World’s Best Vineyards has revealed the 50 best wine tourism destinations with Argentina’s Zuccardi Valle de Uco taking the top spot for the second year running.
Bodega Garzón in Uruguay came in 2nd place for a consecutive year and Domäne Wachau in Austria jumped 16 places to take the 3rd spot. The 2020 Top 50 vineyards represented 18 countries and included first-time winners from India, Bulgaria and Japan.
The World’s Best Vineyards list seeks to raise the profile of wine tourism and despite the difficult circumstances that the travel industry has faced this year, the organiser William Reed 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 cautiously open to visitors mindful of the constant changing public health situation in some parts of the world.
Founder Andrew Reed praised the wine industry for its quick adaptability to current restrictions on travel: “It is testament to this amazing community of winemakers and wineries that your flexibility and speed of response has allowed you to adapt your business model to survive, and even thrive!”
The World’s Best Vineyards list also seeks to recognise the diversity across established and emerging wine tourism destinations. Overall there were 17 new destinations in this year’s Top 50. Delaire Graff Estate in South Africa was awarded 14th place and Best Vineyard in Africa.
The Estate is an unrivalled experience, home to 2 flagship restaurants, 18 acclaimed lodge suites, a world-class villa, spa, unique luxury boutiques, and one of South Africa’s most respected art collections. Indochine is highlighted by the awards programme for its “dazzling and sophisticated Asian-influenced dining experience, combined with Delaire Graff’s unimpeachable range of wines”. Also noted is the superb location between the historic towns of Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, which offers panoramic views across a sea of grape vines in the foothills of the Stellenbosch mountains. Delaire Graff Estate sits on the slopes of the Botmaskop Mountain peak. Around 20 hectares of vineyards are planted with Bordeaux reds and Chardonnay pesticide-free grapes which thrive in the area’s special climate and a combination of maritime and mountain influences creating is a very special terroir. Delaire Graff Estate offers support to the winelands community through a collaboration with Pebbles Project and FACET, the foundation created by owner of the estate, Laurence Graff. Pebbles Project have successfully delivered over 300 000 meals to date during the lockdown period within the Cape Winelands region.
Visit https://www.worldsbestvineyards.com/ for more information
Top image: Domäne Wachau in Austria
