Rioja announces the year’s most celebrated vineyards worldwide from the heart of Spain’s iconic wine region. The 2023 “World’s Best Vineyards” accolade, amid considerable anticipation, was unveiled before an audience of 125 esteemed guests in a grand evening gala.
The annual listing celebrates the pinnacle of viticultural destinations, providing an illustrious guide for oenophiles and globetrotters alike. The top honour was awarded to Argentina’s Catena Zapata. This distinguished vineyard, renowned for its trailblazing efforts to reinvent Malbec, clinched the global first position and the title of the preeminent vineyard of South America.
Bodegas de los Herederos del Marqués de Riscal in Rioja took second place, and Best Vineyard in Europe.
However, the host country, Spain, caused a sensation. Bodegas de los Herederos del Marqués de Riscal, a Rioja vineyard celebrated for its awe-inspiring, futuristic architecture, seized second place and the esteemed title of Europe’s leading vineyard. Chile’s VIK and South Africa’s Creation claimed the third and fourth spots, the latter also emerging as Africa’s overall champion.
This year, Argentina showcased a formidable presence in the top 10 with Catena Zapata, Bodegas Salentein, and El Enemigo Wines. At the same time, the highest new entry was bestowed upon Mendoza’s Finca Victoria, debuting at number 13.
European vineyards dominated the list, making up almost half of the entries, with France boasting the most wineries – nine in total, including the famed champagne houses of Maison Ruinart, Bollinger, Billecart-Salmon, and Veuve Clicquot. The 2023 edition also welcomed newcomers from Hungary, Georgia, and Lebanon.
Château Mercian Mariko Winery of Japan, Rippon from Central Otago, New Zealand, and California’s Jordan Vineyard and Winery, nestled in the Alexander Valley of Sonoma County, took top honours for their respective continents.
The preceding year’s global winner, Italy’s Antinori nel Chianti Classico, joined the prestigious ranks of the World’s Best Vineyards Hall of Fame this year, a distinction reserved for previous winners.
Hosted at Bodegas Beronia, the celebration gathered global media within the heart of Rioja Alta, a region recognized for its pioneering sustainability efforts. Spain displayed a remarkable performance as host, with two vineyards, Bodegas de los Herederos del Marqués de Riscal and Bodegas Muga, gracing the top 50.
Andrew Reed, Managing Director of Wine and Exhibitions at William Reed, lauded the event and its contribution to global wine tourism. At the same time, Fernando Ezquerro, Chairman of the QDO Rioja Regulatory Board, expressed his pride at Rioja’s strong showing, affirming its position as Spain’s premier wine region and a vibrant hub for wine tourism.
For enthusiasts desiring to delve deeper, the list of the world’s top vineyards, including ranks 51-100, can be discovered at www.worldsbestvineyards.com.
Written by: Bridget Gomez
