Spain tops World’s Best Vineyards list for 2024
The Top 50 list of the World’s Best Vineyards has been announced, with a distinctive Spanish property topping the list.
Bodegas De Los Herederos Del Marqués De Riscal in Rioja was ranked number one. Marqués de Riscal was established in 1858 and has become known for its known for its iconic architecture as well as its wines. A luxurious hotel designed by Frank Gehry overlooks the vines and an internationally renowned restaurant on site features local cuisine.
VIK from Chile jumped up one place to second on the list. Its sleek, futuristic design of a reflective titanium roof mirrors the surrounding landscape and blend with the natural beauty of the valley. As well as vineyard tours and wine tastings, visitors can also explore the grounds on horseback.
Third place was awarded to Creation in South Africa, which is renowned for crafting gourmet tasting menus to complement its wines. Creation also offers an educational insight into the winemaking process and vineyard management for wine enthusiasts who wish to delve deeper.
Spain’s Bodegas De Los Herederos Del Marqués De Riscal in Rioja. (Photo by Jun Lee-Unsplash)
Spain’s Bodegas Ysios came in fourth. Known for its high-quality Rioja wines and avant-garde architecture, visitors can book private vineyard tours with a private driver and sommelier to explore the vineyards and wines in depth.
Schloss Johannisberg in Germany, known as the birthplace of Riesling, with over 1,200 years of winemaking history, came in fifth place. The winery was a former monastery rebuilt as a castle in 1716 and is surrounded by vineyards and views of the Rhine River. It offers tours and tastings that provide insight into centuries of winemaking tradition.
The World’s Best Vineyards Continent Winners also included Robert Mondavi Winery in Napa Valley (#16) for North America, D'Arenberg in the McLaren Vale wine region of Australia (#32) for Australasia, and Château Héritage in Lebanon (#35) for Asia.
This year, Catena Zapata, World’s Best Vineyard 2023, entered the World’s Best Vineyards Hall of Fame, which is reserved for vineyards that have topped the winning list in previous years.
Top 10 of the Top 50
1. Bodegas De Los Herederos Del Marqués De Riscal, Spain
2. VIK, Chile
3. Creation, South Africa
4. Bodegas Ysios, Spain
5. Fürst Von Metternich-Winneburg’sche 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.
W: Find the full list at worldsbestvineyards.com
