Wines are usually named by either their grape variety or their place of production.

Often Old World or European wines are named for the place of production and grapes do not normally appear on the label while New World wines, ie wines from everywhere but Europe, are generally named for the grape variety, however market recognition of such wines from particular regions are gaining in importance and prominence.

Historically wines are known by the names that reflect their origin and sometimes style. Bordeaux, Rioja, Chianti etc are legally defined names reflecting traditional wines produced in the named region. These naming conventions or appellations dictate not only where the grapes in a wine were grown but also which grapes went into which wines and how they were vinified.