From emerald Douro slopes to Mendoza’s sweeping plains—here are the world’s 50 best wineries, ranked by wine experts at Virgin Wines.
Terraced vineyards climb Douro’s emerald slopes, century‑old Malbec vines sweep Mendoza’s plains, and horse‑drawn carriages roll through time‑worn estates. From neo‑Gothic chapels in Chile’s Maipo Valley to submerged cellars in Argentina, these wineries unite cultural landmarks with innovation. To distill the very best, applications were submitted by leading estates via more than a dozen global tourist boards, before being sent to wine experts at Virgin Wines to analyze and rank the world’s 50 best wineries, via a data-driven framework. The criteria? Heritage and longevity, mentorship of future winemakers, sustainability certifications, social responsibility, innovation in viticulture, transparency through ESG reporting, and even packaging choices (see Virgin Wines’ ranking insights at the end of the guide). The result? A global atlas of wineries well worth the flight—from storied icons to rising stars.
1. Santa Rita Winery
Where: Maipo Valley, Chile
Just 45 minutes from Santiago, Santa Rita Winery immerses visitors in Chilean winemaking—anchored on an 1880 estate with viticultural roots stretching back to the 17th century, when the first vines were planted for wine and brandy. Nestled in the foothills of Alto Jahuel, the property houses the legendary 120 Patriotas Cellar—where 120 soldiers from Chile’s independence movement found refuge—now honored in the winery’s flagship label, 120. The main house, built in 1883 and now the Hotel Casa Real, sits beside a neo-Gothic chapel and a 40-hectare centenary park—offering a romantic backdrop for tastings and carriage rides. Meanwhile, declared a National Monument in 1972, the estate offers eight curated tours, historical cellars, gourmet dining at its Doña Paula Restaurant and Café La Panadería, a wine shop, and the Andean Museum—home to over 3,000 archaeological and ethnographic artifacts. Guests can also enjoy classic tastings, premium vertical flights, horseback rides, and pairings that celebrate the soul of the Maipo Valley.
2. Penfolds Magill Estate
Where: Adelaide, Australia
Founded in 1844 by Dr. Christopher and Mary Penfold, Magill Estate is the birthplace of Penfolds and its legendary Grange wine. Nestled in Adelaide’s eastern foothills, guests can explore the original bluestone cellars and Grange Cottage—where the Penfolds legacy began with French vine cuttings. From there, descend into underground cellars beneath the winery where you might sample back-vintage Grange in private tasting rooms, or dine at Magill Estate Restaurant—where seasonal degustation menus pair native ingredients with rare Penfolds pours—all framed by sweeping views of the city skyline and surrounding vineyards.
3. Bodega Marqués de Murrieta
Where: La Rioja, Spain
In the ochre folds of Rioja Alta, Bodega Marqués de Murrieta traces its lineage to 1852—when Luciano de Murrieta produced what is considered to be the first fine wine from Rioja and became the first to export it beyond Spain. Today, the estate’s heartbeat is Finca Ygay—a 300-hectare vineyard crowned by a restored 19th-century château. Here, century-old barrels meet hand-harvested Tempranillo, and the storied Castillo Ygay Gran Reserva—once named the world’s best wine—continues its legacy. Visitors pass beneath the château’s neoclassical stone archways before joining a private walk through the Finca Ygay vineyards, exploring the estate’s wine museum (housed in the original fermentation hall), and savoring guided tastings of Castillo Ygay Gran Reserva in the château’s elegant tasting rooms.
4. Trapiche Winery
Where: Mendoza, Argentina
At the edge of Mendoza’s sunlit plains, Trapiche inhabits a restored Florentine-style winery built in 1912—its arches and ironwork whispering Argentina’s vinous past. Founded in 1883, the estate pioneered Malbec exports and micro-terroir winemaking—sourcing from over 200 growers across the Andes foothills. Inside, vaulted cellars cradle French oak barrels, while Espacio Trapiche—a Michelin-recognized restaurant—crafts seasonal menus around high-altitude potatoes and pasture-raised lamb: paired with estate wines like Costa & Pampa Pinot Noir and single-parcel Malbecs from Gualtallary and El Peral. Guests meander through lavender-bordered gardens and century-old olive trees, taste limited-release bottlings (available only onsite), and explore the evolution of Argentine winemaking through archival labels, antique fermentation tools, and curated exhibits in the estate’s viticulture museum.
5. Bodega Lagarde
Where: Mendoza, Argentina
Established in 1897 in Luján de Cuyo, Bodega Lagarde is one of Mendoza’s oldest family-run wineries—home to pre-phylloxera Malbec vines planted in 1906. Since 1969, the Pescarmona family has guided its evolution, with sisters Sofía and Lucila now leading a sustainable, terroir-driven approach. The estate cultivates rare varietals, including Viognier and Moscato Bianco, across organically farmed plots. Meanwhile, guests dine at Fogón Cocina de Viñedo—offering seven-course tasting menus—or at Zonda Cocina de Paisajes: the winery’s Michelin-starred restaurant serving modern Argentine cuisine shaped by the Andean landscape.
6. Quinta da Aveleda
Where: Vinho Verde Wine Region, Portugal
Managed by the Guedes family for five generations, Quinta da Aveleda was founded in 1870 by Manoel Pedro Guedes. In the heart of Portugal’s Vinho Verde region, this historic estate blends meticulous winemaking with one of the country’s most iconic private gardens. Spanning eight hectares, it preserves 317 species of fauna and flora—including ancient cork oaks, beautiful camellias, and a majestic 300-year-old eucalyptus tree. Visitors can wander through ornamental lakes, moss-covered fountains, and architectural treasures—including the 17th-century chapel and the storied Vandoma fountain. Meanwhile, the estate also curates immersive experiences—from guided tastings and garden picnics to the Escape Garden Challenge—where you’ll decode clues across the grounds to recover a lost 19th-century wine bottle.
7. Terrazas de los Andes
Where: Mendoza, Argentina
In the shadow of the Andes, Terrazas de los Andes crafts wines from vineyards planted at altitudes between 1,000 and 1,650 meters—recognized as Gualtallary’s highest vineyard in the Uco Valley. Founded in 1996 by Moët Hennessy, the estate revitalized a 19th-century Spanish-style winery in Perdriel—where today, guests can explore vaulted cellars and taste altitude-driven Malbecs and Chardonnays. Sustainability informs every detail—from precision drip irrigation that conserves glacial meltwater to regenerative farming. Join its tastings and you’ll discover the terroir’s full expression: the slow-ripening power of mountain sunlight, the purity of Andean meltwater, and the finesse of French winemaking tradition.
8. González Byass
Where: Cadiz, Spain
In the heart of Jerez de la Frontera, González Byass traces its origins to 1835, when Manuel María González began crafting sherry in the historic Barrio de San Mateo. Today, the estate spans a labyrinth of 19th-century bodegas—including La Concha, designed for Queen Isabel II—and houses one of Europe’s oldest working cooperages. Explore its cathedral-like cellars aging Amontillado and Pedro Ximénez beneath blackened beams, stroll through vine-covered courtyards, and sample Tío Pepe from casks marked with royal signatures.
9. M. CHAPOUTIER
Where: Rhône Valley, France
Rooted in Tain-l’Hermitage since 1808, M. Chapoutier is a Rhône Valley icon celebrated for its precise, biodynamic approach and focus on individual vineyard plots. Under Michel Chapoutier’s visionary leadership since 1990, the estate deepened its commitment to biodynamic viticulture and introduced Braille-labeled bottles—a symbol of its inclusive philosophy. Here, you can explore the sunlit terraces of Hermitage Hill, where Syrah grapes thrive on rocky slopes and Marsanne flourishes in rich, clay-limestone soils. Guided vineyard walks offer insight into distinctive plots such as Le Méal and Les Greffieux—while cellar experiences include tastings of iconic cuvées, introductory workshops led by in-house sommeliers, and seasonal pairings that spotlight Rhône gastronomy.
10. Luigi Bosca
Where: Mendoza, Argentina
In Mendoza’s Luján de Cuyo, Finca El Paraíso stands as the soul of Luigi Bosca—a winery shaped by four generations of the Arizu family since 1901. Its French-style residence—originally built in 1905 and meticulously restored in 2022—anchors a 90-hectare estate where century-old Malbec vines meet towering plane trees and jacarandas. Here, guests explore curated tastings of Malbec, Finca Los Nobles, and Sauvignon Blanc, dine at Raíces restaurant, and trace the family’s role in founding Argentina’s first Denomination of Controlled Origin (D.O.C.) for Luján de Cuyo.
11. Viña Santa Carolina
Where: Santiago, Chile
Founded in 1875 by Luis Pereira Cotapos, Viña Santa Carolina is one of Chile’s oldest wineries—just minutes from downtown Santiago. Its original cellar, built between 1877 and 1898 using the rare cal y canto technique (lime and eggshell mortar), is now a National Monument. Meanwhile, visitors can tour the colonial manor, stroll through landscaped gardens by Juan Grimm, and explore one of the best-preserved 19th-century wine cellars. Highlights? Think tastings of flagship wines like Reserva de Familia Cabernet Sauvignon and educational tours on Chilean viticulture. Though vineyards are off-site—grapes come from 1,000+ hectares across Chile from Maipo to Maule.
12. Brown Brothers
Where: Victoria, Australia
Brown Brothers is a fourth-generation family winery founded in 1889 in Victoria, widely regarded as a pioneer of Australian oenological innovation. Nestled in the gourmet heartland of the King Valley, the estate has introduced distinctive varietals to Australian palates—including Moscato, Cienna, and Tarrango—alongside cool-climate expressions of Prosecco, and their flagship co-ferment blend of Shiraz, Mondeuse, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Here, guests can explore the historic Milawa Vineyard and its original cellar door—open daily for seated tastings featuring limited releases, back-vintage labels, and cellar door exclusives—or take part in guided wine blending workshops. As a founding member of Australia’s First Families of Wine, Brown Brothers continues to shape the country’s vinous identity.
13. Doña Paula
Where: Mendoza, Argentina
At 1,350 meters above sea level in Gualtallary, Doña Paula crafts wines shaped by altitude, sunlight, and scientific precision. Established in 1997, the winery oversees more than 700 hectares across Mendoza’s most expressive regions—Luján de Cuyo, El Cepillo, and Gualtallary—allowing full control over terroir and importantly, sustainability. At its Luján de Cuyo estate, guided tastings showcase high-altitude, single-parcel Malbecs—each revealing distinct soil profiles and UV exposure. Meanwhile, visitors can also explore the onsite research center—where canopy management trials and clonal studies inform viticultural decisions. Honored by Great Wine Capitals for innovation in wine tourism, the estate features a virtual reality journey through Mendoza’s terroirs, soil profile tastings, and open-fire asado lunches overlooking the Cordón del Plata.
14. Viu Manent Winery
Where: Colchagua Valley, Chile
Beyond the eucalyptus-lined roads of Chile’s Colchagua Valley, Viu Manent invites guests into the 150-year-old San Carlos de Cunaco estate—where adobe walls cradle aging barrels and horse-drawn carriages trace the legacy of old-vine Malbec. Founded in 1935 and still family-owned, the winery centers around its historic hacienda and the ViBo Wine Lodge, home to eight vineyard lofts with sweeping sunrise views over Malbec rows. Guests can explore single-vineyard expressions shaped by alluvial soils, participate in microclimate tastings, blending workshops, and barrel samplings, or indulge in wood-fired ribeye paired with panoramic Andes vistas at the onsite Rayuela Wine & Grill.
15. Bodega Colomé
Where: Upper Calchaquí Valley, Argentina
Far from Mendoza’s well-trodden trails, Bodega Colomé rises from the high desert of Salta’s Calchaquí Valley. Established in 1831 and revived by the Hess family in the early 2000s, the estate cultivates grape varieties like Malbec and Torrontés across four extreme-elevation vineyards—including Altura Máxima at 3,111 meters. Guests stay at Estancia Colomé—a secluded wine lodge on the estate—exploring colonial-era cellars and visiting the James Turrell Museum: the world’s only museum dedicated exclusively to the American artist’s work.
16. Weingut Dr. Loosen
Where: Mosel Wine Region, Germany
High above the Mosel River, where ancient slate soils and vertiginous slopes define the landscape, Weingut Dr. Loosen has cultivated Riesling for over two centuries. Perched in Bernkastel-Kues, the estate tends vines in some of Germany’s most storied sites—Wehlener Sonnenuhr, Ürziger Würzgarten, and Erdener Prälat—many planted ungrafted before 1900. When Ernst “Erni” Loosen took over in 1988, he radically reduced yields and refocused on terroir—elevating the estate to international acclaim. Guests can tour the gravity-defying vineyards, taste Prädikat and GG Rieslings in the historic manor, and explore the philosophy behind dry “First Growths.”
17. Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte
Where: Martillac, France
Among the pine forests and gravel soils of Martillac, Château Smith Haut Lafittecultivates a philosophy of “bio-precision”—where Grand Cru Classé wines emerge from organic practices, satellite mapping, and centuries-old savoir-faire. Acquired by Florence and Daniel Cathiard in 1990, the estate now includes a cooperage, art-filled cellars, and a gravity-flow winery. Guests explore biodynamic vineyards, taste Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc in immersive verticals, and dine at La Table du Lavoir. Across the road, Les Sources de Caudalie offers vinotherapy, forest walks, and spa rituals—including grape-seed scrubs, red vine facials, and barrel baths developed in partnership with Caudalie, the skincare brand born from the estate’s vines.
18. Fattoria La Vialla
Where: Tuscany, Italy
Revived by the Lo Franco family in 1978, Fattoria La Vialla is a second-generation, family-run estate in Tuscany. Spanning 1,600 hectares, it holds Italy’s largest Demeter-certified biodynamic surface—a mosaic of rolling vineyards, centuries-old olive groves, grazed pastures, and protected woodlands. Its cellar produces award-winning vegan wines with minimal sulfites—ranging from robust reds to sparkling cuvées. Beyond the vines, guests stay in restored farmhouses, dine beneath vine-covered pergolas, and join seasonal harvests or pasta-making workshops. The farm also crafts artisanal goods—including olive oil, aged pecorino, pasta, organic sauces, and sweet treats—all packaged in eco-conscious hampers.
19. Domaine Drouhin
Where: Oregon, USA
Established in 1987 by the Drouhin family of Burgundy, Domaine Drouhin Oregoncrowns the Dundee Hills in Oregon’s Willamette Valley—where fourth-generation winemaker Véronique Drouhin personally guides each vintage. Their Pinot Noir, first released in 1988, is hand-harvested and fermented with native yeasts, expressing vibrant notes of cherry, raspberry, and earthy spice. Meanwhile, the estate’s 235-acre property is sustainably farmed and certified by the Low Input Viticulture and Enology program, with its deep Burgundian roots earning global recognition for wines such as the Laurène Pinot Noir and Arthur Chardonnay.
20. Huarpe Riglos Family Wines
Where: Mendoza, Argentina
Founded in 2003 by the Hernández Toso and Werthein families, Huarpe Riglos Family Wines honors the legacy of the Huarpes—Mendoza’s original inhabitants—through sustainable viticulture and terroir-driven blends. The estate sources grapes from two of Argentina’s most prestigious regions—Agrelo and Gualtallary—crafting elegant wines like Riglos Gran Corte and Guayquil El Elegido. At the heart of the winery stands a striking cultural artifact: the only original fragment of the Berlin Wall in Mendoza, transformed by artists Egar Murillo and Vivian Levinson to symbolize unity and freedom. Meanwhile, visitors can explore the Pampa Collection—a rotating exhibit of contemporary Argentine art—and join guided tastings in the barrel room or vineyard-view lounge, like the “Art & Terroir” tour.
21. Bodegas Bianchi
Where: San Rafael, Mendoza, Argentina
Run by the Bianchi family for four generations, Bodegas Bianchi is a 1928 estate that remains a cornerstone of southern Mendoza’s wine region. Based in San Rafael—with a second property in the Uco Valley—it spans an eight-hectare garden dotted with native chañar trees and a 70-year-old olive grove. Signature labels include Enzo Bianchi Gran Corte and Famiglia Bianchi Malbec. Meanwhile, honored for the seventh consecutive year with TripAdvisor’s Traveler’s Choice Award, the estate is a pioneer in Argentine wine tourism—welcoming over 50,000 guests annually. Here, visitors can enjoy guided tastings, vineyard and winery tours, picnics, scenic bike rides, and even craft their own wine blend.
22. Trivento
Where: Mendoza, Argentina
Named after the three winds—Polar, Zonda, and Sudestada—that shape Mendoza’s climate, Trivento was founded in 1996 as the Argentine arm of Viña Concha y Toro. Its vineyards span Luján de Cuyo and the Uco Valley, rising from 900 to 1,200 meters in altitude—recognized with a Silver Medal for Sustainable Practices by Best of Wine Tourism. Here, visitors can explore the estate on vineyard bike tours or experience the “Winds of Terroir” tour—tracing how local wind patterns influence grape development and wine character.
23. Finca Sophenia
Where: Gualtallary, Mendoza, Argentina
Set at 1,200 meters in the Andean foothills, Finca Sophenia is a high-altitude pioneer in Gualtallary—one of Argentina’s most prized terroirs—exporting to over 25 countries. Established in 1997 by Roberto Luka, former president of Wines of Argentina, the estate takes its name from the daughters of Roberto and his partner: Sophia and Eugenia, the latter now guiding its stylistic and sustainable evolution. Here, virgin soils and dramatic thermal amplitude produce elegant, mineral-driven wines—including the award-winning SOPHENIA Synthesis Malbec and Altosur Malbec. Meanwhile, the modern winery features panoramic tasting lounges and its celebrated “Blending Session”—where you’ll craft your own cuvée.
24. d’Arenberg
Where: McLaren Vale, South Australia
A surrealist icon in the heart of McLaren Vale, d’Arenberg has remained family-run since 1912—now helmed by fourth-generation winemaker Chester Osborn. Its most iconic feature is the five-storey d’Arenberg Cube: a geometric marvel reflecting the layered intricacies of winemaking. Inside, guests explore the Alternate Realities Museum—home to 25 certified Salvador Dalí sculptures—immersive wine aroma chambers, and a virtual fermenter. Beyond the Cube, the estate crafts over 80 wines—including cult classics like The Dead Arm Shiraz and The Athazagoraphobic Cat—earning d’Arenberg the title of Best Vineyard in Australasia in 2024.
25. Domäne Wachau
Where: Wachau Valley, Lower Austria
Anchored in the UNESCO-listed Wachau Valley, Domäne Wachau unites small growers cultivating tiny parcels across Austria’s most iconic single vineyards, from Loibenberg to Kellerberg. The estate’s baroque Kellerschlössel, built in 1714, shelters cellars over 300 years old—where Riesling and Grüner Veltliner quietly mature. Meanwhile, vineyard terraces follow the Danube’s curves—offering sweeping views and a window into centuries-old viticulture. Visitors can join the “WINE.RIEDEN.HIKE” tour, ride the Wachaubahn train, or explore the Alternate Realities Museum. Tastings, however, span Steinfeder to Smaragd styles—while cult Heuriger tavern nights showcase the full Domäne Wachau portfolio framed by the legendary Ried Kellerberg.
26. Fitapreta
Where: Alentejo, Portugal
Co-founded by acclaimed winemaker António Maçanita, Fitapreta is a pioneering winery in Portugal’s Alentejo region—nestled in a restored 14th-century palace near Évora. Known for reviving indigenous grapes, Fitapreta crafts wines like Palpite Tinto and Branco de Talha—Portugal’s first amphora-aged white wine. Beyond the cellar, you can join guided tastings from the Clássicos, Chão dos Eremitas, and Signature Series, and also explore the historic Paço do Morgado de Oliveira—a former noble estate and now the heart of Fitapreta’s white wine production—where white wines mature in French oak barrels.
27. Maison Mirabeau
Where: Cotignac, France
A newcomer—founded in 2010 by Jeany and Stephen Cronk—this Provençal winery has become world-renowned for its elegant rosés. Tucked beneath the rolling hills of Cotignac—where the Cronks first nurtured their dream of a new life in Provence—Mirabeau has grown into a celebrated producer of award-winning, vegan-friendly Côtes de Provence wines. Their wider portfolio spans delicately expressive still rosés, sparkling cuvées, and a Riviera-inspired Rosé Gin. Meanwhile, visitors can surf through their pretty boutique and tasting room on the main square of Cotignac—or rent two houses on their 20-hectare estate Domaine Mirabeau.
28. Susana Balbo
Where: Mendoza, Argentina
Set against the Cordón del Plata mountain range, Susana Balbo Wines was established in 1999 by Argentina’s first female winemaker. Here, guests can dine at Osadía de Crear—where seasonal Argentine cuisine is paired with signature wines such as its Signature Torrontés and Nosotros Malbec. Meanwhile, estate experiences include wine blending workshops, cooking classes, guided tours of the microvinification room La Capilla, and curated barrel tastings. A hidden gem? The estate also operates SB Winemaker’s House & Spa Suites—a boutique hotel in Chacras de Coria created by Susana and her daughter Ana Lovaglio Balbo.
29. Gusbourne
Where: Kent, England
Tucked into the rolling hills of Kent’s Romney Marsh, Gusbourne produces award-winning English sparkling wines from 60 hectares of estate-grown Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier. Though the land dates to 1410 and John de Goosebourne, the modern winery began in 2004 under South African-born Andrew Weeber—who envisioned a world-class sparkling wine estate rooted in Burgundian clones and low-intervention viticulture. At its heart is The Nest—Gusbourne’s sleek cellar door and tasting rooms—where you can join guided tastings of exclusively vintage wines or curated events, like their Michelin-star chef series.
30. Zuccardi Valle de Uco
Where: Mendoza, Argentina
Crowned World’s Best Vineyard three years running and inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2022, Zuccardi Valle de Uco traces its legacy to the 1960s—when Alberto Zuccardi pioneered irrigation in Mendoza. Today, under Sebastián Zuccardi, the estate honors its heritage and paves the future of Argentine wines with wines like Polígonos Semillón, Concreto Malbec, José Zuccardi, and Finca Piedra Infinita Malbec. Inside, bespoke concrete fermentation vessels meet its dome-topped tasting room, echoing the estate’s Brutalist aesthetic. Meanwhile, guests savor Andes views at its Michelin-recognized Piedra Infinita Cocina or join the “Legacy Tour,” which explores the family’s scientific and cultural contributions to Argentine viticulture.
31. Quinta do Bomfim
Where: Pinhão, Douro Valley, Portugal
Owned by the Symington family since 1912, Quinta do Bomfim anchors the legacy of Dow’s Port in the heart of the Douro Valley—its terraced vineyards climbing schist-rich slopes above the river, yielding powerful, age-worthy vintages. The estate’s historic lodge and cellars shelter century-old barrels and a museum chronicling five generations of winemaking. Meanwhile, guests can taste vintage ports and dry wines on the panoramic terrace overlooking the river, or explore the “Vineyards” exhibition—a tribute to the region’s viticultural heritage and the family’s enduring stewardship.
32. Ceretto Aziende Vitivinicole
Where: Piedmont, Italy
Ceretto Aziende Vitivinicole is a family-run estate with 180 hectares across the Langhe (Barolo, Barbaresco) and Roero. The portfolio includes single-vineyard Barolos like Brunate and Bricco Rocche, and Barbarescos from Asili and Bernadot—each reflecting the nuance of Piedmont’s terroir. Meanwhile, the estate’s architectural landmarks—the Acino, a transparent tasting dome in the vineyards, and the Chapel of Barolo, a 1914 church reimagined by Sol LeWitt and David Tremlett—embody Ceretto’s fusion of tradition and contemporary art. Here, guests can explore the Relanghe hazelnut lab, sip Moscato d’Asti, or dine at Piazza Duomo—Piedmont’s first three-Michelin-starred restaurant—co-created by Ceretto and chef Enrico Crippa.
33. Nyetimber
Where: West Sussex, England
Nyetimber is one of England’s most iconic sparkling wine producers, with roots in the rolling hills of West Sussex. First planted in 1988 with classic Champagne varieties, the estate now spans West Sussex, Hampshire, and Kent. Every grape is estate-grown and handpicked, then vinified using the traditional method with extended lees ageing. Here, Head Winemaker Cherie Spriggs—first outside Champagne to win Sparkling Winemaker of the Year at the International Wine Challenge—crafts cuvées like Classic Cuvee, Blanc de Blancs, and Tillington Single Vineyard. Meanwhile, sustainability drives the estate’s approach—from drone-guided viticulture to sheep-grazed cover crops that enrich the soil and reduce chemical input.
34. Château d’Esclans
Where: Provence, France
Set on elevated land near the Gorges de Pennafort, Château d’Esclans is the Provençal estate behind the global rosé phenomenon Whispering Angel. Acquired by Sacha Lichine in 2006, the château—once a residence of the Counts of Provence—ignited the “Rosé Renaissance” with a portfolio that includes Rock Angel, Les Clans, and Garrus. Now majority-owned by LVMH, the estate marries 19th-century architecture with modern winemaking, harvesting grapes at sunrise to preserve freshness. Tour the cellars, stroll the Mediterranean gardens, and enjoy guided tastings that trace the evolution of rosé.
35. Champagne Billecart-Salmon
Where: Champagne, France
Founded in 1818 by Nicolas François Billecart and Elisabeth Salmon, Champagne Billecart-Salmon remains one of the few family-owned houses in the region—now led by its seventh generation. The estate spans 741 acres across 40 crus, with a focus on precision, freshness, and extended aging—especially in its flagship cuvée, Nicolas François Billecart. Visitors can explore the 19th-century family home, stroll through French-style gardens, and tour chalk cellars dating from the 17th and 19th centuries. Or dig deeper with guided tastings in one of the estate’s elegant rooms, following a visit to the Clos Saint-Hilaire—a certified organic and biodynamic parcel behind the house.FORBESAn Insider’s Guide To Hotel Don Pepe, MarbellaBy Lewis Nunn
36. Torre de Palma
Where: Alentejo, Portugal
Rooted in a legacy dating back to 1338, Torre de Palma is a boutique wine estate and hotel where Roman ruins marry medieval architecture. Restored in 2014 by architect João Mendes Ribeiro, the property features a medieval tower and a winery that blends traditional hand-harvesting with modern vinification. Here, guests can explore the Basilii family’s legacy through horseback riding, olive oil tastings, and vineyard tours—or unwind in the spa and dine at Palma restaurant, where seasonal Alentejo cuisine is paired with estate wines like Reserva da Família Collection and Torre de Palma Reserva. With just 19 rooms and immersive experiences—from grape stomping to stargazing—the estate offers a deeply personal gateway into Portugal’s artisanal wine culture.
37. De Martino
Where: Isla de Maipo, Central Valley, Chile
Established in 1934 by Italian immigrant Pietro De Martino, this fourth-generation family winery is a benchmark for terroir-driven, sustainable Chilean wine. De Martino champions native yeasts, minimal intervention, and traditional vessels such as amphorae and foudres—especially in its Viejas Tinajas range from the Itata Valley, featuring old-vine Cinsault and Muscat. At its Isla de Maipo estate, visitors can explore organic vineyards, tour the historic colonial house, and join guided tastings of small-lot bottlings like single-vineyard Carignan, old-vine País, and ancestral Muscat. The winery, however, is also recognized for its role in reviving forgotten Chilean varietals and pioneering the first labeled Carmenère in Chile.
38. Duckhorn Vineyards
Where: Napa Valley, California, USA
Founded in 1976 by Dan and Margaret Duckhorn, Duckhorn Vineyards played a pivotal role in championing Merlot in Napa Valley—beginning with just 800 cases of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot in 1978. Today, the estate encompasses 286 acres in Napa Valley and welcomes guests to its Estate House in St. Helena—framed by meticulously tended gardens. Signature bottlings? The acclaimed Three Palms Vineyard Merlot and North Coast Sauvignon Blanc—crafted by winemaker Renée Ary with a focus on Bordeaux-inspired varietals.
39. Seppeltsfield
Where: Barossa Valley, South Australia
Established in 1851, Seppeltsfield is one of Australia’s most historic estates, renowned for its Centennial Cellar—the world’s only unbroken lineage of single-vintage Tawny, dating back to 1878. Set to celebrate its 175th anniversary next year, the estate’s grand entrance features the iconic palm-lined avenue: over 5km long and flanked by 2,000 canary date palms. At its heart, the restored 1888 Gravity Cellar anchors a vibrant tourism village, home to the Cellar Door (offering luxury wine tastings), FINO restaurant, Prohibition Gin Distillery, and most recently, The Tiny Knife Shop. Its singular claim? Seppeltsfield is the only place on earth where guests can taste a 100-year-old wine—Para Vintage Tawny—directly from the barrel.
40. Bodegas Salentein
Where: Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina
Launched in the late 1990s by Dutch entrepreneur Mijndert Pon, Bodegas Salentein helped redefine the Uco Valley as a world-class wine destination. Its cross-shaped winery—designed to echo Andean cosmology—sits at 1,200 meters above sea level and uses gravity-fed vinification to craft high-altitude expressions like the Single Vineyard Malbec, Primus Pinot Noir, and Numina Gran Corte. At the estate, guests can explore the Killka cultural center, with its contemporary gallery and sculpture garden, dine at Killka Restaurant, or stay at Posada Salentein—a boutique lodge nestled among the vines.
41. Alta Vista
Where: Mendoza, Argentina
Built in 1890 and restored in the late 1990s by Count Patrick d’Aulan—former owner of the Champagne house Piper-Heidsieck—Alta Vista blends French savoir-faire with Argentine terroir in the heart of Mendoza. Its colonial façade, underground cellars, and lush gardens offer the perfect spot for sampling its iconic Alto and Single Vineyard wines. Meanwhile, visitors can also explore the historic barrel room and indulge in a Franco-Argentine tasting experience, paired with rare vintages from its historic collection, at its signature restaurant, Assemblage.
42. Three Choirs Vineyards
Where: Gloucestershire, England
Founded in 1973 by Alan McKechnie, Three Choirs Vineyards is one of England’s oldest vineyards—having begun as a modest half-acre experiment on Gloucestershire’s south-facing slopes. Over the decades, it has flourished into a 75-acre estate—now cultivating a diverse range of grape varieties including Pinot Noir, Bacchus, Siegerrebe, Seyval Blanc, and Phoenix. In 1990, the vineyard expanded its vision with a state-of-the-art winery—soon followed by secluded lodges nestled into the landscape. Since 1989, however, winemaker Martin Fowke has guided production—celebrating his 36th vintage in 2025. Today, Three Choirs produces around 200,000 bottles annually—earning widespread acclaim for its Classic Cuvee, Bacchus, and Rosé wines.
43. Finca Decero
Where: Mendoza, Argentina
Perched at 1,050 meters in the Agrelo sub-appellation, Finca Decero lives up to its name—“from scratch”—with its single-vineyard philosophy. Established on virgin land in 2000, its Remolinos Vineyard is named after the dust devils that swirl through its rows—watched over by native Lechuza owls. Its minimalist architecture—awarded “Best Landscape and Architecture” by Great Wine Capitals in 2009—frames panoramic views of the Andes. Meanwhile, guests enjoy seasonal menus at the estate restaurant, paired with Decero’s signature Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Petit Verdot—or join its “Owl & the Dust Devil” storytelling tour—an immersive journey through the estate’s whimsical folklore.
44. Fincas Patagonicas
Where: Viedma, Río Negro, Argentina
Defying convention in Argentina’s southern frontier, Fincas Patagónicas operates Wapisa—the country’s first coastal vineyard, just 25 km from the Atlantic Ocean. With 60 hectares of vineyards planted on limestone-rich soils, the estate harnesses maritime breezes to produce Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, and Sauvignon Blanc. Its most daring gem lies 10 meters underwater: a submarine cellar, where bottles rest at 15°C under 1 bar of pressure. Founded by Patricia Ortiz, the estate offers guided tastings and the Wapisa Underwater Experience—where visitors can descend to the underwater cellar and harvest their own bottle beneath the sea.
45. Bodega DiamAndes
Where: Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina
Part of the prestigious Clos de los Siete collective, Bodega DiamAndes lies at 1,100 meters above sea level in Vista Flores—framed by 130 hectares of organically farmed vines. The estate was created in 2005 by the Bonnie family—owners of Bordeaux’s Château Malartic-Lagravière. Here, visitors can explore its subterranean cellar carved into the Andean foothills, join wine-paired lunches, and taste Bordeaux-style blends like the DiamAndes de Uco Grande Reserves and Perlita.
46. All Saints Estate
Where: Victoria, Australia
Set along the banks of the Murray River, All Saints Estate is one of Australia’s oldest wineries—established in 1864 by Scottish engineers George Sutherland Smith and John Banks. Inspired by the Castle of Mey in Caithness, the estate’s heritage-listed castle was hand-built from local bricks—framed by 150-year-old elm trees and manicured English gardens. Today, guests can explore the original cellars, visit the century-old Chinese Dormitory, and enjoy tastings of Rutherglen icons like Durif and Muscat.
47. Bodega Garzón
Where: Maldonado, Uruguay
Nestled among 240 hectares of rolling vineyards near Punta del Este, Bodega Garzón is Latin America’s first LEED-certified winery. Producing over 500,000 liters annually, it’s acclaimed for its expressive Albariño and velvety, award-winning Tannat — Uruguay’s signature red. Guests can feast at its open-fire Francis Mallmann restaurant, join the Garzón Premium Experience (featuring a tasting of Petit Clos wines), or opt for the “Create Your Blend” experience — crafting and labeling their own wine under the guidance of expert sommeliers.
48. Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars
Where: Napa Valley, USA
Founded in 1970 in Napa Valley, Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars gained global acclaim when its 1973 S.L.V. Cabernet Sauvignon triumphed over top Bordeaux wines at the 1976 Judgment of Paris (celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2026)—a landmark victory that helped establish California as a world-class wine region. Building on this legacy, the estate’s flagship wines—S.L.V., FAY, and CASK 23—are renowned for their elegance and age-worthiness. Today, under the ownership of Marchesi Antinori, the winery continues to craft exceptional Cabernet Sauvignons while welcoming guests to the FAY Outlook & Visitor Center, where you can join the Estate Experience—a 90-minute guided tour and reserve tasting featuring limited-release wines.
49. Herdade do Sobroso
Where: Vidigueira, Alentejo, Portugal
Set in Portugal’s Alentejo region, Herdade do Sobroso is a 1,600-hectare estate in Vidigueira, once home to Vasco da Gama. Framed by the Serra de Mendro and the Guadiana River—named Anas by the Romans—it lies near the Alqueva Dam, Europe’s largest artificial lake. With 60 hectares of vineyards rooted in ancient terroir shaped by the Vidigueira fault, the estate produces elegant wines from native and international grapes—its bestseller: RESERVA Red—while visitors enjoy tastings, hot air balloon rides, boutique hotel stays, and wildlife safaris to spot wild boar, deer, and mouflon.
50. Wiston Estate
Where: Sussex, England
Nestled in the chalky slopes of the South Downs, Wiston Estate is a family-run producer of English sparkling wine. Stewarded by the Goring family since 1743, vines were planted in 2006 under Pip Goring’s vision—inspired by her South African roots. Wiston crafts traditional method wines from Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier, using a rare Coquard press imported in 2008. Meanwhile, sustainability defines the estate: certified by Sustainable Wines of Great Britain, it employs cover crops, composting, mulching, sheep grazing, bee hives, solar panels, and reduced water and plastic use. The buzz? Wiston Cuvée 2016 was served at Windsor Castle’s State Banquet for President Donald Trump.
Comment from Virgin Wines
Sophie Lord, Buying Director, Virgin Wines, spoke about the final shortlist: “The final line-up showcases those that achieved the highest scores across a range of benchmarks, including historical significance, innovation, consumer engagement, sustainability, and social responsibility. Sustainability and social responsibility carried particular weight—values that have become increasingly vital to the global wine industry and central to our judging process”.
I asked her if there were any standout countries? “This year’s ‘World’s 50 Best Wineries’ features a remarkable number of wineries from Argentina. While Argentina’s strong showing is no surprise given its stellar global reputation, the sheer number of high-performing entries highlights the country’s deep commitment to sustainability, innovation, and its rich winemaking heritage.
Equally noteworthy is the inclusion of wineries from England. The English wine sector has experienced rapid growth in recent years, and its presence on this list reflects how producers are now challenging long-established traditions and securing a place on the global stage.” said Lord.
Virgin Wines also prepared a Quality Ranking. Lord details more: “As wine quality and taste are inherently subjective, these factors were not part of the judging criteria. However, we felt it important to celebrate outstanding winemaking in its own right. To that end, we have introduced a special Virgin Wines ranking to recognise producers whose wines stood out for their exceptional quality and craftsmanship”.
Virgin Wines Quality Ranking Leaders:
- Santa Rita Estates
- Dr. Loosen
- Zuccardi Valle de Uco
- Duckhorn Vineyards
- Seppeltsfield Wines
- Bodega Garzón
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This story was originally published on forbes.com.
