Portugal Tops Global Rankings: Top Wine Consuming Countries 2024 Data Revealed

Global wine consumption has hit a 60-year low, yet a few nations are still raising their glasses high. According to a fascinating new study by Visual Capitalist, despite the downward trend, the world still drinks over 210 million hectoliters—roughly 4.7 billion gallons—of wine every year.

Portugal Unrivaled in Top Wine Consuming Countries 2024

At the summit of the list, Portugal has emerged as the world’s most dedicated wine consumer. In 2024, the average Portuguese citizen drank 61.1 liters of wine. This puts the nation miles ahead of its neighbors, with second-place Italy at 42.7 liters and France in third at 41.5 liters.

The dominance of Western Europe is unmistakable. Aside from Australia in sixth place (24.5 liters), the entire top 10 is composed of European nations like Switzerland, Austria, and Germany. This suggests that despite changing health consciousness, the cultural fabric of wine remains strongest in its traditional heartlands.

The Price of a Pour: Why Portugal Leads

What’s the secret behind Portugal's massive numbers? It’s not just culture; it’s economics. The country boasts one of the lowest Value-Added Tax (VAT) rates on wine in the EU, sitting at just 13%. Combined with massive local production, wine is both accessible and affordable.

Contrast this with the rest of the world. The United States averages only 11.8 liters per capita. In Asia, the figures drop even lower, with China consuming a mere 0.5 liters per person annually.