The World’s 50 Best Vineyards awards convened at Amelia Park Wines in Margaret River, transforming the rural Western Australian estate into a global celebration.
Vineyard owners and winemakers walked the red carpet in formal attire, identified by distinctive red scarves. The near-perfect weather and the stunning surroundings all built the atmosphere that balanced the region’s viticulture prowess with the excitement of the awards, as representatives from 15 countries across six continents gathered as members of the global media attended to record the event.
This evening marked the crescendo of a week spent traversing Perth and the south of the state. From the urban development of Perth to the emerging vineyards of the nearby hills and the unique geographic identity of the southern river region, there is a clear ambition to court the global traveller.
Organised by London’s William Reed, the World’s 50 Best Vineyards distinguishes itself from typical ‘wine-only’ competitions, by assessing the complete visitor experience. The ranking is determined by an academy comprising more than 700 leading wine experts and travel writers from across the globe. Dividing the world into 20 geographical regions, judging is based on flexible criteria across architecture and ambiance to food, wine, and service.
Accompanied by the reserve selection of the host wines, the event showcased local culinary excellence. A beautiful didgeridoo performance by Josh, a local elder, acknowledged the region’s indigenous history before the ceremony commenced. After two hours of cocktail reception, the crowd of 180 moved to the restaurant for the pronouncement of the rankings.
VIK, located in Chile’s Millahue Valley, took the number one spot to much applause. A 4,300-hectare estate with 327 hectares in vines was launched by Alexander and Carrie Vik in 2004. The property represents an extraordinary fusion of science, art, and nature. Chief winemaker Cristian Vallejo oversees a holistic process that draws heavily on science yet often borders on the mystical; the team employs a wide variety of techniques such as burying amphorae filled with wine in the earth, to be unearthed on the solstice.
Germany’s Schloss Johannisberg was named the Best Vineyard in Europe. North American honours went to Jordan Vineyard & Winery in the Alexander Valley, while South Africa’s Klein Constantia took the title for Africa. The circuit was completed by Japan’s 98Wines winning in Asia and New Zealand’s Cloudy Bay claiming the Best Vineyard in Australasia.
The ranking underscores a pivotal shift in the industry: the vineyard has evolved from a production facility into a primary destination for high-end experience tourism. Travellers now demand an immersion that extends beyond the tasting room to include visual aspects, wellness, fine dining, and hospitality. 2025 winner VIK epitomises this evolution.
DOWN UNDER TOPS
Cloudy Bay appeared at number 26, earning the title of Best Vineyard in Australasia, joined by Rippon at 44. Australia’s sole representative was Henschke at number 47. New Zealand however dominated the 51-100 extension with five entries: Wairau River Wines (#52), Greystone Winery (#89), Kumeu River Wines (#90), Felton Road (#98), and Ata Rangi (#100).
WORDS — TIM WARREN
