Wine Appellations

Browse 159 legal wine designations — the defined areas whose names may appear on wine labels under official regulation. Appellations are distinct from geographic regions: a single place (such as Bordeaux or Napa Valley) may be both a geographic region and a legal appellation.

Argentina

Appellation Type Tier Description
Cafayate IG mid Cafayate IG is a high-elevation Salta origin known for Torrontés and concentrated red wines.
Luján de Cuyo IG mid Luján de Cuyo IG is a historic Mendoza origin closely associated with Malbec and older vineyard districts.
Mendoza GI broad Mendoza GI is Argentina's central protected wine origin, strongly associated with high-altitude Malbec and Andean…
Uco Valley IG mid Uco Valley IG is a high-altitude Mendoza origin for Malbec, Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay, and precision-focused wines.

Australia

Appellation Type Tier Description
Barossa Valley GI mid Barossa Valley GI is South Australia's historic warm-climate origin for old-vine Shiraz and generous red blends.
Coonawarra GI mid Coonawarra GI is a South Australian origin famous for Cabernet Sauvignon grown on terra rossa soils.
Margaret River GI mid Margaret River GI is Western Australia's coastal origin for Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc blends.
McLaren Vale GI mid McLaren Vale GI is a South Australian coastal origin for Shiraz, Grenache, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Mediterranean…

Chile

Appellation Type Tier Description
Casablanca Valley DO mid Casablanca Valley DO is a cool Chilean coastal origin for Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir.
Maipo Valley DO mid Maipo Valley DO is Chile's classic Central Valley origin for Cabernet Sauvignon and Bordeaux-style reds near Santiago.

France

Appellation Type Tier Description
Alsace AOC top Alsace AOC covers the region's still wines, usually varietal-labeled whites with strong aromatic identity.
Brouilly AOC mid Brouilly AOC is the largest Beaujolais cru, known for approachable Gamay with red fruit and supple structure.
Chablis AOC top Chablis AOC is northern Burgundy's Chardonnay appellation, known for dry, mineral white wines from the Serein valley.
Chambolle-Musigny AOC top Chambolle-Musigny AOC is a Côte de Nuits Pinot Noir appellation often associated with delicacy, perfume, and fine…
Champagne AOC top Champagne AOC is the legal designation for traditional-method sparkling wines from the delimited Champagne region.
Chassagne-Montrachet AOC top Chassagne-Montrachet AOC is a Côte de Beaune village appellation for Chardonnay and smaller amounts of Pinot Noir.
Châteauneuf-du-Pape AOC top Châteauneuf-du-Pape AOC is the southern Rhône's flagship appellation, known for Grenache-led reds and complex blends.
Chénas AOC mid Chénas AOC is a small Beaujolais cru for structured Gamay with floral, spicy, and ageworthy tendencies.
Chinon AOC top Chinon AOC is a Touraine appellation centered on Cabernet Franc reds, with rosé and limited white Chenin Blanc.
Chiroubles AOC mid Chiroubles AOC is a high-elevation Beaujolais cru known for fragrant, delicate Gamay.
Cornas AOC top Cornas AOC is a small northern Rhône appellation for Syrah reds with rugged structure and dark savory depth.
Côte de Brouilly AOC mid Côte de Brouilly AOC is a Beaujolais cru from Mont Brouilly, often firmer and more mineral than Brouilly.
Côte-Rôtie AOC top Côte-Rôtie AOC is a northern Rhône Syrah appellation known for steep slopes, perfume, and savory red-wine intensity.
Crozes-Hermitage AOC top Crozes-Hermitage AOC surrounds Hermitage and produces northern Rhône Syrah in a broader, more accessible frame.
Fleurie AOC mid Fleurie AOC is one of the ten Beaujolais crus, known for fragrant Gamay with floral red-fruit charm.
Gevrey-Chambertin AOC top Gevrey-Chambertin AOC is a Côte de Nuits village appellation for serious Pinot Noir with depth and structure.
Gigondas AOC top Gigondas AOC is a southern Rhône appellation for Grenache-led reds from the Dentelles de Montmirail area.
Haut-Médoc AOC top Haut-Médoc AOC covers the southern Médoc and supplies the legal parent frame for several famous Left Bank communes.
Hermitage AOC top Hermitage AOC is a historic northern Rhône appellation for monumental Syrah and ageworthy Marsanne-Roussanne whites.
Juliénas AOC mid Juliénas AOC is a northern Beaujolais cru for Gamay with spice, body, and red-fruit depth.
Margaux AOC top Margaux AOC is a famed Haut-Médoc commune known for aromatic, finely textured Cabernet-led Bordeaux blends.
Médoc AOC top Médoc AOC is a Left Bank Bordeaux red-wine appellation for Cabernet- and Merlot-based blends from the northern…
Meursault AOC top Meursault AOC is a Côte de Beaune white-wine appellation known for Chardonnay with breadth, nuttiness, and mineral…
Morgon AOC mid Morgon AOC is a Beaujolais cru for Gamay with depth, earthy structure, and notable aging potential.
Moulin-à-Vent AOC mid Moulin-à-Vent AOC is a powerful Beaujolais cru for structured Gamay from windmill-marked granitic slopes.
Muscadet AOC mid Muscadet AOC is the lower-Loire white-wine appellation for Melon, known for dry, saline, seafood-friendly wines.
Nuits-Saint-Georges AOC top Nuits-Saint-Georges AOC is a Côte de Nuits village appellation for structured Pinot Noir from the town that names the…
Pauillac AOC top Pauillac AOC is a powerful Left Bank appellation for structured, ageworthy Cabernet Sauvignon-based Bordeaux.
Pessac-Léognan AOC top Pessac-Léognan AOC is a Graves appellation for both structured red Bordeaux and dry, ageworthy white Bordeaux.
Pomerol AOC top Pomerol AOC is a small Right Bank Bordeaux appellation centered on Merlot-rich reds with depth, polish, and savory…
Pommard AOC top Pommard AOC is a Côte de Beaune village appellation for robust, earthy Pinot Noir with a firm tannic profile.
Pouilly-Fumé AOC top Pouilly-Fumé AOC is an upper-Loire Sauvignon Blanc appellation known for dry whites with citrus, smoke, and flinty…
Puligny-Montrachet AOC top Puligny-Montrachet AOC is a Côte de Beaune Chardonnay appellation prized for precision, tension, and mineral length.
Quarts de Chaume AOC top Quarts de Chaume AOC is a Loire sweet-wine appellation for concentrated Chenin Blanc from the Layon area.
Régnié AOC mid Régnié AOC is a Beaujolais cru for bright, supple Gamay with red fruit and floral lift.
Saint-Amour AOC mid Saint-Amour AOC is the northernmost Beaujolais cru, known for perfumed Gamay in both tender and structured styles.
Saint-Émilion AOC top Saint-Émilion AOC is a Right Bank Bordeaux appellation for Merlot- and Cabernet Franc-led red wines from limestone and…
Saint-Estèphe AOC top Saint-Estèphe AOC is the northern Haut-Médoc commune, known for structured red Bordeaux with clay-gravel depth.
Saint-Joseph AOC top Saint-Joseph AOC is a long northern Rhône appellation for Syrah reds and Marsanne-Roussanne whites along the right bank.
Saint-Julien AOC top Saint-Julien AOC is a compact Haut-Médoc commune prized for balanced, polished Cabernet Sauvignon-based reds.
Sancerre AOC top Sancerre AOC is an upper-Loire appellation for Sauvignon Blanc whites plus smaller Pinot Noir reds and rosés.
Sauternes AOC top Sauternes AOC is Bordeaux's classic sweet white appellation, shaped by noble rot and Sémillon-led blends.
Savennières AOC top Savennières AOC is a Loire appellation for dry, powerful, ageworthy Chenin Blanc from schist slopes near Angers.
Tavel AOC top Tavel AOC is a southern Rhône rosé-only appellation known for dry, deeply colored, structured rosé wines.
Vacqueyras AOC top Vacqueyras AOC is a southern Rhône appellation for robust Grenache-based reds, plus smaller white and rosé production.
Vosne-Romanée AOC top Vosne-Romanée AOC is a Côte de Nuits Pinot Noir appellation associated with perfume, spice, and refined texture.
Vouvray AOC top Vouvray AOC is a Touraine appellation for Chenin Blanc in still, sparkling, dry, off-dry, and sweet forms.

Germany

Appellation Type Tier Description
Ahr ANBAUGEBIET broad Ahr g.U. is Germany's small northern red-wine Anbaugebiet, closely associated with steep-slope Spätburgunder.
Auslese QMP Auslese is a German Prädikatswein category that describes harvest ripeness rather than a geographic appellation.
Baden ANBAUGEBIET broad Baden g.U. is Germany's warmest major Anbaugebiet, known for Pinot-family grapes, fuller body, and southwestern…
Bernkasteler Doctor VDP_GROSSE_LAGE top Bernkasteler Doctor is a historic Mosel vineyard identity associated with concentrated, long-lived Riesling.
Eiswein QMP Eiswein is a German Prädikatswein category that describes harvest ripeness rather than a geographic appellation.
Erbacher Marcobrunn VDP_GROSSE_LAGE top Erbacher Marcobrunn is a historic Rheingau vineyard identity known for Riesling with richness, spice, and longevity.
Erdener Treppchen VDP_GROSSE_LAGE top Erdener Treppchen is a steep Mosel vineyard identity for Riesling from red slate-influenced slopes near Erden.
Forster Jesuitengarten VDP_GROSSE_LAGE top Forster Jesuitengarten is a Pfalz vineyard identity known for Riesling from the celebrated Forst village corridor.
Forster Kirchenstück VDP_GROSSE_LAGE top Forster Kirchenstück is a compact Pfalz vineyard identity often treated as one of the region's most prestigious Riesling…
Franken ANBAUGEBIET broad Franken g.U. is a Bavarian Anbaugebiet famous for dry Silvaner, limestone soils, and the Bocksbeutel bottle.
Hessische Bergstraße ANBAUGEBIET broad Hessische Bergstraße g.U. is Germany's smallest Anbaugebiet, a mild Odenwald-foothill origin for Riesling and Pinot…
Kabinett QMP Kabinett is a German Prädikatswein category that describes harvest ripeness rather than a geographic appellation.
Mittelrhein ANBAUGEBIET broad Mittelrhein g.U. is a small Rhine-valley Anbaugebiet known for steep terraces, Riesling, and dramatic river landscapes.
Mosel ANBAUGEBIET broad Mosel g.U. is Germany's protected-origin frame for the Mosel, Saar, and Ruwer valleys, led by slate-grown Riesling.
Nahe ANBAUGEBIET broad Nahe g.U. is a compact German Anbaugebiet known for Riesling and unusually diverse soil formations.
Pfalz ANBAUGEBIET broad Pfalz g.U. is Germany's warm, dry Palatinate protected origin for Riesling plus a wide range of white and red grapes.
Rheingau ANBAUGEBIET broad Rheingau g.U. is Germany's compact Rhine-slope protected origin, famous for Riesling and historic estate culture.
Rheinhessen ANBAUGEBIET broad Rheinhessen g.U. is Germany's largest Anbaugebiet, known for varied white wines, renewed Riesling focus, and rolling…
Rüdesheimer Berg Schlossberg VDP_GROSSE_LAGE top Rüdesheimer Berg Schlossberg is a steep Rheingau vineyard identity for Riesling and some Spätburgunder above Rüdesheim.
Scharzhofberg VDP_GROSSE_LAGE top Scharzhofberg is a Saar vineyard identity within the Mosel Anbaugebiet, famous for refined, ageworthy Riesling.
Spätlese QMP Spätlese is a German Prädikatswein category that describes harvest ripeness rather than a geographic appellation.
Wehlener Sonnenuhr VDP_GROSSE_LAGE top Wehlener Sonnenuhr is a famous Mosel slate-slope site for Riesling, known for delicacy, floral lift, and precise fruit.
Württemberg ANBAUGEBIET broad Württemberg g.U. is a southwestern Anbaugebiet with a strong red-wine identity built around local and Pinot-related…

Italy

Appellation Type Tier Description
Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG top Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG is Veneto's powerful dry red made from dried Valpolicella grapes.
Asti DOCG top Asti DOCG is Piedmont's aromatic Moscato-based sparkling and sweet-wine designation.
Barbaresco DOCG top Barbaresco DOCG is a Langhe Nebbiolo designation often associated with aromatic finesse and earlier approachability than…
Barbera d'Asti DOCG top Barbera d'Asti DOCG is a Piedmont red-wine designation for vivid, high-acid Barbera from Monferrato hills.
Bardolino DOC mid Bardolino DOC is a Lake Garda red and rosé designation for light, fresh Corvina-based wines.
Barolo DOCG top Barolo DOCG is Piedmont's benchmark Nebbiolo designation, known for structure, perfume, and long aging potential.
Bolgheri DOC mid Bolgheri DOC is Tuscany's coastal designation, famous for Bordeaux-variety reds and Mediterranean polish.
Brunello di Montalcino DOCG top Brunello di Montalcino DOCG is a prestigious Tuscan designation for powerful, ageworthy Sangiovese from Montalcino.
Cerasuolo di Vittoria DOCG top Cerasuolo di Vittoria DOCG is Sicily's red DOCG, blending Nero d'Avola depth with Frappato fragrance.
Chianti DOCG top Chianti DOCG is Tuscany's broad Sangiovese-led red-wine designation, covering multiple hills and subzones beyond…
Chianti Classico DOCG top Chianti Classico DOCG is the historic Tuscan core for Sangiovese-based reds between Florence and Siena.
Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG top Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG is the hill-grown Veneto designation for higher-tier Prosecco.
Etna DOC mid Etna DOC is Sicily's volcanic appellation for Nerello Mascalese reds and Carricante-based whites on Mount Etna.
Fiano di Avellino DOCG top Fiano di Avellino DOCG is a Campanian white-wine designation for textured, mineral Fiano from inland hills.
Franciacorta DOCG top Franciacorta DOCG is Italy's benchmark traditional-method sparkling-wine designation from Lombardy's Lake Iseo area.
Gattinara DOCG top Gattinara DOCG is a northern Piedmont Nebbiolo designation from volcanic-influenced hills near the Alps.
Marsala DOC mid Marsala DOC is Sicily's historic fortified-wine designation from the western part of the island.
Primitivo di Manduria DOC mid Primitivo di Manduria DOC is Puglia's best-known Primitivo designation, producing ripe, generous southern Italian reds.
Prosecco DOC mid Prosecco DOC is the broad protected designation for Glera-based sparkling wine across Veneto and Friuli-Venezia Giulia.
Roero DOCG top Roero DOCG is a Piedmont designation for Nebbiolo reds and Arneis whites from sandy hills north of the Tanaro.
Salice Salentino DOC mid Salice Salentino DOC is a southern Puglia designation centered on Negroamaro-based reds and rosés.
Sicilia DOC mid Sicilia DOC is the island-wide designation that frames Sicily's native and international grape wines.
Soave DOC mid Soave DOC is Veneto's classic Garganega-based white-wine designation from hills and plains east of Verona.
Taurasi DOCG top Taurasi DOCG is Campania's powerful Aglianico designation, known for tannic, ageworthy southern Italian reds.
Trentino DOC mid Trentino DOC is an Alpine Italian designation for crisp whites, local reds, and sparkling wines from the province of…
Valpolicella DOC mid Valpolicella DOC is Veneto's red-wine designation for fresh to structured Corvina-based blends near Verona.
Vernaccia di San Gimignano DOCG top Vernaccia di San Gimignano DOCG is Tuscany's classic white-wine designation from the hill town of San Gimignano.
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG top Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG is a historic Tuscan Sangiovese designation from the hills around Montepulciano.

New Zealand

Appellation Type Tier Description
Central Otago GI mid Central Otago GI is New Zealand's inland southern origin, best known for vivid, high-latitude Pinot Noir.
Hawke's Bay GI mid Hawke's Bay GI is a North Island New Zealand origin for Chardonnay, Bordeaux-style blends, and Syrah.
Marlborough GI mid Marlborough GI is New Zealand's largest and most recognizable origin, globally associated with Sauvignon Blanc.
Martinborough GI mid Martinborough GI is a Wairarapa origin known for structured Pinot Noir from gravelly terraces.

Portugal

Appellation Type Tier Description
Alentejo DOC mid Alentejo DOC is a southern Portuguese appellation for generous reds and whites from warm inland landscapes.
Bairrada DOC mid Bairrada DOC is a Portuguese appellation known for tannic Baga reds and traditional-method sparkling wines.
Dão DOC mid Dão DOC is a central Portuguese appellation for elegant reds and mineral whites from granitic uplands.
Douro DOC mid Douro DOC is Portugal's protected origin for dry wines from the terraced Douro Valley.
Madeira DOC mid Madeira DOC is Portugal's island fortified-wine origin, known for high acidity, heat-aged complexity, and longevity.
Porto DOC mid Porto DOC is the protected origin for Port, Portugal's fortified wine from the Douro Valley.
Setúbal DOC mid Setúbal DOC is a Portuguese fortified sweet-wine appellation centered on Moscatel from the Setúbal Peninsula.
Vinho Verde DOC mid Vinho Verde DOC is Portugal's cool, Atlantic-influenced northern origin for fresh, aromatic, high-acid wines.

South Africa

Appellation Type Tier Description
Stellenbosch WO mid Stellenbosch WO is South Africa's historic Cape origin for Cabernet Sauvignon blends, Chenin Blanc, Pinotage, and…

Spain

Appellation Type Tier Description
Bierzo DO mid Bierzo DO is a northwestern Spanish appellation known for Mencía reds and Godello whites from slate and clay slopes.
Jerez-Xérès-Sherry DO mid Jerez-Xérès-Sherry DO is the protected origin for Sherry, Spain's historic fortified-wine system from Andalucía.
La Mancha DO mid La Mancha DO is Spain's vast central appellation, producing broad volumes of red, white, and rosé wine from plateau…
Navarra DO mid Navarra DO is a northern Spanish appellation known for Garnacha rosé, Tempranillo reds, and varied foothill climates.
Penedès DO mid Penedès DO is a Catalan appellation for diverse Mediterranean wines, especially Xarel·lo-based whites and international…
Priorat DOCA top Priorat DOQ is Catalonia's slate-soil classified origin for concentrated Garnacha- and Cariñena-based wines.
Rías Baixas DO mid Rías Baixas DO is Galicia's Atlantic white-wine origin, closely associated with Albariño and saline freshness.
Ribera del Duero DO mid Ribera del Duero DO is a high-plateau Spanish origin for structured Tempranillo-based reds along the Duero River.
Rioja DOCA top Rioja DOCa is Spain's benchmark classified origin for Tempranillo-led reds, age-designated wines, and broader Ebro…
Rueda DO mid Rueda DO is Spain's leading Verdejo appellation, known for crisp, aromatic whites from Castilla y León.
Somontano DO mid Somontano DO is an Aragón appellation at the foot of the Pyrenees, known for diverse varieties and polished modern…
Toro DO mid Toro DO is a Castilla y León appellation for powerful Tempranillo-based reds from the Duero corridor.
Valdepeñas DO mid Valdepeñas DO is a Castilla-La Mancha appellation for Tempranillo-led reds and broad central-Spanish wine styles.

United States

Appellation Type Tier Description
Alexander Valley AVA mid Alexander Valley AVA is a Sonoma legal origin known for Cabernet Sauvignon and warm northern-valley reds.
Anderson Valley AVA mid Anderson Valley AVA is a cool Mendocino origin for Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, aromatic whites, and sparkling wine.
Chehalem Mountains AVA top Chehalem Mountains AVA is a Willamette Valley sub-origin with varied soils, elevations, and Pinot Noir styles.
Columbia Valley AVA top Columbia Valley AVA is the broad legal origin for much of Washington wine and several nested AVAs.
Dry Creek Valley AVA mid Dry Creek Valley AVA is a Sonoma origin famous for Zinfandel, Sauvignon Blanc, and compact valley identity.
Dundee Hills AVA top Dundee Hills AVA is a Willamette Valley sub-origin famous for Pinot Noir from red volcanic Jory soils.
Eola-Amity Hills AVA top Eola-Amity Hills AVA is a Willamette Valley sub-origin shaped by Van Duzer Corridor winds and cool evenings.
Finger Lakes AVA mid Finger Lakes AVA is New York's cool-climate lake-moderated origin for Riesling and other aromatic wines.
Horse Heaven Hills AVA mid Horse Heaven Hills AVA is a Columbia Valley sub-origin known for wind, elevation, and structured reds.
Lake Erie AVA mid Lake Erie AVA is a multi-state Great Lakes origin with lake-moderated vineyards and a long grape-growing history.
Livermore Valley AVA mid Livermore Valley AVA is a San Francisco Bay Area legal origin with a long history and warm inland-valley conditions.
Lodi AVA mid Lodi AVA is a California Delta-influenced origin known for old-vine Zinfandel and broad varietal diversity.
Los Carneros AVA top Los Carneros AVA is a cool San Pablo Bay-influenced origin spanning Napa and Sonoma counties.
Napa Valley AVA top Napa Valley AVA is California's best-known legal wine origin, famous for Cabernet Sauvignon and diverse sub-AVAs.
Paso Robles AVA top Paso Robles AVA is a large Central Coast origin for robust reds, Rhône varieties, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Zinfandel.
Red Mountain AVA top Red Mountain AVA is a small, warm Washington origin for powerful Bordeaux-variety reds.
Russian River Valley AVA top Russian River Valley AVA is a Sonoma origin known for fog-cooled Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
Santa Cruz Mountains AVA top Santa Cruz Mountains AVA is a coastal mountain origin for Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Santa Ynez Valley AVA mid Santa Ynez Valley AVA is a Santa Barbara County legal origin with unusual east-west climate variation.
Sierra Foothills AVA mid Sierra Foothills AVA is a broad California foothill origin tied to Gold Rush history and mountain-influenced reds.
Sonoma County AVA mid Sonoma County is a California county appellation migrated from the legacy region set as legal-origin content.
Texas Hill Country AVA mid Texas Hill Country AVA is a large central Texas legal origin with warm-climate and Mediterranean-variety focus.
Walla Walla Valley AVA top Walla Walla Valley AVA is a Washington-Oregon origin known for Cabernet, Merlot, Syrah, and Rhône varieties.
Willamette Valley AVA top Willamette Valley AVA is Oregon's benchmark legal origin for Pinot Noir and cool-climate wines.
Yakima Valley AVA mid Yakima Valley AVA is Washington's first AVA and a major origin within the broader Columbia Valley.