1. VIK, Millahue Valley, Chile
Chile is a major force in the wine world, known for its increasingly diverse styles and dynamic regions. Last year’s second runner-up, VIK, has clinched the top honor this year, underscoring its ongoing ascent on the global stage.
The award-winning winery is paired with a luxurious 22-bedroom hotel, offering panoramic views of the Andes and the surrounding vineyards. The property fuses striking architecture with serene spaces, including a Zen garden, an infinity pool, and a glass-walled restaurant that gazes over the valley; it also features significant artworks by Roberto Matta, one of the country’s most admired painters.
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Schloss Johannisberg, Rheingau, Germany
Riesling is on the rise, and Schloss Johannisberg stands as the birthplace of Germany’s flagship white grape. It was also named Best Vineyard in Europe 2025, highlighting its enduring prestige.
With more than 1,200 years of winemaking history, this site invites guests to savor the dry (trocken) Riesling’s stony purity and its delightful floral aromatics, a favorite pairing for many sommelier-curated menus.
Overlooking the Rhine River, the 18th-century castle is set on historic grounds and is home to Bibliotheca Subterranea, an 11th-century subterranean cellar that anchors the estate’s Riesling heritage.
A stellar bottle dating back to 1748 remains in the cellar, alongside other vintages that are treasured by connoisseurs. -
Bodegas Ysios, Rioja, Spain
Ranked fourth last year and rising, this avant-garde boutique winery sits in the foothills of the Cantabria mountains and offers several wine-tasting experiences, each one seductive in its own way.
The portfolio features medal-winning whites, rosés, and reds designed to delight the palate, inviting guests to embark on one of their oenological journeys—an unmistakable passport to pleasure.
From an Architectural Treasures Trail that highlights the winery’s design to an intimate Winecar Exclusive Tour for two through the vineyard with premium tastings, Ysios is a magnet for serious wine lovers seeking a fusion of art, architecture, and wine. -
Bodega Garzón, Maldonado, Uruguay
At first glance, Uruguay may not be on everyone’s bucket list, but Garzón is changing that perception with a memorable wine-country experience.
Here, the tannat grape is king, prized for its dark fruit intensity, tannic character, and full-bodied style. The estate features a 120-seat restaurant offering traditional wood-fired cooking, with sweeping views of the surrounding countryside, underscoring Garzón’s commitment to sustainability and a sense of place.
The southern Uruguay standout also emphasizes experiential dining, including picnics among the vines on foot or by bike and hands-on cooking classes, delighting food lovers who crave movement and flavor. -
Château Smith Haut Lafitte, Bordeaux, France
The red-wine capital of the world is home to some of the most illustrious and elegant vintages, and Château Smith Haut Lafitte in Bordeaux’s Pessac-Léognan region stands out as a grand cru classé estate.
It is a pioneer of biodynamic agriculture, with Shire horses occasionally seen plowing the fields, along with orchards and beehives that celebrate nature’s role in wine production.
Guests can check in at the five-star Les Sources de Caudalie, nestled in the heart of the vineyards, and enjoy dining at the renowned two-Michelin-star La Grande’Vigne. Set in an 18th-century orangery, the restaurant offers a regal setting where you can dine like a prince or keep it more casual—an inviting contrast that makes every visit feel special.
