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Rioja Tops the World’s Best Vineyards List
World’s Best Vineyards has revealed the top 50 wine destinations for 2024, with Rioja claiming two spots in the top five and being the most awarded region in the Top 50 list. Rioja’s Bodegas De Los Herederos Del Marqués De Riscal took the top spot, with a further four wineries from Rioja – Bodegas Ysios, Bodegas Muga, Marqués de Murrieta Estates & Wines and Bodegas Vivanco – all earning a place on the coveted list.
World’s Best Vineyards is an annual ranking that celebrates exceptional wineries globally, showcasing those that excel in wine quality, visitor experience, and unique settings. The list features vineyards that produce outstanding wines and offer memorable experiences, from guided tastings and educational tours to stunning landscapes and remarkable architecture. Sustainability and innovation are also key, with many top-ranked vineyards recognized for eco-friendly practices.
Rioja: Dominating the 2024 List
Rioja leads the way in this year’s list of the top 50 vineyards with multiple wineries celebrated for their dedication to quality, innovation, and unforgettable visitor experiences. Four other Rioja vineyards—Bodegas Ysios, Bodegas Muga, Marqués de Murrieta Estates & Wines, and Bodegas Vivanco—all secured positions, making Rioja the most awarded region this year. This prestigious recognition affirms what wine enthusiasts have known for centuries: Rioja is where tradition meets modern excellence, creating wines and experiences that captivate the senses.
Marqués de Riscal: The World’s Best Vineyard 2024
Bodegas De Los Herederos Del Marqués De Riscal, a legendary name in Rioja, won the World’s Best Vineyard in 2024. Founded in 1858, Marqués de Riscal has earned acclaim for its pioneering winemaking and architectural marvel – a luxury hotel designed by renowned architect Frank Gehry. With its fluid forms and metallic colors, this iconic building is as stunning as the wines it overlooks. Guests can indulge in an exquisite meal at its top-tier restaurant, savoring local cuisine paired with Riscal’s finest wines, making this a must-visit destination for wine lovers worldwide.
Celebrating Rioja’s Other Awarded Wineries
Rioja’s representation on the list didn’t stop at Marqués de Riscal. Other wineries, each with unique offerings, have earned well-deserved spots:
Bodegas Ysios (4th place): Known for its avant-garde architecture by Santiago Calatrava, Bodegas Ysios offers breathtaking views and innovative experiences. Their new Winecar Tour lets visitors explore the vineyards by electric car, sampling Ysios wines and curated appetizers.
Bodegas Muga (23rd place): Famous for its oak barrel cooperage, Bodegas Muga invites visitors to enjoy tours of its cellars, a Segway vineyard tour, and a hot-air balloon flight over the vineyards at sunrise.
Marqués de Murrieta Estates & Wines (30th place): Combining history and beauty, Marqués de Murrieta welcomes guests to its Castillo de Ygay estate. Expanded gardens and new parks add to the charm of this storied winery, which dates back to 1852.
Bodegas Vivanco (31st place): Bodegas Vivanco, home to the globally renowned Vivanco Museum of Wine Culture, offers events like stargazing in the vineyards and a hands-on grape harvest festival, blending art, history, and winemaking for an unforgettable experience.
The World’s Best Vineyards awards ceremony took place on Monday 4th November 2024
The Top 50 list is compiled from all the nominations by the global academy of voters. The world is split into geographical regions, each headed up by an acknowledged expert as the Academy Chair. Each Academy Chair is responsible for recruiting 36 wine and travel experts. Each member of the Voting Academy must vote for 7 vineyards. There is no pre-determined checklist of criteria or predefined list to choose from – each vote is a nomination for a vineyard experience open to the public that they deem to truly be the best in the world.
Experience the Heart of Rioja with Rioja Paired
Rioja’s success in the 2024 World’s Best Vineyards list is a testament to its deep-rooted heritage, innovation, and commitment to providing guests with world-class experiences. But the best way to truly understand and appreciate Rioja is to explore it yourself. Discover the full experience of Rioja’s wines, culture, and scenery at RiojaPaired.com, where you’ll find an immersive guide to everything Rioja offers.
For those ready to embark on their next wine adventure, there’s no better place to start than Rioja. With each visit, you’ll uncover a new layer of history, taste, and artistry that makes this region truly one of a kind.
Whether you’re a wine lover or a curious traveler, Rioja welcomes you to experience the best in the world. Find Rioja near you.
Cheers to Rioja – the world’s top wine region of 2024!