Top 50 Wineries Offer Unforgettable Wine Experiences

The 2024 ranking of the World's Best Vineyards has been revealed, showcasing the top 50 wineries around the globe known for offering remarkable wine tourism experiences. The announcement was made at an event hosted by Nyetimber Estate, a scenic vineyard in West Sussex, England, attended by winemakers and vineyard owners from around the world. This year, Spain's Bodegas de los Herederos del Marqués de Riscal in La Rioja claimed the top position. Founded in 1858, Marqués de Riscal is celebrated not only for its exceptional wines but also for its striking architecture, featuring a luxury hotel designed by Frank Gehry with views over the vineyards, as well as an acclaimed restaurant serving locally inspired cuisine paired with their wines.

In second place is VIK in Chile, awarded Best Vineyard in South America. Known for its futuristic architecture with a titanium roof that blends with the surrounding valley, VIK offers vineyard tours, wine tastings, and horseback rides around the estate. A striking water mirror with a unique river rock sculpture adds to the experience, marking VIK as an exceptional destination. Third place went to Creation in South Africa, recognized as Africa's Best Vineyard. Surrounded by mountains and native fynbos vegetation, Creation offers a gourmet tasting menu expertly paired with its wines, providing visitors with an immersive journey into the vineyard's winemaking process.

Bodegas Ysios in La Rioja secured fourth place, earning the title of this year's highest climber, jumping 67 positions from last year. Known for its avant-garde architecture by Santiago Calatrava and high-quality wines, Ysios offers private tours with a sommelier, providing an in-depth look at their vineyards and winemaking techniques. In fifth place, Schloss Johannisberg in Germany is regarded as the birthplace of Riesling, with over 1,200 years of winemaking history. The vineyard, once a monastery transformed into a castle in 1716, overlooks the Rhine River and offers guided tours and tastings that highlight its centuries-old wine traditions.

Spain ranks prominently in the top 10 with three wineries, including two from La Rioja, and has a total of eight wineries in the top 50. France and Germany each have two wineries in the top 10, with France also securing eight spots in the top 50, primarily from the Champagne region, including Maison Ruinart at sixth and Champagne Bollinger at twelfth. Europe leads the list with 28 wineries, followed by 12 in South America, three in North America, three in Asia, two in Africa, and two in Australasia.

Additional continental winners include Robert Mondavi Winery in Napa Valley, recognized as North America's Best Vineyard; D'Arenberg in McLaren Vale, Australia, named Best Vineyard in Australasia; and Château Héritage in Lebanon, awarded Best Vineyard in Asia. Last year's winner, Catena Zapata, has been inducted into the World's Best Vineyards Hall of Fame, honoring wineries that have previously topped the rankings.

Andrew Reed, managing director of Wine & Exhibitions at William Reed, praised the 2024 list, emphasizing its recognition of global wine tourism excellence. He highlighted how these wineries offer unique experiences, from impressive landscapes and rich histories to exceptional dining and vineyard tours, and noted that the top 50 vineyards exemplify innovation and dedication to quality, guiding wine enthusiasts to explore both renowned estates and hidden gems.

World's Best Vineyards 2024 Top 50