This post is all about the 2023 Top 50 World’s Best Vineyards.
If you’re planning a wine trip any time soon, then you must check out the 2023 World’s Best Vineyards list.
As a wine lover and avid wine traveler, I am excited to see that I have been to 6 of the Top 50 World’s Best Vineyards including the #1 Vineyard in the World.
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Voting Criteria
Before getting into the list, let’s talk about how the list is awarded. According to the World’s Best Vineyards, the list is curated by 500 travel and wine tourism experts including sommeliers, journalists, and travel experts called the Academy. They follow strict voting guidelines, such as remaining anonymous, having visited nominated vineyards since 2018, and prioritizing the overall vineyard experience rather than just the winemaker.
To learn more about The World’s Best Vineyards and the voting process check their website here.
Now let’s get into the list!
2023 Top 50 World’s Best Vineyards
1. Catena Zapata, Argentina
2. Bodegas de los Herederos del Marqués de Riscal, Spain
3. Vik, Chile
4. Creation Wines, South Africa
5. Château Smith Haut Lafitte, France
6. Bodega Garzón, Uruguay
7. Montes, Chile
8. Domäne Schloss Johannisberg, Germany
9. Bodegas Salentein, Argentina
10. El Enemigo Wines, Argentina
11. Rippon, New Zealand; Australasia
12. Weingut Dr. Loosen, Germany
13. Finca Victoria – Durigutti Family Winemakers, Argentina *Highest new entry*
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, US
21. González Byass – Bodegas Tio Pepe, Spain
22. Maison Ruinart, France
23. Champagne Bollinger, France *New entry*
24. Bodega Colomé, Argentina
25. Viñedos de Alcohuaz, Chile *New entry*
26. Henschke, Australia
27. Abadía Retuerta, Spain
28. Brooks Wine, US *New entry*
29. Ceretto, Italy
30. Bodega Bouza, Uruguay *New entry*
31. Champagne Billecart-Salmon, France
32. Klein Constantia Winery, South Africa
33. Château Pichon Baron, France
34. Château de Beaucastel, France *New entry*
35. Szepsy Winery, Hungary *New entry*
36. Delaire Graff Estate, South Africa
37. Viña Casas del Bosque, Chile
38. Château Mercian Mariko Winery, Japan
39. Clos Apalta, Chile
40. Graham’s Port Lodge, Portugal
41. Château Kefraya, Lebanon *New entry*
42. Quinta do Seixo (Sandeman), Portugal
43. Viu Manent, Chile
44. Penfolds Magill Estate, Australia
45. Disznókő, Hungary *New entry*
46. Veuve Clicquot, France *New entry*
47. Château Mukhrani, Georgia *New entry*
48. Bodega Diamandes, Argentina *New entry*
49. Bodegas Muga, Spain *New entry*
50. Viña Errázuriz, Chile *New entry*
Vineyards That I Have Visited
I feel so lucky to have traveled far and wide to explore the world of wine. These are the 6 vineyards that I have visited from the 2023 Top 50 World’s Best Vineyards:
Catena Zapata, Argentina
I visited the Catena Zapata winery on a press trip with Winebow in March of 2023. The vineyard is absolutely stunning and the architecture of the winery is so unique. Nicolás Catena was unimpressed with the European designs that were presented and decided to pull inspiration from Mayan temples in Guatemala. While visiting Catena Zapata, I also ate at the brand-new restaurant Angelica, which has a wine-first approach.
El Enemigo Wines, Argentina
El Enemigo is another winery that I visited on a press trip with Winebow. El Enemigo translates to “enemy” in Spanish and the wines are a tribute to internal battles that make us who we are. Winemaker Alejandro Vigil and historian Adrianna Catena (yes, the same Catena) craft wines that challenge the status quo with a focus on Cabernet Franc. The orchards are the property are lovely and the energy here is vibrant. Stay for dinner if you can!
Clos Apalta, Chile
Clos Apalta is nestled in the Colachagua, Valley of Chile. It was founded by the same family that creat Grand Marnier with the goal of creating high-quality Bordeaux-style blends in Chile. The wood staves of the winery emerge from the rolling hills and picturesque vineyards. While I was there, the family was remodeling and increasing the number of casitas on the property to host tourists. The wine was magnificent, but I have to say my fondest memory is learning to make pisco sours with the CEO Charles de Bournet (of course with a little Grand Marnier.)
González Byass – Bodegas Tio Pepe, Spain
During my solo trip to Spain, I took a day trip from the beach town of Cadiz to visit the Triangle of Sherry. Bodegas Tio Pepe, owned by Gonzalez Byass is one of the most historic sherry producers dating back to 1836. The Bodega Tio Pepe tour was one of the most memorable tours I have ever been on. It was very informative taking you through the brand’s rich history and thoroughly explaining the intricate process to producer sherry. It was fascinating to see the solera stacked high. The tour ended with a tasting of some of the most famous wines.
Veuve Clicquot
I visited Champagne on a trip with my best friend several years ago. I was fresh out of college and didn’t know much about wine at the time. I just knew that if we stopped in Paris, then we had to take the train to Champagne. I credit this trip for helping me fall in love with wine. Unfortunately, we were too take and missed the tour, but we stayed for a class of Champagne in the tasting room.
Gramham’s Port Lodge
During my most recent visit, I had the pleasure of exploring Graham’s Port Lodge as part of a press trip with Symington Estate. The brand boasts a rich history that can be thoroughly explored at the museum in the visitors’ center. Following the informative tour and tasting, don’t miss the opportunity to savor a delectable meal while taking in the stunning views at the on-site restaurant, Vinum.
Conclusion
The post was all about the 2023 Top 50 World’s Best Vineyards.
This list has officially become my bucket list for wine travel. I can’t wait to check more off the list!
Have you visited any of the vineyards on the list? Which one would you like to visit?
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