The World’s 50 Best awards have become a global benchmark for celebrating excellence in food, drink and hospitality.

Last month, the World’s 50 Best Vineyards were announced, judged by a global academy of wine and travel experts who have identified the vineyards producing exceptional drops and vineyard experiences.

For the first time, the ceremony was held in Australia, highlighting the growing interest in Australian wines.

It took place at the sleek Amelia Park Wines cellar door in one of Western Australia’s most renowned winemaking regions, Margaret River. The modern architecture, sweeping vineyard views and some of WA’s most prized cabernet and chardonnay served as the backdrop for the 2025 celebration.

Vineyards from 15 countries were highlighted. Spain led the list with eight properties, followed closely by France, Argentina, and the US, each with seven.

The futuristic Vik has been named the world’s best vineyard for 2025. Photo: The 50 Best

William Drew, director of content for The World’s 50 Best Vineyards, said the list “highlights the diversity and innovation of the vineyards shaping the global wine scene. It is a celebration of excellence, passion, and the stories behind each vineyard, and we look forward to wine lovers around the world discovering these remarkable places”.

This year, Vik in Chile took the top spot. Sustainability meets serious luxury at this futuristic, Gehry-inspired winery that’s perched above the Millahue Valley. Sitting amid rolling vineyards and dramatic peaks, it offers an incredible blend of cutting-edge design, art and world-class wine that feels almost otherworldly.

The stunning Schloss Johannisberg overlooks Germany’s Rhine Valley. Photo: Facebook

In second place, and awarded best in Europe, was Schloss Johannisberg, which overlooks the Rhine Valley in Germany.

Able to boast that it’s home to the world’s first riesling vines, the estate invites visitors to explore its historic palace before discovering the 11th-century Bibliotheca Subterranea downstairs.

Third place went to Bodegas Ysios in Spain, a showcase of Rioja modernism at its finest. Design-savvy travellers will swoon at the surreal architectural landmark while imbibing some of the region’s most iconic wines.

Only one Australian vineyard made the list, Henschke’s Eden Valley Vineyard in South Australia coming in at no.47. There were also two New Zealand vineyards in the top 50 – Cloudy Bay in Marlborough (no.26) and Rippon in central Otago (no.44).

The full list of winners

1. Vik, Millahue
2. Schloss Johannisberg, Rheingau
3. Bodegas Ysios, Rioja
4. Bodega Garzón, Maldonado
5. Château Smith Haut Lafitte, Bordeaux
6. Klein Constantia Wine Estate, Western Cape
7. Creation, Hemel-en-Aarde
8. Maison Ruinart, Champagne
9. Château d’Yquem, Sauternes
10. Montes, Colchagua Valley
11. Durigutti Family Winemakers, Mendoza
12. Bodegas Salentein, Mendoza
13. Jordan Vineyard & Winery, Alexander Valley
14. Aperture Cellars, Sonoma
15. Champagne Bollinger, Champagne
16. Weingut Dr Loosen, Mosel
17. El Enemigo, Mendoza
18. Pago de Carraovejas, Ribera del Duero
19. Ceretto, Piedmont
20. 98Wines, Yamanashi
21. Bodegas Tío Pepe (González Byass), Jerez
22. Perelada, Catalonia
23. Maysara Winery, Willamette Valley
24. Vivanco, Rioja
25. Gramona, Alt Penedès
26. Cloudy Bay Vineyards, Marlborough
27. Château Pape Clément, Bordeaux
28. Gusbourne, Kent
29. Riccitelli Wine Company, Mendoza
30. Bodega Colomé, Salta
31. William Chris Vineyards, Texas Hill Country
32. Nyetimber, West Sussex
33. Château Héritage, Bekaa Valley
34. Almaviva, Maipo Valley
35. Brooks Wine, Willamette Valley
36. Kaiken Wines, Mendoza
37. Joseph Phelps Vineyards, Napa Valley
38. Abadía Retuerta, Castilla y León
39. Robert Mondavi Winery, Napa Valley
40. Viu Manent, Colchagua Valley
41. Viña Santa Rita, Maipo
42. Casas del Bosque, Casablanca Valley
43. Château de Berne, Provence
44. Rippon, Central Otago
45. Mission Hill Family Estate, Okanagan Valley
46. Château Mercian Mariko Winery, Nagano Prefecture
47. Henschke, Eden Valley
48. Marqués de Murrieta Estates & Wines, Rioja
49. Viña Cobos, Mendoza
50. Champagne Taittinger, Champagne

Republished from International Traveller