The World’s Best Vineyards 2024 have been announced, perfect for those of us who are fans of stunning vino in an even more spectacular setting. Announced annually, the list showcases wineries that serve “unforgettable” experiences from tastings to surroundings.
“This annual ranking recognises the unique experiences that these vineyards offer, from stunning landscapes and rich histories to extraordinary restaurants and vineyard tours,” said Andrew Reed, managing director of wine and exhibitions at William Reed, the company behind the list. “The top 50 vineyards exemplify excellence, innovation, and a commitment to quality, guiding wine enthusiasts to explore both hidden gems and renowned estates.”
This year, the top spot went to the iconic Bodegas de los Herederos del Marqués de Riscal, Rioja in Spain. Closer to home, two Australian wineries made the top 50, with a third making it into the top 100. Which winery made the cut? Find out more below….
#32 d’Arenberg, McLaren Vale, SA
Popular McLaren Vale winery, d’Arenberg ranked number 32 overall and was also named Best Vineyard in Australasia. The striking, modernist Cube is bursting with character and artistic endeavours. More than a cellar door, the venue is an attraction in itself with art exhibitions and installations on various floors of the Cube and dotted throughout the vines.
When you arrive at the Cube, you will have various options of experiences from two on-site restaurants to the top-floor wine bar and the artistic endeavours which include a museum of alternate realities, a Salvador Dali exhibition, and a 360º video room to mention only a couple. Even the bathrooms offer a taste of the surreal with cubicles adorned in (fake) plant life.
Winemaker Chester Osborn is as colourful as the cellar door itself and the wines reflect the man and the surroundings with names like ‘Dead Arm Shiraz’ and ‘The Athazagoraphobic Cat’.
Despite the modernist setting, the wines are quite traditional – old-world traditional. All of the vineyards owned and operated by d’Arenbery are certified organic or biodynamic (like a supercharged organic rating). The grapes are crushed by foot or an old-school basket press and tanks are left open for natural fermentation. Allowing the wines to be a true representation of the vineyards’ terroir.
#37 Magill Estate (Penfolds), Adelaide Hills, SA
Arguably one of Australia’s most well-known wine brands Penfolds is a behemoth in the industry. The original Magill Estate is one of the oldest in the country and instrumental in crafting the iconic ‘Grange’ range which has received South Australian Heritage Icon status in 2001. A 1951 vintage was the most expensive wine ever sold at auction for a tidy $142,131.
Although Penfolds does more than shiraz, the Magill Estate is a single vineyard planted wholly with the grape. Thanks to its proximity to Adelaide, it’s a popular spot. Guests to the estate can gaze out over the vines from the Magill Kitchen or Magill Restaurant (for fine-dining fare).
Tastings take place in the cellar door and if you are keen on a more immersive wine experience, you can opt for “The Ultimate Penfold’s Experience’ which brings you from the cottage where Penfold founders Dr Christopher and Mark Penfold resided, through the vines, down into the subterranean cellar and finishing with a private tasting of the estates rare and library wines.
#84 Seppeltsfield, Barossa Valley, SA
Seppeltsfield is lauded as one of the most historic estates in Australian wine. It scored spot 84 on the world’s best vineyard list.
Founded in 1851, just 15 years after Europeans came to settle in South Australia. The estate is a gem in the history of the Barossa Valley. Originally the estate farmed tobacco before pivoting to viticulture.
Seppeltsfield offers a range of experiences on its estate from art and retail to food and crafts and of course, wine. Beyond the traditional red, white, roses and sparkling wines, Seppeltsfield also makes impressive brandy, gins, vermouth, vinegar and tawny wines. It is renowned for its Centennial Cellar, which houses an unbroken line of single vintage tawny wines – the longest line in the world – which dates back to 1878. It also boasts an incredible collection of historic Australian fortified wines – including muscat, tokay, and apera (a kind of Australian sherry). Every year, the winery releases a 100-year-old wine from the collection which guests can taste straight from the barrel. If you love your stickies and tawny ports, you must add this to your bucket list.
Find the full list on the World’s Best Vineyard website.
All images credited to Wine Australia
