Wine has always carried a sense of romance and tradition, but if you’ve ever browsed a wine list or chatted with a sommelier, you’ve likely come across the terms Old World and New World. These two labels define more than just geography—they tell the story of wine’s history, style, and evolution across the globe. Let’s break down what these two worlds mean, where they come from, and why the distinction matters for wine lovers.

Why These Two Names?

The terms Old World and New World don’t simply refer to age, but rather cultural and geographical origins.

Old World wines come from regions where winemaking first began thousands of years ago. These areas shaped the traditions, grape varieties, and rules still followed today.

New World wines hail from countries where viticulture was introduced later, often through exploration, colonization, or trade. They represent a newer, more experimental approach to winemaking.

In short, Old World means tradition and heritage, while New World implies innovation and adaptation.

Countries of the Old and New World

Old World: France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Germany, Austria, Greece, and much of Eastern Europe—basically, Europe and parts of the Middle East where wine culture was born.

New World: The Americas (U.S., Chile, Argentina), Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and other regions where winemaking took root only in the past few centuries.

Share of Land and Wine Production

The Old World still dominates global vineyard land:

Roughly 60–65% of the world’s vineyards are in Old World countries, with Spain, France, and Italy leading the way.

The New World, however, has rapidly gained ground, accounting for 35–40% of global wine production, with powerhouses like the U.S., Chile, and Australia.

What the New World lacks in sheer acreage, it makes up for in technology, scale, and global exports.

A Quick History

Old World: Wine has been produced here for over 6,000 years, with ancient evidence from Georgia, Armenia, and Greece. The Romans later spread viticulture across Europe, laying the foundation for the traditions we know today.

New World: Winemaking began in earnest only in the 16th century, when European settlers brought vines to South America and North America. Australia and New Zealand didn’t see serious vineyards until the 19th century.

Key Differences and Characteristics

Old World Wines

Generally lighter, lower in alcohol, and more acidic.

Focus on terroir—the influence of soil, climate, and tradition.

Strict regulations define grape varieties, vineyard practices, and labeling.

New World Wines

Often fuller-bodied, higher in alcohol, and more fruit-forward.

Emphasis on winemaker’s style and innovation rather than strict tradition.

Labels are consumer-friendly, usually listing grape varieties clearly (e.g., “Chardonnay” rather than “Burgundy”).

Fun Facts

• The world’s oldest known winery (over 6,000 years old) was discovered in Armenia.
• Argentina’s Mendoza region is home to some of the world’s highest vineyards, over 3,000 meters above sea level.
• France still leads the world in wine exports by value, but Italy produces the most wine by volume.
• Despite its New World classification, South Africa has been making wine since 1659, giving it one of the longest winemaking histories outside Europe.

Final Sip

The distinction between Old World and New World isn’t about ranking one above the other—it’s about appreciating their different stories. The Old World offers heritage, subtlety, and time-tested traditions, while the New World brings creativity, boldness, and accessibility. Together, they form a fascinating global tapestry that makes wine exploration endlessly rewarding.

Cheers to enjoying both worlds in your next glass! Whether you lean toward the elegance of Old World tradition or the bold expression of New World innovation, there’s always something new & exciting to discover.

Browse our wide selection of wines—each bottle brings its own story, character, and inspiration. Here’s to your next favorite pour!