France is the third-largest wine-producing country after Italy and Spain, but it leads the popularity charts, as it has done so for centuries. French winemakers have influenced every wine-producing country in one way or another. 

In fact, the most planted varieties worldwide are French, including Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay. And it’s not only the grapes; the grape growing and winemaking techniques perfected in France since ancient times are now used globally. From the types of bottles used by everyone to the oak barrels where most of the world’s red wine ages — it all comes from France. 

For more information, we highly recommend you visit our guide on French wine.