World’s Best Vineyard Tourism Destinations Announced

The World’s Best Vineyards, which for the first time was held virtually on 13 July 2020, has named Argentina’s Zuccardi Valle de Uco, located in the famed Mendoza wine region, as the top winery destination in the world for the second year in a row. South America and Europe dominated the rest of the 2020 list, with Chile and France identified as the biggest wine tourism hot spots.

Uruguay’s Bodega Garzón was also awarded the same ranking as in 2019, coming in at number 2 once again. Austria’s Domäne Wachau jumped 13 places from last year’s 16th spot, to this year’s number 3.  The top 5 was rounded off by Montes in Chile taking the fourth position and Robert Mondavi Winery in the United States coming in fifth.

These wineries were among those in 18 countries across 5 continents that featured in this year’s Top 50 selection, which also spotlighted first-time winners from India (KRSMA Estates), Bulgaria (Wine Cellar Villa Melnik) and Japan (Château Mercian Mariko Winery). This year’s line-up also included 17 new additions, which had not appeared on previous lists.

The World’s Best Vineyards list aims to raise the profile of wine tourism by showcasing the world’s most incredible, holistic vineyard experiences, hopefully driving traffic to the venues as their doors begin to once again open after a challenging time for the wine tourism industry. These venues have been identified as the best places to taste first-rate wines and learn about winemaking and grape-growing, that also offer breathtaking surrounds, sublime service and top-class amenities and facilities such as restaurants and accommodation options.

Some of the destinations on the list are already revered globally, famous among wine-lovers and jet-setters as must-visit places in the world’s most-loved wine regions. Others are less known, hidden gems that will inspire wanderlust in locations you may not have previously thought of as wine regions.

The 2020 list is brimming with the most diverse range of incredible venues, from modern architectural wonders, to UNESCO-protected ancient cellars, Michelin-starred restaurants, and small, family-run wineries whose owners lead every interaction with the guests. Many of this year’s Top 50 also offer a unique element as part of the experience, such as a horse-drawn vintage carriage tour through the vineyard, tapas to the backdrop of a collection of exquisitely-restored classic cars, art from famed artists like Picasso, and cooking lessons on an open flame.

Organised by William Reed and 2020 host partner Sonoma County Winegrowers, the full list of the World’s Best Vineyards can be found here. The top 10 is as follows: