World's top 50 vineyards revealed - and just one Aussie winery made the cut

What makes the world's best vineyard?

Vik winery in Chile can answer that, having officially been crowned the world's best vineyard for 2024, taking out the top spot at the prestigious World's 50 Best Vineyards awards on Wednesday evening - thanks to a mix of luxury suites, contemporary art, high-end dining, yoga and cooking classes, and a jaw-dropping Andean setting.

The awards were hosted at Amelia Park Wines in Margaret River, marking the first time Australia has staged the global ceremony celebrating the world's top vineyard experiences.

"It's not about the wine, it's about the experience," World's 50 Best Vineyards academy chair Australia Richard Owens said.

"So how do you define experience? It's everything from the view to the wine, the architecture, maybe, but also the service, the people, the friendliness, and ultimately, people's desire to either come back and/or tell their friends and recommend.

"I think a lot of people might look at the competition and say, 'Oh, it's all about the wine'. It's actually not. It's all about the experience and the tourism.

"We're talking about wine tourism, which is very important for Australia, but also a very growing segment of the tourism industry."

Vik has been steadily climbing the World's 50 Best Vineyards ranks, reaching the fourth, third and second top spots in recent years.

It first appeared at 14 about 10 years ago, only a few years after it released its first wines into the market.

Vik - which was opened by owners Alex and Carrie Vik in 2004 - aims to offer a holistic offering to guests, set against the backdrop of the Andes.

Opened by owners Alex and Carrie Vik in 2004, the estate was designed as a holistic retreat in the Andes. Guests approach along a dramatic central causeway flanked by reflecting pools and a sculptural installation. Inside, the tasting room doubles as a gallery of contemporary art, while the property offers 22 suites, dining experiences and activities ranging from bike rides to yoga and cooking classes. A new wellness centre is due to open soon.

"For the active people, they can go out and do a million things in nature and for other people, it's about taking a cooking class, going to the spa, laying by the pool, eating incredible food, drinking incredible wine, eating with your friends and your family," Ms Vik said.

"You see people really enjoying the experience of being there.

"Of course, the wine comes first, and our tastings are incredible. So you can really learn about wine if you care about that. But I think it can be anything people want. There's just a lot of breadth to what we offer."

The only representation from the host country on the list went to Henschke in South Australia's Eden Valley, which came in at 47.

Boasting some of Australia's oldest vines, this year's position marks a re-entry into the list, with the vineyard last making the cut in 2022.

Across the ditch, Cloudy Bay in Marlborough took the Best Vineyard in Australasia title, ranking 26.

"Australians have a reputation for punching above their weight," Mr Owens said.

"We punch above our weight in business, in Hollywood and in so many other aspects, but certainly we punch above our weight when it comes to wine as well.

"The problem is that not enough people realise that. So it's good to get more people seeing that by hosting World's 50 Best."

Twenty academy chairs recruit an anonymous panel of more than 700 judges. Each nominates seven vineyard experiences they've visited since 2019, with at least four from outside their region. Wineries cannot pay to be considered or invite judges; the list is shaped entirely by experience.

Regions that host the awards tend to benefit the following year. In 2022, Mendoza hosted - and this year it placed six vineyards on the list.

"I wouldn't be surprised if we get that same result," Mr Owens said.

"In the short term maybe, but certainly in the long term. It's about getting brand Australia, brand WA, out there. It's a really good way of doing it - getting a little cluster of people down here to try it for themselves."

1. Vik - Millahue, Chile

2. Schloss Johannisberg - Rheingau, Germany

3. Bodegas Ysios - Rioja, Spain

4. Bodega Garzn - Maldonado, Uruguay

5. Château Smith Haut Lafitte - Bordeaux, France

6. Klein Constantia Wine Estate - Western Cape, South Africe

7, Creation - Hemel-en-Aarde, South Africe

8. Maison Ruinart - Champagne, France

9, Château D'Yquem - Sauternes, France

10. Montes - Colchagua Valley, Chile

11. Durigutti Family Winemakers - Mendoza, Argentina

12. Bodegas Salentein - Mendoza, Argentina

13. Jordan Vineyard & Winery - Alexander Valley, United States of America

14. Aperture Cellars - Sonoma, USA

15. Champagne Bollinger - Champagne, France

16. Weingut Dr. Loosen - Mosel, Germany

17. El Enemigo - Mendoza, Argentina

18. Pago De Carraovejas - Ribera del Duero, Spain

19. Ceretto - Piedmont, Italy

20. 98Wines - Yamanashi, Japan

21. Bodegas Tio Pepe (Gonzlez Byass) - Jerez, Spain

22. Perelada - Catalonia, Spain

23. Maysara Winery - Willamette Valley, USA

24. Vivanco - Rioja, Spain

25. Gramona - Alt Penedés, Spain

26. Cloudy Bay Vineyards - Marlborough, New Zealand

27. Château Pape Clément - Bordeaux, France

28. Gusbourne - Kent, England

29. Riccitelli Wine Company - Mendoza, Argentina