The world’s best winery have been named in another award aimed at raising the profile of wine tourism.
A sum of 17 countries was represented in the worldwide list, with one Australian property cracking into the main 20.
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 focus, which offers stunning views of the vineyards and the mountains, as well as the restaurant where guests can appreciate a four-course seasonal menu matched with wines.
The rest of the ten best is dominated by South American wineries, including another Argentinian contender, two from Chile and one from Uruguay.
Europe also had a strong showing, with Spain, Portugal and Germany all represented.
The Australian winery that made the list, Penfolds Magill Estate, sits in South Australia and was recognized for the “all out understanding” it offered visitors, including restaurants, tours, ambiance, staff, views, prices, and accessibility.
Two other Australian wineries made the best 50, with d-Arenberg at McLaren Vale placed at number 29 and Seppeltsfield Barossa slipping in at 47th spot.
Across the ditch, New Zealand’s Rippon, a biodynamic vineyard on the shores of Lake Wanaka, was in the eighth spot and named Best Vineyard in Australasia.
The World’s Best Vineyards is another award and comes from the same organizers as the prestigious World’s 50 Best Restaurants and World’s 50 Best Bars awards.
The winners are voted for by a board of in excess of 30 judges, who pick seven vineyards based on the “complete understanding” rather than just the views or just the wines.
The organizers of the challenged mark it as being “the world’s finest and most meticulously judged wine competition”.
In a meeting with the Adelaide Advertiser, Penfolds boss winemaker Peter Gago said it was “staggering” to see three South Australian wineries recognized this year.
“What a great platform to further elevate the state’s wine and tourism offering to a worldwide audience,” Mr. Gago said.
“Not to overlook Adelaide’s strategic job as one of the world’s ten official Great Wine Capitals.”
World’s best 10 vineyards 2019
1. Zuccardi Valle de Uco, Argentina
2. Bodega Garzón, Uruguay
3. R. López de Heredia Viña Tondonia, S.A., Spain
4. Quinta do Crasto, Portugal
5. Catena Zapata, Argentina
Equal 6. Montes, Chile
Equal 6. Clos Apalta Winery, Chile
8. Rippon, New Zealand
9. Marqués de Riscal, Spain
10. Weingut Dr. Loosen, Germany
