Subscribe
- Motoring
- Yachting & Aviation
- Style
- Home & Design
- Travel
- Food & Drink
- Specials
The World’s 50 Best Vineyards recently unveiled its annual ranking of the finest vineyard experiences across the globe, and 11 new estates have just made their debut. For anyone who lives for wine, these vineyards offer the best of the best experiences through guided tastings, private tours, and immersive vineyard journeys.
One of the most notable newcomers, Aperture Cellars, made its debut at No. 14 and even won the Highest New Entry Award. Tucked into the cool valleys of Sonoma, Aperture Cellars is a haven for Bordeaux-style wine lovers. Volcanic soils and blue clay lend a refined structure to their Cabernets and blends, while the estate’s gallery-like tasting room merges wine and art in a serene, immersive space. Visitors can explore private tastings, witness meticulous winemaking techniques, and admire curated photography alongside every vintage. Bottles start at USD 150 (approx Rs 12,500).
Perched high above Peñafiel, Pago de Carraovejas, ranked No. 18, overlooks a patchwork of rolling vineyards kissed by the sun. Tempranillo vines flourish at 850 metres above sea level, producing wines of striking depth and balance. The contemporary architecture of the winery frames breathtaking views of Ribera del Duero, while guided tours lead guests through oak barrels, fermentation halls, and curated tasting experiences. Flagship vintages typically start from EUR 50 (approx Rs 4,500).
Perelada is a journey through centuries of Catalan history. Debuting on the list at No. 22, its vineyards stretch across 150 hectares, producing Grenache, Chardonnay, Tempranillo, and Cabernet Sauvignon. The semi-buried, LEED Gold-certified winery, designed by RCR Arquitectes, blends seamlessly into the landscape, offering visitors a serene, art-filled space to taste wines and explore its castle and cultural treasures. Tastings start at EUR 80 (approx Rs 7,200), accompanied by curated experiences that celebrate heritage, nature, and luxury.
Appearing at No. 23, Maysara Winery’s biodynamic estate in Oregon is a sanctuary of rolling vineyards and misty mornings. Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, and Riesling are nurtured with sustainable care, producing wines of elegance and finesse. Visitors are welcomed to private tastings, vineyard walks, and artisanal pairings, all set against the dramatic backdrop of Willamette Valley. Bottles range from USD 75–180 (approx Rs 6,200–Rs 15,000).
In the sunlit Texas Hill Country, William Chris Vineyards produces Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, and Cabernet Sauvignon that express the power and warmth of the region. Appearing on the list at No. 31, the estate invites guests to stroll among the vines, enjoy guided tastings, and immerse themselves in the craft of Texan winemaking. Bottles generally retail from USD 45 (approx Rs 3,700).
On No. 32, Nyetimber is the pinnacle of English sparkling wine, where the chalky soils of West Sussex and the cool, maritime climate produce wines with vibrancy and finesse. Visitors can enjoy guided tours through vine-lined lanes, exploring traditional méthode champenoise production alongside tasting sessions of their signature Classic Cuvée, Rosé, and Blanc de Blancs. Bottles typically range from GBP 35–70 (approx Rs 3,600–Rs 7,200).
Cloudy Bay, entering the list at No. 26, is Marlborough’s crown jewel, where vineyards stretch across the Wairau Valley, meeting the horizon under endless skies. Their Sauvignon Blanc, barrel-fermented Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir capture the essence of New Zealand terroir. Tasting experiences include blending sessions, seasonal vineyard tours, and estate walks that allow guests to feel the soul of each vintage. Bottles start from NZD 45 (approx Rs 2,900).
At No. 34, Almaviva is the result of a rare collaboration between Concha y Toro and Baron Philippe de Rothschild, creating Bordeaux-style wines in Chile’s Maipo Valley. Located against the Andes, the estate’s vineyards benefit from warm days and cool nights, producing structured, expressive reds. Guided tastings are conducted in an elegant modern winery that blends glass, wood, and stone with panoramic vineyard views. Flagship vintages generally retail from USD 120–250 (approx Rs 10,000–Rs 21,000).
At the foot of the Andes, Kaiken’s high-altitude vineyards earn a place at No. 36 in the 2025 list. The estate produces Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Chardonnay with remarkable clarity and depth. Visitors can explore the sun-soaked vineyards, enjoy private tastings with paired Argentine cuisine, and take in sweeping mountain vistas that define Mendoza’s wine country. Bottles start from USD 25 (approx Rs 2,100).
Situated in the heart of Napa Valley, Joseph Phelps Vineyards, at No. 37, is famed for its flagship Insignia Bordeaux blend. Estate tours reveal barrel rooms, the working winery, and private tastings of rare and library vintages. Guests can enjoy curated pairings and vineyard walks that connect history, craft, and landscape. Bottles of Insignia start at USD 150 (approx Rs 12,500).
Rounding out the list, Viña Cobos makes its entry at No. 49. Founded by Paul Hobbs, Viña Cobos is a testament to premium Mendoza Malbecs. Its high-altitude vineyards, nurtured in rocky soils, produce wines of exceptional concentration. Tastings include vertical flights, tours of the vineyard and modern winery, and pairings with regional gastronomy. Bottles typically start at USD 35–90 (approx Rs 2,900–Rs 7,500), offering collectors and connoisseurs alike a taste of Argentine excellence.