World’s best vineyards revealed … but only three are Australian

World’s Best Vineyards has revealed the 50 best wine tourism destinations in the world.

In the first-ever virtual vineyard awards on 13 July, Argentina’s Zuccardi Valle de Uco was rated the world’s best vineyard for the second year in a row by ‘World’s Best Vineyards’.

Bodega Garzón in Uruguay secured 2^nd place for a consecutive year, and Domäne Wachau in Austria jumped 16 places to take the 3^rd spot.

According to its organisers, William Reed, the World’s Best Vineyards list seeks to raise the profile of wine tourism.

Despite the difficult circumstances that the travel industry has faced this year, the organiser and 2020 host partner Sonoma County Winegrowers wanted to recognise the efforts of wineries around the globe.

The announcement of the Top 50 hopes to encourage travel to these outstanding destinations as doors begin to open again to visitors.

Moreover, the 2020 top 50 vineyards represented 18 countries and included first-time winners from India, Bulgaria and Japan.

But to the absolute dismay of Australians, only three vineyards from our nation made the list. Adding further salt to the wound, a New Zealand vineyard even rated higher than Australia’s very best.

Check out the top 50 list, in full, below.

1. Zuccardi Valle de Uco (Argentina)
2. Bodega Garzón (Uruguay)
3. Domäne Wachau (Austria)
4. Montes (Chile)
5. Robert Mondavi Winery (United States)
6. Bodegas de los Herederos del Marqués de Riscal (Spain)
7. Château Smith Haut Lafitte (France)
8. Quinta do Crasto (Portugal)
9. Antinori nel Chianti Classico (Italy)
10. VIK Winery (Chile)
11. Catena Zapata (Argentina)
12. Fürst von Metternich-Winneburg’sche Domäne Schloss Johannisberg (Germany)
13. Rippon (New Zealand)
14. Delaire Graff Estate (South Africa)
15. Weingut Dr. Loosen (Germany)
16. Ridge Vineyards Monte Bello (United States)
17. Craggy Range (New Zealand)
18. González Byass – Bodega Tio Pepe (Spain)
19. Château Pichon Baron (France)
20. Opus One Winery (United States)
21. Ceretto (Italy)
22. CHÂTEAU MARGAUX (France)
23. Bodegas Salentein (Argentina)
24. Penfolds Magill Estate (Australia)
25. Henschke (Australia)
26. Bodega Bouza (Uruguay)
27. Clos Apalta (Chile)
28. Champagne Taittinger (France)
29. Champagne Billecart-Salmon (France)
30. Château Mercian Mariko Winery (Japan)
31. Château d’Yquem (France)
32. Bodegas RE (Chile)
33. Château Mouton Rothschild (France)
34. d’Arenberg (Australia)
35. Viña Errázuriz (Chile)
36. GAJA (Italy)
37. DOMAINE SIGALAS SA (Greece)
38. Château Oumsiyat (Lebanon)
39. Wine Cellar Villa Melnik (Bulgaria)
40. Viña Casas del Bosque (Chile)
41. BODEGAS VIVANCO (Spain)
42. Familia Torres (Spain)
43. VIU MANENT (Chile)
44. Maison Ruinart (France)
45. Domaine Marcel Deiss (France)
46. KRSMA Estates (India)
47. Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars (United States)
48. Château Heritage (Lebanon)
49. Quinta do Noval (Portugal)
50. Trapiche (Argentina).

And, if you’re keen to relive the top 50 announcement in its entirety while downing a glass of vino collapso, check out the virtual reveal below:

Featured image source: iStock/EAQ