World’s best vineyards have been named and just one UK winery makes the list

THE World’s best vineyards have been named in a new award aimed at raising the profile of wine tourism.

A total of 17 countries were represented in the list, with just one appearance from the UK.

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The best vineyard has been revealed as Zuccardi Valle de Uco, located in the Mendoza region of Argentina.

The winery has been praised for its visitor centre, which offers stunning views of the vineyards and the mountains, as well as the restaurant where guests can enjoy a four-course seasonal menu matched with wines.

The rest of the top ten is dominated by South American wineries, including another Argentinean contender, two from Chile and one from Uruguay.

Europe also had a strong showing, with Spain, Portugal and Germany all represented.

One UK contender made the list – Ridgeview at number 36.

The East Sussex estate is well known for its award-winning sparkling wines and its tasting room has a fantastic view of its vineyards in the South Downs.

The World’s Best Vineyards is a new award and comes from the same organisers as the prestigious World’s 50 Best Restaurants and World’s 50 Best Bars awards.

The winners are voted for by a panel of judges, who pick seven vineyards based on the “total experience” rather than just the views or just the wines.

1. Zuccardi Valle de Uco, Argentina

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Zuccardi Valle de Uco is located at the foot of the Andes mountains in the Mendoza region of Argentina.

Visitors can take tours of their vineyards and there are tastings available.

It’s also possible to enjoy lunch in its restaurant, Piedra Infinita Cocina.

2. Bodega Garzón, Uruguay

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Bodega Garzón’s vineyards completely surround the estate, and you can have picnics among the vines.

If you prefer a sit down option, the estate has a restaurant on site.

In fact, if you have the time, you can even enjoy a cooking class followed by a four-course lunch.

3. R. López de Heredia Viña Tondonia, S.A., Spain

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R. López de Heredia Viña Tondonia sees itself as a “cathedral to wine”, with areas to explore above and below ground.

Architecture lovers will enjoy it for its eclectic mix of old and new buildings.

For those interested in history, there’s a wine museum, known as The Cemetery.

4. Quinta do Crasto, Portugal

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Quinta do Crasto is located in Portugal’s stunning Douro Valley, where it makes dry table wine as well as port.

You can’t visit without sitting down to a lovely lunch with an unbeatable view.

And then of course, there’s the infinity pool

5. Catena Zapata, Argentina

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Catena Zapata is a family-run winery that’s been around since 1902.

They offer a few different tours, including a visit to its barrel rooms.

Or if you’re interested in the history of its wines, there’s also a tour based on the history of the Malbec grape.

=6. Montes, Chile

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Montes’ winery is perhaps one of the few in the world that’s been built with Feng Shui in mind.

They also play Gregorian chants to their wines in the cellar.

And you can experience all of that on one of the many tours they offer at the winery.

=6. Clos Apalta Winery, Chile

Joint sixth place with Montes is Clos Apalta, located in Chile’s Colchagua Valley.

Unmissable is the winery tour, and you’ll see some stunning views to boot.

But make the time to enjoy lunch with a view, too, or enjoy the pool.

8. Rippon, New Zealand

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It’s hard to beat the view at Rippon, located in New Zealand’s Central Otago.

For gourmet travellers, they occasionally host a Chef’s Table where you can dine with a view.

And if you like, you can even get married there.

9. Marqués de Riscal, Spain

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Marqués de Riscal has one of the more unusual winery architecture, designed by Canadian architect Frank O. Gehry.

There’s a hotel on site, as well as a spa using beauty products made from grapes and wine.

And of course, there’s a restaurant where you can try all their Rioja wines.

10. Weingut Dr. Loosen, Germany

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Weingut Dr. Loosen is best known for their Riesling wines, which are delicious and widely available.

But if you want to visit the estate, you will have to make a reservation first.

It’s the only way you’ll have access to the winery, which is normally closed to the public.

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