Rippon Vineyard in Wanaka has been named the best vineyard in Australasia at the 2023 World’s Best Vineyards competition held in Rioja, Spain.
Rippon was in 11th place among the list of top 50 vineyards from around the world, which was heavily populated by Argentina, with Catena Zapata taking out the top spot. Rippon was the only vineyard on the list located in New Zealand.
William Reed managing director of wine and exhibitions, William Read, said that the World’s Best Vineyards continues to highlight wine tourism destinations around the globe, and that there was an impressive list of new entries this year.
“We’ve found that local and international tourists are looking for experiences that offer a whole host of activities, and our host Rioja truly fits the bill with stunning scenery, delicious food and, of course, amazing wines,” said Reed.
France had the most Vineyards within the top 50, claiming nine places, and entrants from Hungary, Georgia, and Lebanon were eligible to enter for the first time. Chilean vineyard VIK jumped one place to third, and Creation in South Africa took fourth place and was named the overall African winner.
President of Denominacion de Origen Calidicada Rioja, Fernando Ezquerro, said that it was an honour to host the prestigious event, and it was an excellent opportunity to show the world why Rioja is the finest wine region in Spain.
“Rioja’s history and traditions have led it to establish itself not only as the leading winemaking region in Spain, but also as the country’s go-to destination for wine tourism, which has had a driving effect on the seasonality and diversification of tourism in Spain. Our passion for hospitality and wine-making makes Rioja such a special place to visit,” said Ezquerro.
The Top 50 list was announced at an event attended by media from all over the world at Bodegas Beronia in the heart of Rioja Alta, which is recognised as one of the most sustainable wineries in Europe.
