The World’s Best Vineyards has revealed its eagerly awaited Top 50 list for 2024, presenting the ultimate destinations where wine enthusiasts can immerse themselves in outstanding wines, culture, and unforgettable experiences.
The event, held at the breathtaking Nyetimber Estate in West Sussex, brought together an international crowd of winemakers and vineyard owners, each eager to celebrate and showcase the best the world of wine tourism has to offer. This year’s list spans five continents, featuring renowned and hidden-gem wineries alike, with each location recognized not only for the quality of its wines but also for the rich stories, traditions, and unique hospitality they offer.
A Glimpse into the Top 5 Vineyards of 2024
- Bodegas de los Herederos del Marqués de Riscal (Spain) - Best Vineyard in Europe. Topping this year's list is Spain's Bodegas de los Herederos del Marqués de Riscal, located in the heart of Rioja. Known for its avant-garde architecture, designed by the legendary Frank Gehry, Marqués de Riscal stands as a historic and cultural icon. The winery offers visitors an immersive experience, blending traditional Spanish viticulture with innovation, all within a stunning architectural masterpiece.
- VIK (Chile) - Best Vineyard in South America. Nestled in Chile's Millahue Valley, VIK is celebrated for its pioneering approach to wine and sustainability. This vineyard not only produces high-quality wines but also offers a luxury experience with breathtaking views, wellness retreats, and cutting-edge architecture. It’s a place where wine, art, and nature converge to create an inspiring journey for visitors.
- Creation (South Africa) - Best Vineyard in Africa. Set in the beautiful Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge, Creation in South Africa ranks as the best in Africa. Here, visitors experience the harmony of nature through a range of food and wine pairings that reflect the local terroir and ecosystem. Known for its innovative approach, Creation offers a sensory feast, blending the beauty of African landscapes with sustainable viticulture practices.
- Bodegas Ysios (Spain) - Highest Climber. Making a significant leap this year, Bodegas Ysios captures the allure of modern Rioja with an architectural design by Santiago Calatrava. Known for its signature wines and picturesque views of the Sierra Cantabria mountains, Ysios offers an exclusive experience where Spanish tradition meets contemporary aesthetics.
- Domäne Schloss Johannisberg (Germany). A historic German vineyard known as the birthplace of Riesling, Domäne Schloss Johannisberg has roots that trace back to over a millennium. Visitors can enjoy tastings of Rieslings from one of the world’s oldest wine-growing estates while surrounded by beautiful Baroque architecture and vineyard views of the Rhine Valley.
Highlights from Around the World
- Maison Ruinart (France): This historic champagne house, ranking at number six, combines centuries-old winemaking with contemporary art exhibitions in its ancient chalk cellars, which are UNESCO-listed.
- Robert Mondavi Winery (United States) - Best Vineyard in North America: Ranked 16th, this iconic Napa Valley winery has played a pivotal role in elevating American wine on the global stage. Known for its tours and tastings in Oakville, Mondavi offers an authentic Napa experience with a deep focus on wine education.
- d’Arenberg (Australia) - Best Vineyard in Australasia: d’Arenberg is famed for its distinctive “Cube” building, an architectural marvel housing sensory rooms, a 360-degree video room, and a virtual fermenter. Located in South Australia’s McLaren Vale, it provides a blend of fine wines and avant-garde experiences.
Regional Excellence and Special Recognitions
This year’s Top 50 list has recognized some truly unique locations. Tenuta Castelbuono (Italy) was honored as the Highest New Entry, debuting at number 25 with its renowned Carapace Winery designed by artist Arnaldo Pomodoro, showcasing the harmony between art and wine.In addition to these top-ranked vineyards, notable mentions include Finca Victoria (Argentina), where the Durigutti Family invites guests into Argentina’s winemaking traditions, and 98WINEs (Japan), which earned a spot on the list as Japan’s celebrated entry, providing a window into the distinct style of Japanese winemaking.
Here’s the table with the Top 50 Wine Destinations according to World’s Best Vineyards 2024:
| Rank | Vineyard | Country | Special Awards |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bodegas de los Herederos del Marqués de Riscal | Spain | Best Vineyard in Europe |
| 2 | VIK | Chile | Best Vineyard in South America |
| 3 | Creation | South Africa | Best Vineyard in Africa |
| 4 | Bodegas Ysios | Spain | Highest Climber |
| 5 | Domäne Schloss Johannisberg | Germany | |
| 6 | Maison Ruinart | France | |
| 7 | Château Smith Haut Lafitte | France | |
| 8 | Abadía Retuerta | Spain | |
| 9 | Weingut Dr. Loosen | Germany | |
| 10 | Finca Victoria - Durigutti Family Winemakers | Argentina | |
| 11 | Bodega Garzón | Uruguay | |
| 12 | Champagne Bollinger | France | |
| 13 | Château d'Yquem | France | |
| 14 | Tenuta Cavalier Pepe | Italy | |
| 15 | Quinta do Crasto | Portugal | |
| 16 | Robert Mondavi Winery | United States | Best Vineyard in North America |
| 17 | Montes | Chile | |
| 18 | Bodegas Salentein | Argentina | |
| 19 | Viu Manent | Chile | |
| 20 | Ceretto | Italy | |
| 21 | Château Pape Clément | France | |
| 22 | Castello Banfi | Italy | |
| 23 | Bodegas Muga | Spain | |
| 24 | Jordan Vineyard & Winery | United States | |
| 25 | Tenuta Castelbuono (Tenute Lunelli) | Italy | Highest New Entry |
| 26 | Matias Riccitelli | Argentina | |
| 27 | Champagne Billecart-Salmon | France | |
| 28 | Quinta do Bomfim (Symington Family Estates) | Portugal | |
| 29 | El Enemigo Wines | Argentina | |
| 30 | Marqués de Murrieta Estates & Wines | Spain | |
| 31 | Bodegas Vivanco | Spain | |
| 32 | d'Arenberg | Australia | Best Vineyard in Australasia |
| 33 | Domäne Wachau | Austria | |
| 34 | González Byass – Bodegas Tio Pepe | Spain | |
| 35 | Château Héritage | Lebanon | Best Vineyard in Asia |
| 36 | Quinta do Noval | Portugal | |
| 37 | Magill Estate (Penfolds) | Australia | |
| 38 | Bodega Bouza | Uruguay | |
| 39 | Bodega DiamAndes | Argentina | |
| 40 | Bodega Colomé | Argentina | |
| 41 | Klein Constantia Winery | South Africa | |
| 42 | M. Chapoutier | France | |
| 43 | Szepsy Winery | Hungary | |
| 44 | Duckhorn Vineyards | United States | |
| 45 | Gramona | Spain | |
| 46 | Château Kefraya | Lebanon | |
| 47 | Maison Pommery (Champagne) | France | |
| 48 | 98WINEs | Japan | |
| 49 | Viña Casas del Bosque | Chile | |
| 50 | Gusbourne | England |
The Growing Importance of Wine Tourism
As wine tourism continues to thrive, World’s Best Vineyards' Top 50 list brings visibility to wineries that have created environments where wine becomes an experience—through stunning landscapes, unique architectures, culinary pairings, and cultural narratives. This list not only honors winemaking excellence but also highlights the dedication of vineyards worldwide to deliver memorable experiences, connecting visitors with the roots, culture, and soul of each region.Source: World’s Best Vineyards