Awards

2024 World’s Best Vineyards announced with three SA wineries landing top 100 spots

The 2024 World’s Best Vineyards have been announced, with Spain’s Bodegas De Los Herederos Del Marqués De Riscal leading the pack.

The 2024 World’s Best Vineyards rankings have been unveiled, showcasing the premier global destinations for wine lovers. The announcement came during a grand event held at the scenic Nyetimber Estate in West Sussex, with Bodegas De Los Herederos Del Marqués De Riscal in Rioja, Spain, claiming the coveted number one position (pictured above).

Spain dominated the top rankings for another year, with three of its vineyards making the top ten and eight within the top 50. France and Germany also had strong showings with notable placements, including France’s Maison Ruinart taking the sixth spot.

The awards ceremony, which took place on November 4th 2024, was a gathering point for distinguished vineyard owners and winemakers from around the world. This event not only celebrated quality and innovation in wine production but also the efforts of vineyards to provide exceptional visitor experiences that weave together luxury accommodation, fine dining, and innovative architectural design.

Bodgeas De Los Herederos Del Marqués De Riscal, besides producing award-winning wines, is renowned for its striking building designed by Frank Gehry. The vineyard offers a luxury hotel experience coupled with a fine dining restaurant, making it a holistic destination for both wine enthusiasts and tourists seeking a blend of wine culture and architectural excellence.

Following closely, VIK in Chile, ranking second, has received attention for its modernistic designs and breathtaking integration into the natural landscape. The vineyard offers extensive tours and the unique opportunity to explore the grounds on horseback. South Africa’s Creation took third place, recognised not only for its exquisite wines but also its gourmet tasting menus designed to complement its wine selection.

The magnificent water mirror featuring an imaginative river rock sculptural installation at VIK, 2nd place winner
The beautiful Creation, 3rd place winner, surrounded by fynbos-clad mountains and rivers


The event highlighted regions from around the world, with winners across different continents including Robert Mondavi Winery in the United States and D’Arenberg in South Australia.

D’Arenberg was one of only two Australian vineyards to make the top 50 list, coming in at number 32. Following closely behind was Penfolds Magill Estate, which landed number 37.

Only one other Australian winery made the Top 100 rankings. It was another iconic South Australian destination, Seppeltsfield in the Barossa, which was awarded the 84th position.

Andrew Reed, Managing Director at William Reed, stressed the significance of these awards in guiding wine tourism. He stated, “We are thrilled to unveil the World’s Best Vineyards 2024, celebrating the finest vineyards across the globe. This annual ranking recognises the unique experiences that these vineyards offer, from stunning landscapes and rich histories to extraordinary restaurants and vineyard tours.”

The selection process for the top 50 list is rigorous, involving a global academy of wine and travel experts who each nominate vineyard experiences that provide more than just wine tasting but a memorable encounter with the wine-making cultural heritage.

Bodegas Ysios, 4th place, with its iconic roof designed by Santiago Calatrava
The historical castle of Schloss Johannisberg, awarded 5th place at this year’s World’s Best Vineyards


As the host of this year’s event, Nyetimber was selected for its prestige in crafting exceptional English sparkling wine, aligning perfectly with the event’s theme of exceptional quality and hospitality in wine production.

The list of top vineyard destinations is available on the World’s Best Vineyards website, enabling wine lovers to explore and plan visits to some of the most renowned wine-producing estates worldwide. This recognition not only boosts tourism but also reinforces the symbiotic relationship between wine production and regional cultural heritage, preserving and promoting wine culture on a global stage.

Find out more at https://www.worldsbestvineyards.com

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