1. Zuccardi Valle de Uco (Argentina)
One more year, it has been revealed the list of the World's Best Vineyards (the best vineyards in the world) , a ranking prepared by the William Reed company with the 50 best wine tourism destinations.
And it is that these vineyards are much more than mere fields of cultivation: They are places where you can taste excellent wines, learn about the production process, take guided tours, live gastronomic experiences and even stay overnight.
The winner of the 2020 edition of the World's Best Vineyards has been Zuccardi Valle de Uco, in Argentina, which wins the title of best vineyard in the world, as it did last year.
This year's list spans 5 continents and 18 countries, with 17 new names –such as Japan, Bulgaria and India– that join this prestigious list of wine tourism destinations.
ZUCCARDI VALLE DE UCO, THE BEST VINEYARD IN THE WORLD
Zuccardi Valle de Uco has been voted the best vineyard in the world and best vineyard in South America for second consecutive Year.
Located in the Uco Valley (Mendoza, Argentina), Zuccardi is one of the most fascinating experiences for wine lovers.
The Andean landscape that surrounds it, together with the architecture of its winery and the talent of the oenologist Sebastián Zuccardi, make this place a unique enclave where you can taste high-altitude wines.
The Zuccardi vineyards are located at about 1,000 meters above sea level, in the alluvial plain of the Tunuyá River and in its flavor you can appreciate the characteristic diversity of the calcareous soils of Paraje Altamira
Founded in 1963, Zuccardi offers guided tours and his restaurant, Infinity Stone Kitchen, you can enjoy a four-step menu made with regional products and paired with Zuccardi wines.
THE 10 BEST VINEYARDS IN THE WORLD
The diversity of the list of the 50 best vineyards in the world is one of the most interesting. There are modern architectural wonders, ancient UNESCO-protected wineries, Michelin-starred restaurants, and small family-owned wineries. where the owners conduct the tours.
Many of the wineries on the list also offer something a bit different, such as a vintage carriage ride through the vineyard, a tapas tasting amidst a collection of beautifully restored classic cars, art from the likes of Pablo Picasso, and cooking lessons over an open fire.
This year was the first in which the awards ceremony took place virtually , giving the gold medal to Zuccardi Valle de Uco.
In second position (for the second consecutive year) is placed the Garzon Winery in Uruguay and third place went to Domäne Wachau in Austria, who has jumped no less than 16 places compared to 2019 and also wins the title of best vineyard in Europe.
A Spanish winery sneaks into the top 10 of the best vineyards in the world. Is about Wineries of the Heirs of the Marquis of Riscal , which this year ranks sixth, rising three positions.
In total, there are five European vineyards that are among the top ten positions: Domäne Wachau in Austria (3rd), Bodegas de los Herederos del Marqués de Riscal in Spain (6th), Château Smith Haut Lafitte in France (7th), Quinta do Crasto in Portugal (8th) and Antinori nel Chianti Classico in Italy (9th) .
Completing the top 10: Montes in Chile (4th), Robert Mondavi Winery in the United States (5th best vineyard in the world and first in North America) and VIK Winery, Chile (10th).
Also, in the ranking of the 50 best vineyards there are three more Spanish: González Byass - Bodega Tio Pepe (18th), Bodegas Vivanco (41st) and Familia Torres (41st).
THE BEST OF EACH CONTINENT
Zuccardi Valle de Uco is the best vineyard in the world and in South America , while the Austrian Domäne Wachau wins the title for best vineyard in Europe (and third in the world).
Robert Mondavi Winery in Napa, California is the fifth best vineyard in the world and first in North America and Rippon (New Zealand) is the best in Oceania and thirteenth in the world.
Delaire Graff Estate, in South Africa, It ranks 14th and is the best vineyard in Africa.
The list of the best vineyards in the world also seeks recognize the diversity between established and emerging wine tourism destinations.
A) Yes, 17 new destinations are added to the list of the 50 best vineyards in the world. the cellar Château Mercian Mariko makes Japan participate for the first time in this ranking, placing at number 30 and winning the title of best vineyard in Asia.
SONOMA, HOST PARTNER OF THE EVENT
The list of the best vineyards in the world seeks to raise the profile of wine tourism and, despite the difficult circumstances that the travel industry has faced this year, Organizer William Reed and 2020 Host Partner of the Year, Sonoma County Winegrowers, wanted to recognize the efforts of wineries from around the world.
Karissa Kruse, president of the Sonoma County Wine Growers, said, “We look forward to welcoming guests to Sonoma County, the most sustainable wine region in the world, and we are delighted to be able to continue with the presentation of the top 50”
“This year's virtual announcement is a reflection of the ways that wineries around the world, and not just ours here in Sonoma Country, have so adroitly adapted to the current situation. Many wineries in Sonoma County are reopening their doors to visitors and we are looking forward to another great season,” she continued.
Kruse also announced the highest-ranking vineyard in Sonoma County, Francis Ford Coppola Winery. The winery is as immersive as Coppola's unforgettable films and features a wide range of attractions, from a landscaped park to restaurants, swimming pools with poolside cabanas, a movie theater, movie gallery, bocce ball courts, and a performing arts pavilion.
You can check the list of the best vineyards in the world here.