'Vintage times for travelers.'

'where the grapes are grown and the people who create the drink. There is considerable pleasure in seeing where grapes are grown, instead of just admiring wine labels and bottle shapes on a supermarket shelf. There is also something magical about seeing thriving vineyards and interacting with the passionate people who turn grapes into wine. Wine tourism is both enjoyable and educational, and for me it's an essential part of a foreign vacation in wine-producing countries (that's about 70 countries from Algeria to Zimbabwe).

The selection of the best vineyards in the world is very subjective, but the Academy of the World's Best Vineyards was created to help narrow down the vast number of wineries to a manageable''list. Each academy member nominated the seven vineyards that had most impressed them during their travels. Five hundred nominations were received and from these nominations, a list of the top 50 wineries was selected. The Best Vineyards list recognizes the best wine tourism opportunities around the world, with a focus on the best travel experiences for wine lovers, not just the quality of the wines.

While wine production is only one function for many wineries, there are many other activities that create reasons for wine lovers to visit. These include wine tastings, cellar tours, restaurants, retail sales and even on-site lodging. Thus, wine is only one of''ingredients in making this list.

If you've ever visited a wine region and several wineries in one day, you know there are some that stand out from the crowd - a chance meeting with the owner, a seven-course tasting dinner with vintage wines of their own making, a visit to the Frank Gehry Visitor Center or a cute dog sitting in the corner of the tasting room.

Global team of recognized wine experts were selected and then they recruited their own regional experts who regularly visit the vineyards. The only criteria was that the vineyards had to be open to the public and then the teams of experts, including wine critics,''travelers, sommeliers and authors of wine books, left the decision on the best vineyards to themselves alone, each voting for seven vineyards. The votes received were tallied to determine the Top 50 list.

The Catena Zapata Vineyard in Argentina's Mendoza region

The Catena Zapata vineyard in Argentina's Mendoza region has been named the winner of the World's Best Vineyards 2023 award at a ceremony held recently in Spain's renowned Rioja wine region. Founded in 1902, Argentina's oldest family-owned winery is renowned for its role as a pioneer in the distribution of Malbec. Catena Zapata winery has become even more attractive as a place to visit since the opening of Angelica Cocina Maestra restaurant in its La Pyramide vineyard.

Achitecturally outstanding and''The somewhat fantastic Marques de Riscal in Rioja took second place

and also became the best vineyard in Europe. Founded in 1858, the winery was the place where Rioja wines were first bottled, back in 1862. It is also where the tradition of covering bottles of Rioja with gold mesh to symbolize authenticity began. These days, the winery is also known for its futuristic hotel, set amongst the vineyards and designed by Frank Gehry. With two luxurious rooms and suites, the two buildings are connected by an impressive overhang.

Chile's VIK Vineyard, with another Frank Gehry-designed hotel, took third place

Situated on a hill in the middle of a valley, the winery offers magnificent views of the highest mountains''Andes.

South Africa's Creation, with on-site vacation homes, took fourth place

The highly regarded Chateau Smith From Lafite, located in Bordeaux, France, took fifth place. Other wineries in the top 10 include Bodega Garzon (Uruguay), Montes (Chile), Chateau Johannisberg (Germany), Bodegas Salentein (Argentina) and El Enemigo Wines (Argentina).

From the 50-list, I identified a few wineries I visited: Weingut Dr Loosen, Germany, Domane Wachau, Austria, Klein Constantia, South Africa, d'Arenberg, Henschke and Penfolds Magill Estate, all located in Australia. However, I realized I still have many more wine tours to explore.

In the course of my travels, I have visited some great wineries. For example, the Dr. Loosen winery, located''on the banks of the Mosel River in Bernkastel, is one of Germany's most picturesque wineries. The place is famous for its delicious fruity German Rieslings.

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The winery is located near the famous Himmelreich and Sonnenuhr of Zeltingen, and creates a magical backstage setting for Mosel wines.

A useful tip for wine tourism here is to book a room at the Hotel Zeltinger Hof, meet the friendly host, grab a bike and head out along the valley to see all it has to offer. Show your interest in the delicious Rieslings of the region and ask Markus Reis, the hotel's owner, to show you his cellar where aging wines from wineries such as Selbach-Oster, S. A. Prum, Schloss Lieser and Fritz' are stored'Haag.

Numerous picturesque vineyards like Domane Wachau are located on the northern banks of the Danube River in the Wachau region of northern Austria. The stretches of the river and its steep terraced vineyards from Melk to Krems are protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, much like the famous Laves vineyard area in Switzerland (how exactly wineries like Patrick Fonjalaz located here above Lake Leman remain a mystery to me). Austria has been making wine for a long time, but the wine world is only now beginning to realize that local grape varieties like Grüner Feltliner produce excellent wines that go well with food. Domane Wachau upholds a philosophy of terroir, technology and authenticity in the wines they''produced from hand-picked grapes (thus, they claim to turn rocks into wine). Book a room at the Loisium Wine and Spa Resort in nearby Langenlois and rent a bike to explore the wineries along the Danube.

One of the most interesting and original wineries in South Australia is d'Arenberg in McClarin Vale, south of Adelaide, the state capital. The winery has evolved to embody the very essence of the place. Situated on land with stratified ancient soils beneath rolling hills by the sea, d'Arenberg falls under the influence of a mild Mediterranean climate ideal for growing grapes. Chester and d'Ari Osborne create their magic here with a variety of varieties''grapes, especially Grenache and Shiraz. They have been described as 'serious in the vineyard but brave around open bottles'. They are creating old fashioned wines in a new world and are now experimenting with varieties such as Tinto Cao, Tempranillo, Senso and Nebbiolo. Their Dead Arm Shiraz is an iconic Australian red wine. The winery attracts the attention of global gourmets from around the world, not only for its restaurant d'\''Arry'\''Arry'\''s Verandah, but also for its Rubik's cube-shaped building d'\''Arenberg Cube.

On a global level, the Henschke at Caineton in Barossa, South Australia, has built a huge reputation stretching back six generations. Currently, Stephen and Pru Henschke are overseeing the operation, but their children are on the doorstep, ready to retain the family right to run the winery''Business. Johann Henschke immigrated from Silesia in 1847 and shortly thereafter purchased land to establish vineyards. The legendary Hill of Grace vineyard unfolds in front of Gnadenberg Church and Henschke's Hill of Grace Shiraz is a benchmark wine that, even at a price of 950 Australian dollars per bottle (R$2,936), is completely sold out.

The Klein Constantia winery in South Africa has a longer history. Simon van der Stel, governor of the East India Cape Colony, founded this picturesque site in 1685. The granite soils and cooling sea breezes are ideal for growing grapes. Its Cape Dutch-style estate, flower gardens, vineyards and cellars make it one of the most picturesque wine estates in''platters of seasonal ingredients that pair with Penfolds wines.

Use this list of top vineyards to plan your next wine tour: