France stands as the undisputed global leader in fine wine production, establishing the foundation for every major winemaking tradition through centuries of viticultural innovation, terroir understanding, and quality classification systems that serve as models worldwide. The country's wine history spans over 2,000 years, from Roman plantings to medieval monastic development, culminating in the creation of the Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée (AOC) system in 1935 that legally protects regional wine styles and has been emulated by wine regions across the globe. France's major wine regions—Bordeaux (structured reds and sweet wines), Burgundy (elegant Pinot Noir and Chardonnay), Champagne (luxury sparkling wines), Rhône Valley (powerful reds and diverse styles), Loire Valley (crisp whites and food-friendly reds), and Alsace (aromatic whites)—each contribute distinct styles that define international wine categories and set quality benchmarks. In the modern wine world, France maintains its position as both the largest wine consumer and a top producer by volume, while French wine regions, grape varieties, and winemaking techniques continue to influence global wine culture, with terms like "terroir," "cuvée," and "méthode champenoise" becoming universal wine vocabulary. Despite increasing competition from New World producers, France's combination of diverse terroirs, indigenous grape varieties, traditional methods, and unwavering commitment to expressing place over technology ensures its continued relevance as the spiritual and practical heart of the international wine industry.