Despite the fact that the indigenous people in the Americas made alcoholic beverages before European grapes were imported by the Conquistadors, the local vitis genus of grapes were never used to make wine.

The first known attempt to grow vines for wine began in Hispaniola after Columbus’ second voyage in 1594.

Since then, viticulture spread across the region, and wine is now produced in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Mexico, Peru, and Uruguay.

Argentina is the largest producer in the region by far, leading Chile’s annual production by 150%. Brazil, Peru, Uruguay, and Mexico round out the region, in addition to smaller production in Bolivia, Paraguay, and Panama.

See the below graphs for more specifics: