Wine Regions of the World Trivia Quiz

Answer: Oregon

Oregon is the 4th largest wine producing state in the United States, behind California, Washington, and New York. The Pinot Noir is the most prominent variety. Oregon also produces a very good Pinot Gris which is much less talked about. Chardonnay and Rieslings are also commonly seen throughout the Pacific NW.

Answer: South Australia

South Australia accounts for more than 50% of the total national wine production. There are a variety of climate zones allowing for the development of many wine varieties, but the one stands out as an Australian favorite is the Shiraz, which is a dark spicy red wine. Again with the varying climate in this region, most grape varietals are being developed here.

Answer: Chile and Argentina

Chile and Argentina boast of wine production in South America. In Chile, wineries are in the valleys and foothills on the West slope of the Andes mountains. Argentina, now ranked 5th in the world, is know for the production of Malbec.

Answer: France and Italy

France and Italy have traditionally been the top 2 wine producers in the world. Wine production in Europe started as far back as the pre-classical era and became more widespread in Western Europe during the medieval times, as wine was, and still is, traditionally used in church services. Most wine varietals such as Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Cabernet, and several others became highly produced in France and Italy, and many of the varietals spread throughout Europe.

Answer: Germany

With a cooler climate than France and Italy, Germany's wine industry is heavily focused on the Riesling grape which accounts for nearly 60% of German wine production. Muller-Thurgau, as well as other varieties are still grown. Wine production may have been introduced by the Romans in the classical era and then perfected during the Middle Ages.

Answer: California

California far and away leads the USA in wine production and exports. With a strong Mediterranean climate it supports most grape varieties. The Napa Valley along with Sonoma County and locations up and down the north and central coasts give California many grapes to grow, including Chardonnay, Cabernet, Merlot, and Zinfandel just to start with.

Answer: South Africa

South Africa leads Africa in wine production and is ranked about 10th in the world. South Africa has a fairly balanced wine industry which is led by the Chenin Blanc variety. Cabernet Sauvignon, Colombard, Shiraz, and Sauvignon Blanc round out the top 5.

The Pintotage grape, which is unique to South Africa, also contributes to the South African wine industry as 6.2% of the total production.

Answer: Portugal

Portugal's primary wine production comes from the Port wine. The grapes are grown in the Douro region, and are fortified with Brandy. This leaves the wine very sweet, and good for dessert. Portugal is also known for several other varieties of red and white grapes, but the Port is the most exported.

Answer: Canada

British Columbia is a natural extension of the California, Oregon, Washington wine regions, while Ontario extends out from New York state. Ontario harvests the Concord/Niagara grapes that are grown in New York state. Both regions are experimenting with planting several of the cooler climate grapes such as Riesling, Gewurztraminer, and Pinots, among others. Canada's colder climate has also made Canada a major producer of Ice Wine, from the harvesting of frozen grapes.

These tend to make sweeter dessert wines.

Answer: China

China has rapidly been gaining in the production of wine since the 1980s, and is currently ranked approximately 7th in the world. China has several production regions taking advantage of the large country's varied climate. China is experimenting with several grape varieties including the Pinot Noir, Riesling and Chardonnay among others.