The 10 Most Popular Wines in the World

The most popular wines in the world aren’t just famous labels; it’s actually a handful of grapes that do the heavy lifting. They define entire wine regions, inspire countless styles, and fill millions of glasses every day.

Some are household names; others quietly underpin the global wine trade. Together, they reveal how deeply a few varieties shape what we drink and why these wines continue to line store shelves worldwide year after year.

1. Cabernet Sauvignon

   Red. The world’s most famous red grape. Cabernet Sauvignon delivers bold black fruit, firm tannins, and endless versatility. From Bordeaux classics to Napa superstars, it thrives in nearly every wine region—and in blends or solo bottles, it always commands attention.

2. Merlot

   Red. Smooth, fruity, and approachable, Merlot has made a strong comeback. Think ripe cherry, soft tannins, and plush texture. It pairs with everything from roasted meats to pizza, and works in both classic Bordeaux-style blends and easy-drinking everyday wines.

3. Tempranillo

   Red. Spain’s signature grape, known for earthy red fruit, tobacco notes, and oak-aged complexity. Tempranillo shines in Rioja and Ribera del Duero, but winemakers worldwide are experimenting with both fresh, juicy styles and long-aging reds.

4. Airén

   White. One of the world’s most planted but least talked about—grapes. Airén thrives in Spain’s dry central plains, making it drought-tolerant and reliable. Producers often use it in brandy production, but winemakers are also exploring crisp, light white wines with subtle fruit.

5. Chardonnay

   White. The ultimate chameleon of white grapes. Chardonnay can be crisp and mineral-driven, rich and buttery, or tropical and fruity—depending on where it’s grown and how it’s made. From Chablis to California to Australia, it dominates glasses everywhere.

6. Syrah

   Red. Syrah (aka Shiraz) is bold, spicy, and endlessly versatile. From elegant Northern Rhône wines to powerful, fruit-forward Australian Shiraz, it adapts to any style, making it a favorite for food pairing and serious collectors alike.

7. Garnacha

   Red. Bright red fruit, lively acidity, and surprisingly high alcohol. Garnacha thrives in Spain and beyond, often in blends with Syrah or Monastrell, but it’s also stepping into the spotlight as a single-variety red and a juicy, vibrant rosé.

8. Sauvignon Blanc

   White. Zesty, herbaceous, and impossibly refreshing. From the crisp Loire Valley classics to New Zealand’s explosively aromatic versions, Sauvignon Blanc is the go-to grape for food-friendly, lively whites that never fail to grab attention.

9. Trebbiano Toscano

   White. High-acid, light-bodied, and versatile. Trebbiano (Italy) or Ugni Blanc (France) is a staple for crisp Italian whites and French brandy, but modern winemakers are also crafting delicate, refreshing wines perfect for warm-weather sipping.

10. Pinot Noir

    Red. Delicate yet seductive, Pinot Noir delivers bright red fruit, floral notes, and elegant structure. It’s notoriously finicky to grow, but when it thrives in Burgundy, Oregon, New Zealand, or beyond, it produces some of the most graceful and food-friendly reds in the world.