November 2024

The 2024 World’s Best Vineyards Announced

World’s Best Vineyards has revealed this year’s top 50 wine destinations for 2024, showcasing wineries that provide unforgettable wine experiences, and promote wine culture. The Top 50 list was recently announced at Nyetimber Estate in West Sussex, at an event attended by winemakers and international vineyard owners.

This year, the top spot went to Bodegas De Los Herederos Del Marqués De Riscal, Rioja. Marqués de Riscal was established in 1858 and is known for its amazing wines but also its iconic architecture. Visitors can stay in their luxurious hotel designed by Frank Gehry overlooking the vines.

VIK from Chile jumped up one place to 2nd on the list, claiming the World’s Best Vineyards Continent Winner – South America award with its sleek, futuristic design of a reflective titanium roof that mirrors the surrounding landscape, blending harmoniously with the natural beauty of the valley. As well as vineyard tours and wine tastings, visitors can also explore the grounds on horseback.

3rd place was awarded to Creation in South Africa, also named the World’s Best Vineyards Continent Winner – Africa, renowned for crafting gourmet tasting menus that complement its wines perfectly. Creation also offers an educational insight into the winemaking process and vineyard management for wine enthusiasts who wish to delve deeper into the world of wine.

Bodegas Ysios came in 4th place, known for its high-quality Rioja wines and avant-garde architecture, and was also awarded Highest Climber, having climbed 67 places from last year. Visitors can book private vineyard tours with a private driver and sommelier to explore the vineyards and wines in depth.

Schloss Johannisberg, Germany, known as the birthplace of Riesling, with over 1,200 years of winemaking history, came in 5th place. The winery was a former monastery rebuilt as a castle in 1716 and is surrounded by vineyards and breathtaking views of the Rhine River. It offers tours and tastings that provide insight into centuries of winemaking tradition.

Some Key Facts + Figures

Spain had the most vineyards in the top 10 this year with three vineyards in the top 10, two of which are from Rioja. Overall, it had eight vineyards in the top 50.

France and Germany both had two entrants in the top 10 and France also had eight vineyards in the top 50. Half of France’s top vineyards are Champagne houses, including Maison Ruinart (number six), Champagne Bollinger (number 12), Champagne Billecart-Salmon (number 27) and Maison Pommery (number 47).

There were 28 vineyards from Europe in this year’s list, 12 from South America, three from North America, three from Asia, two from Africa, and two from Australasia.

The World’s Best Vineyards Continent Winners also included Robert Mondavi Winery in Napa Valley, United States for North America, D’Arenberg in the McLaren Vale wine region of Australia for Australasia and Château Héritage in Lebanon for Asia.

This year, Catena Zapata, World’s Best Vineyard 2023, entered the World’s Best Vineyards Hall of Fame, which is reserved for vineyards that have topped the winning list in previous years.

Andrew Reed, Managing Director Wine and Exhibitions at William Reed, comments: “We are thrilled to unveil the World’s Best Vineyards 2024, celebrating the finest vineyards across the globe. This annual ranking recognises the unique experiences that these vineyards offer, from stunning landscapes and rich histories to extraordinary restaurants and vineyard tours. The top 50 vineyards exemplify excellence, innovation, and a commitment to quality, guiding wine enthusiasts to explore both hidden gems and renowned estates.”

The full list can be found here: www.worldsbestvineyards.com

Champagne Review: Laurent-Perrier “Grand Siècle” Iteration No. 26 Brut Champagne

Laurent-Perrier’s “Grand Siècle” Iteration No. 26 is a meticulously crafted multi-vintage blend, incorporating 65% 2012, 25% 2008, and 10% 2007 vintages. This cuvée is also composed of 58% Chardonnay and 42% Pinot Noir, exclusively sourced from grand cru vineyards. The Chardonnay component is selected from Mesnil-sur-Oger, Cramant, Avize, and Oger, while the Pinot Noir is derived from the prestigious terroirs of Ambonnay, Bouzy, and Verzy.

Tasting Notes:
Aged for a decade sur lattes, this champagne offers an extraordinary aromatic profile, with complex layers of ripe apple, white peach, fresh-baked brioche, and mineral-rich chalkiness. Delicate undertones of caraway seed, dried florals, with a hint of smokiness which adds depth. On the palate, it demonstrates remarkable purity and structure, presenting a full-bodied profile with a refined mousse and finishes with length and complexity, showcasing impeccable balance and a vibrant core of fruit.

Although this wine is still youthful, it promises to evolve beautifully over the next five to ten years, rewarding patience with further layers of complexity.

Rating: 98+

The Institute of Masters of Wine announces seven award winners and welcomes ten new Masters of Wine

The Institute of Masters of Wine (IMW) celebrated seven award winners and officially welcomed ten new Masters of Wine (MWs) to its membership this week at a ceremony in Vintners’ Hall, London.

The IMW’s annual awards ceremony celebrates the inauguration of the new MWs and recognises individual excellence in areas of the MW examination. Friends, family and Masters of Wine from around the globe flew into London for the occasion to welcome the new ‘MW vintage’, which includes MWs from six countries across three continents.

Receiving their induction tonight were Neil Bernardi MW (US), Emily Brighton MW (UK), Benjamin Hasko MW (Singapore), Christopher Martin MW (UK), Victoria Mason MW (UK), Robert Mathias MW (UK), Dror Nativ MW (UK), Pietro Russo MW (Italy), Tone Veseth Furuholmen MW (Norway), Wei Xing MW (China).

Each new MW received a framed calligraphic certificate, and a 24K gold Master of Wine pin engraved with their unique membership number.

Following the inauguration the individual awards, introduced into the ceremony in 1979 and sponsored by IMW supporters, included two new accolades this year: The Vintners’ Company award for the top performance in the business of wine paper, and the VSPT Wine Group award for best performance in the contemporary issues paper. Victoria Mason MW and Dror Nativ MW both took home three awards, with Emily Brighton MW receiving one. The 2024 awards and winners in full are:

Quinta do Noval award
For the best research paper by a new MW. Presented by Christian Seely, Managing Director, AXA Millésimes. Awarded to Victoria Mason MW for her paper, An investigation into the enablers and barriers to the adoption and practice of regenerative viticulture in Stellenbosch. All research papers can be accessed at: https://www.mastersofwine.org/research-papers

Taransaud Tonnellerie award
For excellence in the production and handling of the wine paper. Presented by Henri de Pracomtal, Chairman and CEO of Taransaud. Awarded to Emily Brighton MW.

Vintners’ Company award
For the top performance in the business of wine paper. Presented by Ann Hill, Master Vintner, the Vintners’ Company. Awarded to Victoria Mason MW.

VSPT Wine Group award
For best performance in the contemporary issues paper. Presented on behalf of VSPT Wine Group by Caroline Hermann MW, IMW Vice-Chair. Awarded to Dror Nativ MW.

Robert Mondavi Winery award
For the best performance across all the theory papers. Presented by Sara Fogarty, Regional Manager UK, Constellation Brands. Awarded to Victoria Mason MW.

IMW outstanding achievement award
Sponsored by the Austrian Wine Marketing Board (AWMB). For outstanding achievement across all papers. Presented on behalf of the Austrian Wine Marketing Board by Caroline Hermann MW, IMW Vice-Chair. Awarded to Dror Nativ MW.

Madame Bollinger medal
For outstanding tasting ability. Presented by Justin Liddle, Managing Director, Mentzendorff & Co Ltd. Awarded to Dror Nativ MW.

In addition to celebrating the new Masters of Wine, the ceremony honoured four members for reaching their 50th year as MWs. John Brown MW, Charles Eve MW, Anthony Foster MW and Bill Gunn MW passed their MW examination in 1974. Coincidentally, John Brown also celebrates his golden wedding anniversary this year, while Anthony’s son was born the day he received his results.

IMW Executive Director Julian Gore-Booth said: “We are delighted to welcome ten new MWs from across three continents, recognise the outstanding work of our award winners and honour our vintage members. This evening’s event celebrates their remarkable dedication, expertise and contribution to the pursuit of wine excellence.

Congratulations to all on your exceptional achievements. We are proud to have you as part of our global community.”

The Napa Valley Wine Train Secures Global Accolades

The Napa Valley Wine Train, renowned for its immersive journey that captures the essence of luxurious rail travel, announces its achievement as the 2025 Global Winner for Wine Tourism Services in the San Francisco/Napa Valley region. This honor, awarded by the Great Wine Capitals’ prestigious Best of Wine Tourism Awards, recognizes the Wine Train’s unparalleled contribution to wine tourism.

As one of the few remaining historic passenger railroads in the United States, the Napa Valley Wine Train provides an authentic and unforgettable experience that mirrors the golden age of train travel. With exquisite dining, curated multi-course meals, and breathtaking views of Napa Valley, guests are transported back in time aboard meticulously restored Pullman rail cars, featuring Honduran mahogany, brass accents, etched glass, and plush seating. The train offers convenient, car-free travel options from San Francisco, enhancing access to Napa Valley for both locals and tourists.

The Great Wine Capitals, an alliance of twelve esteemed wine-producing cities spanning the Northern and Southern Hemispheres, spotlights excellence in wine tourism. The Best of Wine Tourism Awards recognize organizations that exemplify quality and innovation in wine tourism, while promoting rich wine experiences and celebrating cultural heritage, landscapes, and local assets.

“We are deeply honored by this global recognition,” shared Nathan Davis, General Manager of Napa Valley Wine Train. “This award reflects the dedication and passion of our team, who work tirelessly to preserve the history and distinctive experiences we offer. We remain devoted to representing Napa Wine Country and nurturing its legacy for future generations.”

Napa Valley’s delegation includes the County of Napa, Napa Valley Vintners, and Visit Napa Valley, all of whom play pivotal roles in enhancing the region’s wine tourism footprint. The Best of Wine Tourism Awards commend excellence across seven categories, including Architecture & Landscapes, Art & Culture, and Sustainable Wine Tourism Practices.

Napa Valley Wine Train: www.winetrain.com
Great Wine Capitals and Best of Wine Tourism Awards: www.greatwinecapitals.com