Designation for the geographical areas where quality viticulture is possible under optimal conditions and vines thrive. This is also where 95% of the most important wine-growing areas are located. They are located from 40 to 50 degrees north and from 30 to 40 degrees south. However, there is also localised viticulture in the areas in between, mostly at higher altitudes. Certain conditions must be met for regions to be suitable for quality viticulture. This is called viticultural suitability. Commercial viticulture is practised to varying degrees in around 120 of the world's 193 countries (status 2024). In many of them, there are also vineyards for the production of table grapes , sultanas, spirits, grape juice or RCGM (rectified grape must concentrate). In some countries, viticulture is of little or no importance, but grapes are grown for these products.
![]()
Using the encyclopaedia is not only time-saving, but also extremely convenient. What's more, the information is always up to date.
Markus J. Eser
Weinakademiker und Herausgeber „Der Weinkalender“