Marqués de Riscal Becomes First Spanish Winery in World’s Best Vineyards Hall of Fame

Marqués de Riscal has become the first Spanish winery to join the Hall of Fame of the World’s Best Vineyards, an exclusive group that recognizes the most influential wine estates worldwide. This recognition follows Marqués de Riscal’s selection as the World’s Best Vineyard in 2024, a title awarded by the international World’s Best Vineyards organization. The Hall of Fame includes only a handful of wineries: Marchesi Antinori from Italy, Zuccardi and Catena Zapata from Argentina, and now Marqués de Riscal from Spain.

The Hall of Fame distinction is reserved for wineries that have reached the top position in the annual ranking and have demonstrated consistent excellence over several years. Marqués de Riscal earned this honor after being named the second-best vineyard globally in 2021, 2022, and 2023, before finally taking the top spot in 2024. According to the rules of the competition, once a winery is named number one, it enters the Hall of Fame and is no longer eligible for future rankings, cementing its status among the elite.

Founded in 1858 in Elciego, Rioja Alavesa, Marqués de Riscal has a long history of innovation in Spanish winemaking. It was the first winery in Rioja to use Bordeaux winemaking techniques and also the first to bottle wine in Rioja, starting with its 1862 vintage. In 1895, it became the first non-French wine to receive international recognition at the Bordeaux Exhibition. Over time, Marqués de Riscal expanded its reach by using new transportation methods such as railways and steamships to export its wines.

Innovation remains central to Marqués de Riscal’s identity. In 1970, it became a pioneer in Rueda by producing white wines in that region. In 2006, it opened the Marqués de Riscal City of Wine complex, which includes a hotel designed by architect Frank O. Gehry. This building has become an icon of wine tourism in Spain and attracts more than 100,000 visitors each year.

The winery’s commitment to offering unique experiences for visitors played a key role in its recent awards. Its global marketing campaign “RISK ALL” was recognized as Spain’s Best National Marketing Campaign at the International Wine Challenge. These achievements have helped solidify Marqués de Riscal’s reputation as a leader not only in winemaking but also in hospitality and tourism.

With this latest honor, Marqués de Riscal stands alongside some of the most respected names in global viticulture. The Hall of Fame status highlights its influence on both Spanish and international wine culture. The recognition also reflects decades of dedication to quality and innovation, as well as a willingness to take risks that has defined the winery since its founding.

Today, Marqués de Riscal exports its wines around the world and continues to be recognized for their quality. Its entry into the Hall of Fame marks a significant milestone for Spanish wine on the global stage and confirms Marqués de Riscal’s place among the world’s most important wineries.