The World's Best Vineyards 2023 global competition consecrates Rioja as one of the best wine tourism destinations in the world

The jury that prepares the ranking is made up of more than 500 world personalities

Specifically, four Rioja wineries make up this year's list of the 100 Best in the World, two of them in the TOP 50.

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El World's Best Vineyards 2023 global competition crown to the DOCa Rioja as the maximum exponent of national wine tourism and a clear international reference as it is the Spanish Denomination of Origin with the greatest presence in the prestigious ranking that lists the Best Vineyards and Wineries in the World.

 

Specifically, four Rioja wineries This year they make up the list of the 100 Best in the World, two of them in the TOP 50: Heirs of the Marqués de Riscal once again managed to be the only Spanish winery to get on the podium of the TOP 3, remaining in second place, after the Argentine Catena Zapata. In addition, the Rioja winery obtained the special recognition of “Best Vineyard in Europe”, awarded by the jury for its “stunning futuristic architecture and its extraordinary surroundings.”

 

Bodegas Muga manages to gain a foothold for the first time in the ranking, breaking in with force and occupying the position number 49, therefore within the TOP 50. Furthermore, the representation of the Rioja Qualified Denomination of Origin is completed with the presence of Ysios -also new entry in the ranking- ranked 71 y Vivanco Wineries, in 76, thus recognizing andl popotential and diversity of the set of winemaking projects in Rioja as some of the most impressive and unique in the world.

 

As every year, the list highlights those wineries that offer unparalleled experiences for visitors and that house some of the wonders of modern architecture, ancestral and family wineries or restaurants of Michelin stars, among other proposals.

 

The jury that prepares the ranking is made up of more than 500 global personalities from the wine industry, sommeliers and expert travelers, who provide their nominations based on different criteria such as, for example, the landscape, the quality of the experience, gastronomy, the offer of activities, the quality of the service, etc. Based on their evaluations, the results are compiled to prepare the final list.

 

“We are very proud of the results achieved by Rioja; In addition to congratulating the wineries recognized in the ranking, it is time to highlight the enormous wealth of the Denomination in wine tourism, merit of all the wineries and winegrowers who make it even greater every day: our centuries of history and a melting pot of Contrasts that are difficult to compare have led Rioja to consolidate itself as one of the best wine destinations in the world,” he declares. Fernando Ezquerro, president of the Regulatory Council of the DOCa Rioja. “We are delighted to show the hundreds of thousands of visitors who come to the Denomination year after year our uniqueness, diversity and hospitality so that they understand first-hand why Rioja is “Spain’s Finest”Ezquerro concluded.

 

Rioja is the leading Designation of Origin in national wine tourism in number of visits and visitable wineries: with 748.345 visitors only the previous year, 62,64% more than in 2021, the estimated economic impact on the region exceeded 155,5 million euros.

 

The international competition crowns the wine region as the greatest exponent of national wine tourism as it is the Spanish Denomination of Origin with the most representation in the prestigious list of the Best Vineyards and Wineries in the World

 

An exceptional program for the international delegation

Bodegas Beronia has been in charge of hosting the ceremony where the Top 50 of the Best Vineyards and Wineries in the World has been announced, a luxury setting that perfectly complemented the intense program of activities and visits over four days, designed to give good example of the diversity that the Denomination entails and delight the international delegation, made up of more than a hundred people including jury, journalists and organization. Rioja Vega Winery, Franco Españolas Wineries, Eguren Ugarte, Marqués de Riscal, Finca la Emperatriz, Ysios, as well as the Vivanco Museum and the Haro Station Neighborhood, visiting Bilbaínas Wineries, CVNE, Muga, Gómez Cruzado, La Rioja Alta SA and Roda, These are some of the destinations and proposals that the committee has been able to learn about.

 

Gastronomic and recreational experiences  , unique activities, exceptional tastings and pairings and cultural immersions with which to immerse yourself in Rioja: the events included in the itinerary have dazzled a jury that has been dedicated and “fascinated by the richness of this great little Denomination”.

 

The holding of the contest highlights the commitment of the DOCa Rioja Regulatory Council to promote wine tourism, working to continue the positioning of the Denomination among the best wine tourism destinations in the world, having included as an objective in its strategic plan exceeding 1,2 million visitors in 2025.

 

Authorities from the three Autonomous Governments where the Denomination extends have participated in the events and visits held, among them, Gonzalo Capellán, President of the Government of La Rioja, Noemí Manzanos, Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Rural World and Environment of the Government of La Rioja, Arantxa Tapia and Bittor Oroz, Minister of Economic Development, Sustainability and Environment and Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Policy of the Basque Country, respectively, Fernando Santafé, General Director of Rural Development of the Government of Navarra, and Raúl Pérez Iratxeta, director of Quality and Food Industries of the Government of Navarra, among other representatives.

 

The achievement of the event has involved an investment of more than half a million euros in which the three Autonomies have collaborated, of which a significant amount has reverted directly to the territory of the Denomination itself, thus boosting the sector and businesses in the region. .

 

Andrew Reed, general director of the World's Best Vineyards competition, explained: “We have realized that national and international tourists seek experiences that encompass a multitude of activities, and Rioja, as the host Denomination, more than meets this demand, with its stunning landscapes, delicious gastronomy and, of course, extraordinary wines. ”.

 

Top Ten World's Best Vineyards 2023

1. Catena Zapata – Argentina (Best Vineyard in South America)
2. Wineries of the Heirs of the Marquis of Riscal – Spain (Best Vineyard in Europe)
3. VIK – Chile
4. Creation – South Africa (Best Vineyard in Africa)
5. Château Smith Haut Lafitte – France
6. Garzón Winery – Uruguay
7. Mountains – Chile
8. Domäne Schloss Johannisberg – Germany
9. Salentein Wineries – Argentina
10. El Enemigo Wines – Argentina