Spain topped the list with Bodegas De Los Herederos Del Marqués De Riscal, from Rioja, voted number one in World’s Best Vineyards 2024
The World’s Best Vineyards, run by multimedia company William Reed, has revealed its list for this year’s top 50 wine destinations, showcasing wineries that provide ‘unforgettable’ wine experiences and promote wine culture. Two Australian wineries made the cut, with Penfolds’ Magill Estate coming in at number 37, and d’Arenberg ranking at number 32, as well as collecting the title of Best Vineyard in Australasia.
The Top 50 list was announced at the Nyetimber Estate in West Sussex, UK at an event on Monday, attended by winemakers and vineyard owners from around the globe.
This year, the top spot went to Bodegas De Los Herederos Del Marqués De Riscal, Rioja. Marqués de Riscal was established in 1858 and is known not only for its wines, but also its iconic architecture. Visitors can stay in the luxurious hotel designed by Frank Gehry overlooking the vines and enjoy a wine paired dinner at the internationally renowned restaurant.
VIK from Chile also jumped up by one place to 2nd on the list, claiming the World’s Best Vineyards Continent Winner – South America award with its sleek, futuristic design of a reflective titanium roof that mirrors the surrounding landscape. As well as vineyard tours and wine tastings, visitors can also explore the grounds on horseback.
In 3rd place was Creation in South Africa, also named the World’s Best Vineyards Continent Winner – Africa. Creation offers an educational insight into the winemaking process and vineyard management for wine enthusiasts who wish to delve deeper into the world of wine.
Bodegas Ysios came in 4th place, known for its Rioja wines and avant-garde architecture, and was also awarded Highest Climber, having climbed 67 places from last year. Visitors can book private vineyard tours with a private driver and sommelier to explore the vineyards and wines in depth.
Schloss Johannisberg, Germany, known as ‘the birthplace of Riesling’, with over 1,200 years of winemaking history, came in 5th place. The winery was a former monastery rebuilt as a castle in 1716 and is surrounded by vineyards and breathtaking views of the Rhine River. It offers tours and tastings that provide insight into centuries of winemaking tradition.
Spain had the most vineyards in the top 10 this year with three vineyards in the top 10, two of which are from Rioja. Overall, it had eight vineyards in the top 50.
France and Germany both had two entrants in the top 10, with France totalling eight vineyards in the top 50. Half of France’s top vineyards are Champagne houses, including Maison Ruinart (number six), Champagne Bollinger (number 12), Champagne Billecart-Salmon (number 27) and Maison Pommery (number 47).
There were 28 vineyards from Europe in this year’s list, 12 from South America, three from North America, three from Asia, two from Africa, and two from Australasia.
The World’s Best Vineyards Continent Winners also included Robert Mondavi Winery in Napa Valley, United States for North America, D’Arenberg in the McLaren Vale wine region of Australia for Australasia and Château Héritage in Lebanon for Asia.
This year, Catena Zapata, World’s Best Vineyard 2023, entered the World’s Best Vineyards Hall of Fame, which is reserved for vineyards that have topped the winning list in previous years.
“This annual ranking recognises the unique experiences that these vineyards offer, from stunning landscapes and rich histories to extraordinary restaurants and vineyard tours,” said Andrew Reed, managing director wine and exhibitions at William Reed, the company behind the competition. “The top 50 vineyards exemplify excellence, innovation, and a commitment to quality, guiding wine enthusiasts to explore both hidden gems and renowned estates.”
Top 50 results:
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