very best French wines continue to be highly prized by connoisseurs. And they’re among the most expensive wines in the world.
The classic wines of France have set the style for many fine wines that are now produced in other countries of the world.

The French system of appellation laws has been the basis for the appellation laws in other European countries.
There are more world-famous winegrowing regions in France than in any other country.