Top Vineyards of 2020 Unveiled

The soothing sound of wine being poured into a glass has been one of the few simple joys during the extended lockdown. But what could be better than savoring it on a sun-drenched terrace at a vineyard?

The World’s Best Vineyards awards, designed to celebrate excellence in wine tourism, were supposed to take place this year in the picturesque Sonoma County wine region of California. However, given the year 2020, the winners were instead announced online.

One thing remained unchanged during this turbulent year: South America continues to be the top destination for vineyard getaways (once travel is possible again).

For the second consecutive year, Zuccardi Valle de Uco, an Argentinian winery located in the heart of Uco Valley at the base of the Andes, took home the top prize. Founded in 1963, this family-run winery is renowned for producing “precision-crafted high-altitude wines” in a stunning, modernist winery.

Bodega Garzón in Uruguay, which secured second place again, earned high praise for its leadership in sustainability. The winery offers an exceptional array of tastings and events, with its 120-seat restaurant serving Uruguayan cuisine while offering sweeping views of the surrounding countryside.

Located in Uruguay's Maldonado region, Bodega Garzon is nestled along the country's beautiful coastline.

Bodega Garzón is situated in the coastal region of Maldonado, Uruguay.

No set criteria, no checklist.

The awards are determined by nominations from a global Voting Academy consisting of over 500 wine professionals. The world is divided into 18 regions, each represented by 36 experts, ensuring a diverse and fair selection process.

"There’s no fixed checklist or specific criteria," explained Andrew Reed, the founder of the awards, while kicking off the live-streamed event. "The experience includes many factors such as the tour, the tasting, the ambiance, the architecture, the wine, the food, the staff, the view... and much more."

South America claimed five spots in the top 20, with Chile’s Montes and Viña Vik ranking 4th and 10th respectively. Argentina's Catena Zapata, renowned for its pyramid-shaped structure inspired by Mayan architecture, slipped to 11th place this year.

The top vineyard in Europe, which jumped 16 places to claim the 3rd spot, is located not in the famous wine regions of France or Italy, but in Austria’s Danube Valley. Domäne Wachau, surrounded by a baroque castle and UNESCO World Heritage-listed scenery, is also known for its exceptional Grüner Veltliner white wines.

A stronger year for European vineyards.

The top-ranking French vineyard was Château Smith Haut Lafitte near Bordeaux, which climbed seven spots to reach No. 7. Château Pichon Baron, also in Bordeaux, entered the top 20 at No. 19.

Antinori nel Chianti Classico in Tuscany claimed the title of Italy’s best vineyard, moving up nine spots to No. 9. Its stunning new cellar, completed in 2012, is a masterpiece of terracotta and wood, designed for gravity-flow winemaking. With no pumps or mechanical devices involved, this method offers a more delicate approach to the age-old art of winemaking.

Spain’s Marqués de Riscal winery, which climbed three positions to No. 6, stands out with its striking design by the iconic architect Frank Gehry. This vineyard is a prime example of the modern fusion of cutting-edge architecture, world-class wines, and fine dining.

You can book a stay at the Gehry-designed hotel located within Spain’s Marqués de Riscal winery.

Guests can stay at the Gehry-designed hotel nestled within the Marqués de Riscal winery in Spain.

A remarkable new vineyard has emerged in Japan, making waves in the world of wine.

New Zealand's Rippon, a biodynamic vineyard nestled along the shores of Lake Wanaka, slipped five spots to No. 13, but still earned the title of Best Vineyard in Australasia.

Robert Mondavi Winery in Napa Valley, North America’s top contender, climbed seven positions to No. 5. Known for its world-renowned Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve and Oakville District Cabernet Sauvignon, it remains a leader in fine winemaking.

The biggest mover was Delaire Graff Estate in South Africa’s Cape Winelands. Soaring 25 spots, it claimed 14th place and the title of Best Vineyard in Africa, offering breathtaking views of Banhoek Valley, Stellenbosch vineyards, and Table Mountain.

Japan’s Château Mercian Mariko Winery, which opened its doors in September 2019, made an impressive entrance at No. 30, securing the title of Best Vineyard in Asia.

Lebanon’s wine industry made a mark with Château Oumsiyat (No. 38) and Château Heritage (No. 48), while new entries from India’s KRSMA Estates (No. 46) and Bulgaria’s Wine Cellar Villa Melnik (No. 39) added to the global diversity of top vineyards.

The resurgence of wine tourism

“There is no universal standard for what constitutes an extraordinary vineyard experience, just as there is no one-size-fits-all definition of great wine,” Reed explained as he opened the live-streamed event.

“As the world begins to recover from lockdown, people will start by exploring local destinations, but as time goes on, they will become more adventurous, seeking out the food and wine they desire from farther afield,” he noted.

“While there will be regional variations, I have no doubt we will come through this together soon,” Reed remarked.