The World's Best Vineyards list recognises the best wine tourism destinations across the globe. At this year’s presentation in Rioja, Spain, the ranking of the 50 Best for the coming year was announced.
There was great excitement ahead of the announcement of the best 50 wine destinations in the world at the Beronia winery in the Spanish region of Rioja. Top wineries from all corners of the earth presented their wines to the invited VIPs and then took their seats on the red carpet in front of the winery. With charm and wit, Englishman Tim Atkin MW led the presentation of the most beautiful wine tourism destinations the world has to offer. In the end, Catena Zapata from Argentina came in first with winemaker Laura Catena, who had travelled to the event in person, receiving a standing ovation. The Mayan temple-inspired winery in the shape of a pyramid alone is an attraction, but the wines of the family, which Laura presented personally ahead of the announcement, are even more so.
In second place among the World's Best Vineyards is Marques de Riscal in Rioja, one of the most spectacular wine-tourism buildings in Europe. Designed by the Canadian Frank O. Gehry, the wine hotel with its curved, gleaming façade has long been an icon of modern wine architecture. In third place, Chile is represented by the VIK winery, which not only has an architecturally outstanding winery, but also a luxury hotel. With its gleaming roof construction, it is reminiscent of the Rioja icon in the previous rank.
Destinations in the German-speaking countries were also honoured: in 14th place on this year's list was the Austrian Domäne Wachau; in 12th place the Dr. Loosen wine estate on the Mosel; and in eighth place Schloss Johannisberg in the Rheingau.
The Top 50 list of the World’s Best Vineyards is determined by wine tourism experts from a wide range of countries and regions. Each region is headed by a chairperson who recruits 36 wine and travel experts in his or her region to vote that year. There is no set checklist of criteria or predefined list from which to choose. The experts are therefore free to pick from wineries they have recently visited and which are open to the public.
