Rippon named in World’s Best Vineyards 2023

Central Otago winery Rippon has been recognised as one of the best in the world, placing 11th in the World’s Best Vineyards list for 2023 and the only New Zealand winery to be named in the Top 50.

The list of the world’s top wine destinations for 2023 was revealed at an event held in Rioja, Spain. The extensive list is designed to showcase the very best of wine tourism, highlighting the world’s finest and diverse vineyards across the globe.

Catena Zapata in Argentina (source: World’s Best Vineyards)

Catena Zapata in the Mendoza province of Argentina was voted number one and also won overall South American vineyard. Founded in 1902, it is known for its pioneering role in reinventing Malbec.  

Rioja’s Bodegas de los Herederos del Marqués de Riscal with its stunning, futuristic architecture and impressive setting came in second place and took the spot for top vineyard in Europe. Chilean vineyard, VIK jumped one place to third and Creation in South Africa, took fourth place and was named overall African winner.

The Top 50 list is compiled from all the nominations by the global academy of voters. The world is split into geographical regions, each headed up by an acknowledged expert as the Academy Chair. Each Academy Chair is responsible for recruiting 36 wine and travel experts. Each member of the Voting Academy must vote for seven vineyards. There is no pre-determined checklist of criteria or predefined list to choose from – each vote is a nomination for a vineyard experience open to the public that they deem to truly be the best in the world.

This year, Antinori nel Chianti Classico (Marchesi Antinori), Best Vineyard in the World 2022, has entered into the World’s Best Vineyards Hall of Fame, which is reserved for vineyards that have topped the winning list.

The Top 20 World’s Best Vineyards for 2023 are:

1. Catena Zapata – Mendoza, Argentina
2. Bodegas de los Herederos del Marques de Riscal – Spain
3. VIK – Chile
4. Creation – South Africa
5. Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte – France
6. Bodega Garzon – Uruguay
7. Montes –Chile
8. Schloss Johannisberg – Germany
9. Bodegas Salentein – Argentina
10. El Enemigo Wines – Argentina
11. Rippon – New Zealand
12. Weingut Dr. Loosen – Germany
13. Finca Victoria, Durigutti Family Winemakers – Argentina
14. Domäne Wachau – Austria
15. Quinta do Crasto – Portugal
16. Quinta do Noval – Portugal
17. d'Arenberg – Australia
18. Château d'Yquem – France
19. Château Pape Clément – France
20. Jordan Vineyard & Winery – USA 

W: Visit here for the full list of the World’s Best Vineyards 2023