What’s the best wine in the world? A trick question, of course. Ask any enthusiast and you’ll get a different answer faster than you can say “grippy tannins.” But when it comes to experiencing wine—the place, the people, the architecture, the Michelin-starred lunch that gets wildly out of hand—some vineyards go well beyond the bottle.

Welcome to the new era of wine tourism, where the vineyard is the destination, not just the means to a tipsy end. According to the World’s Best Vineyards 2024 awards (based on the votes of 500+ experts), today’s top estates are part art gallery, part spa resort, part time-travelling wine temple. And naturally, we’ve got opinions. Personally, I’m drawn to the wine temple vibe—there’s something almost sacred about a barrel room. It’s like a cathedral, but with better acoustics and more oak.

This article explores the trends, the showstoppers, and the 50 best vineyard experiences on Earth. So if your idea of a perfect holiday includes dramatic architecture, rare vintages, horseback rides through pristine valleys, and the occasional grape-stained epiphany, read on.

The Vineyard Experience: Now with 100% More Titanium and Truffle Oil

It’s no longer enough to offer a decent tasting flight and a gift shop. The 2024 rankings prove that top vineyards are now immersive, high-end sensory playgrounds. Think infinity pools overlooking Andean peaks (hi, VIK), avant-garde buildings by Frank Gehry and Santiago Calatrava, wine-paired menus by Michelin-starred chefs, and spas that rub crushed grape seeds into your pores while quoting biodynamic philosophy.

Many estates have become full-blown luxury retreats—complete with designer hotels, private tours, curated art, and experiences that are as Instagrammable as they are oenologically enlightening.

And the secret sauce? Storytelling. The best estates aren’t just selling wine, they’re selling the narrative—heritage meets innovation, soil meets soul.

The Top 10 Vineyards to Visit in 2024 (a.k.a. Where to Book First)

The top three offer a crash course in the evolution of wine tourism:

🥇 Marqués de Riscal, Rioja, Spain

From old-school Rioja roots to Frank Gehry’s shimmering titanium ribbons, this “City of Wine” mixes history, high design, and haute cuisine.

🥈 VIK, Millahue, Chile

Part vineyard, part sci-fi nature reserve. Think: architectural theatre, 4,300 hectares of wilderness, and wines that walk the line between art and science.

🥉 Creation, South Africa

Perched in Hemel-en-Aarde (yes, it means “Heaven and Earth”), Creation fuses Pinot elegance with world-class food pairings and wild, natural beauty.

The Full List: 2024’s 50 Best Vineyards (You’ll Want to Bookmark This)

What’s Behind the Rankings?

The list tells a bigger story. Here’s what’s shaping modern wine tourism:

1. The Experience Economy Has Hit the Vineyards
Top estates aren’t just producers, they’re curators of memory. The better the visitor experience, the higher the prestige.

2. Tradition Meets Architectural Drama
Think titanium roofs in 13th-century villages. Heritage is still gold—but it shines brighter next to a bold Gehry or Calatrava masterpiece.

3. The New World is Not So New Anymore
Places like Chile, South Africa, and Japan are no longer the scrappy upstarts. They’re setting standards, not chasing them.

4. Sustainability Isn’t Just a Checkbox
From organic farming to rewilding ecosystems, the best vineyards walk the green talk. It’s good for the planet—and great for storytelling.

How to Use This List (Without Getting Overwhelmed)

Don’t try to visit all 50 unless your liver is bionic. Instead, choose your own wine adventure:

• For architecture lovers: Start with Marqués de Riscal, VIK, Ysios, d’Arenberg, and Tenuta Castelbuono.
• For foodies: Try Creation, Abadía Retuerta, El Enemigo, Ceretto, and Marqués de Riscal.
• For history buffs: Head to Schloss Johannisberg, Ruinart, d’Yquem, Colomé, or Tio Pepe.
• For thrill-seekers: VIK’s nature reserve, Montes’ botanical trails, Domäne Wachau’s yacht safaris, or Salentein’s horseback adventures will keep you busy.

If you want more details on this read this article – Where to Drink by Personality: The 2024 Wine Travel Experience Guide

Final Sip: More Than Just a Pretty Pour

The 2024 World’s Best Vineyards list isn’t just about wine. It’s about place, emotion, storytelling, and the pleasure of lingering. Whether you’re a seasoned taster or just fancy a good glass with a better view, these are the places where wine memories are made.

So raise your glass to adventure—and don’t forget to book early. The world’s best vineyards aren’t exactly a secret anymore.