Top 50 wineries in the world announced

Catena Zapata, an Argentine winery, was recognized as the world's best winery at the World's Best Vineyards Awards 2023, a ceremony held today in the Rioja wine region of Spain. Founded in 1902, Argentina's oldest family-owned winery is known for its pioneering role in the restoration of the Malbec varietal. In addition, Catena Zapata also won the category of best winery in South America, and this year they opened their first Angélica Cocina Maestra restaurant, which is located right at La Piramide winery.

The prestigious annual list of top wineries

recognizes the best wine travel destinations around the world, with a focus on the best travel for wine lovers, not just the quality of the wines. Wine tastings, food and unique accommodations are essential for wine tourists, and this list is a great guide. Second place went to the impressive Marqués de Riscal winery in Rioja and was the best winery in Europe. Founded in 1858, the first Rioja wines were bottled here, with the first vintage released in 1862. It's also where the tradition of covering Rioja bottles with gold mesh began, as the winery's wines became so popular in the early 20th century that they required a seal to ensure authenticity. Today, the winery is also known for its Frank Gehry-designed futuristic hotels.

Among the other top ten wineries, Chilean winery VIK has risen to third place. VIK also has a Frank Gehry-designed hotel perched on top of a hill overlooking the Andes.

The list of the top 50 wineries is compiled from all the nominations of the World Academy of Wine Experts. The world is divided into geographical regions, each led by a recognized expert as the academy's chairman. Each academy chairman is responsible for recruiting 36 wine and travel experts. Each member of the wine academy must vote for seven wineries. There is no predetermined list of criteria or predetermined list to choose from - each vote is a nomination for a winery, open to the public, that the judges believe is truly the best in the world. This year, Antinori nel Chianti Classico (Marchesi Antinori), the 2022 World's Best Winery, will enter the World's Best Wineries Hall of Fame, which is reserved for wineries at the top of the winners' list. Next year, Catena Zapata will join the Hall of Fame.