Regions are specific geographical areas known for producing wine. Where a grape is grown has a significant role in determining what that grape will taste like as wine. Several regions like Bordeaux, Burgundy, and the Rhône Valley are so well known that wine produced there is considered a characteristic style of that location.

American Viticultural Area, commonly referred to by its acronym AVA, is the geographically based classification system used in the United States to delineate specific growing regions. Unlike classification systems employed elsewhere in the world that impose clear limits on varietals that may be used, crop yields or ripeness levels, AVAs are generated according to topography, microclimate, soil composition and, in some cases, elevation. Boundaries of growing region are also required to be depicted on US Geological Survey maps.

The Anderson Valley is located in Mendocino County about 10-15 miles from the Pacific coastline. It encompasses the towns of Navarro, Philo, Booneville, and Yorkville. The valley cuts through the coastal mountain range and as a result cool ocean breezes cause large swings between daytime and nighttime temperatures.

Atlas Peak became recognized as an AVA in 1992. The AVA stands in the Vaca Mountain Range in eastern Napa overlooking the town of Yountville. James Reed Harris first planted the area in 1870 and by 1893; he had 47 acres dedicated to grape production. Viticulture ceased during the prohibition era and nearly all the vineyards were removed or suffered from neglect during this period. While some grapes were planted at Mead Ranch in 1940, it wasn't until 1981 when grape cultivation began in earnest.

Australia is a large wine producer with several regions.

Beaujolais is a growing region in eastern France. While sometimes grouped together with Burgundy because of geographical proximity, the areas are distinct in terms of climate, soil composition and winemaking styles.

Currently, over 98% of the 50,000 acres planted in the region are devoted to Gamay Noir. The remaining 2% is planted to Chardonnay with tiny amounts of Aligote, Pinot Noir and Syrah under vine.

Bordeaux is perhaps the best known wine region in the world. The Bordeaux region is located in the southwestern portion of France and surrounds the town of the same name. Bordeaux contains 56 smaller appellations within its boundaries. A small percentage of wineries, typically known as First Growths, bring Bordeaux its fame. Some general appellation wines can be of poor quality, but overall this region offers a large selection of high quality wines.

Burgundy is the queen of French wine. The region lies along the Saône River in eastern France and stretches from just north of Lyon in its southern regions to just south of Dijon in the northern part. The region of Chablis, famed for its crisp non-barrel aged white wines, is also a part of Burgundy and lies halfway between Paris and Dijon near Auxerre.

California is the largest grape producing state in the U.S. It has many viticultural areas, a broad range of climates, and grows many of the world's grape varietals.