Rosé wine production surges globally as consumer preferences shift and premium offerings expand

Rosé wine has seen a significant rise in popularity over the past two decades, even as overall global wine consumption has declined. Once considered a niche product, rosé now accounts for about 9.5% of global still wine production, which equaled 21.8 million hectoliters in 2021. This growth is notable across all major wine-producing countries, with France, Spain, the United States, and Italy leading the way.

France remains the largest producer of rosé, responsible for 30% of global output. Provence is widely recognized as the heart of French rosé production, known for its dry, pale pink wines with fresh fruit and herbal notes. However, other French regions also contribute distinct styles. The AOP Tavel in the southern Rhône is unique as it produces only rosé wines, which are known for their power and aging potential. Languedoc-Roussillon offers robust rosés that are still underrepresented internationally but provide good value. The Loire Valley produces lighter rosés from Cabernet Franc or Pinot Noir, marked by lively acidity and red fruit aromas.

Spain holds 21% of the global rosé market. Spanish rosados have gained traction due to their favorable price-to-quality ratio. Rioja is perhaps the best-known region for Spanish rosé, offering wines with a balance of fruit and acidity. Navarra produces fuller-bodied rosés from Garnacha grapes, while Penedès is known for light and fresh styles that are especially popular in summer.

The United States contributes 10% to global rosé production. California’s White Zinfandel is a well-known example, though it is technically a semi-dry rosé rather than a white wine. California also produces elegant Pinot Noir-based rosés, a style echoed in Oregon’s Willamette Valley. In New York’s Finger Lakes region, winemakers craft fresh and acidic rosés from Cabernet Franc and Pinot Noir.

Italy matches the U.S. with 10% of global production. Bardolino Chiaretto from Veneto is one of Italy’s most recognized rosés, made on the western shore of Lake Garda and noted for its cherry and almond notes. On the eastern shore in Lombardy, Valtènesi produces floral and mineral-driven rosatos from Groppelo grapes. Abruzzo’s Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo uses Montepulciano to create deeply colored and flavorful rosés.

Beyond these four countries, other regions have developed their own approaches to rosé. In Germany, specialties like Weißherbst—made from a single red grape variety from one vineyard—and Rotling—a blend of white and red grapes fermented together—offer unique profiles not found elsewhere. Australia’s Adelaide Hills and Yarra Valley produce both fruity and elegant styles using Pinot Noir and Grenache. South Africa’s Stellenbosch region favors robust rosés from Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz, while Franschhoek leans toward more refined examples made from Pinot Noir and Pinotage.

The growing interest in rosé can be attributed to several factors. From 2002 to 2019, global consumption increased by 23%. Rosé wines offer a wide range of styles—from dry to sweet and pale to vibrant—appealing to diverse consumer preferences. While traditionally associated with summer, rosé is increasingly enjoyed year-round due to its versatility with food pairings. There is also a trend toward premiumization, with more producers focusing on high-quality offerings that command higher prices.

Rosé has proven particularly attractive to younger consumers who may be new to wine. The category also encourages innovation in production methods, packaging, and marketing strategies. As a result, retailers see opportunities for growth by expanding their selection of rosé wines.

The international rise of rosé reflects changing tastes among wine drinkers worldwide and highlights how producers across continents are adapting to meet this demand with an ever-widening array of styles and expressions.