Just one Australian winery named in World’s 50 Best list

2 hours ago 2

Carolyn Beasley

November 20, 2025 — 10:50am

The World’s 50 Best Vineyards have just been announced and Australia’s highest-ranked wine experience is Henschke at No.47. It’s the first year since the awards began in 2019 that Australia has only had one vineyard in the top 50.

The historic Henschke vineyard in Eden Valley, in the Barossa wine region.

This year’s award winners take a celebratory group photo at Amelia Park Wines, Margaret River.

At the awards ceremony, held at Amelia Park Wines in Western Australia’s Margaret River, the coveted top vineyard title was nabbed by Vik in the Millahue Valley, Chile. Founded by Alexander and Carrie Vik, this integrated tourism experience combines architectural features like a floating roof of bronzed titanium with immersive wine experiences, fine dining, mountain biking, a luxury hotel, and soon, a wellness centre.

“It’s such an honour and a culmination of so much passion and caring and hard work that our team has done to get us where we are,” said Carrie Vik, after the announcement. “We are extraordinarily thrilled at this moment.”

The world’s No.1 vineyard, Vik, on the foothills of the Andes in Chile.

No.2 in the world … Schloss Johannisberg in Rheingau, Germany.

Finishing No.2 in the awards this year was Schloss Johannisberg in Rheingau, Germany, and in third place, Bodegas Ysios in Rioja, Spain.

While Henschke, in South Australia’s Eden Valley did not make the list last year, it did secure places between 2020 and 2023, with its highest ranking being 25th (in 2020 and 2021). According to winemaker Stephen Henschke, the awards provide significant validation.

“I think it’s a fantastic tribute to our ancestors, the people who planted those vineyards way back, 150-plus years ago,” he says. “And obviously, our family and staff have played a huge role in focusing on just being better, rather than bigger.”

The awards list is compiled by UK company William Reed Limited, also responsible for the World’s 50 Best Hotels, Bars and Restaurants lists. Some may argue that lists are subjective, and in this case, that is entirely the intention.

The competition splits the world into 20 regions, each with an academy chair. Each chair selects 36 wine and travel experts, totalling more than 700 panellists who vote for seven of their personal favourite vineyards. Each panellist may only select a maximum of three vineyards from their home region.

No.3: Bodegas Ysios, at the base of the Sierra de Cantabria in Rioja, Spain.

With most of the panellists based in the northern hemisphere, Australian vineyards are at a distance disadvantage. In fact, only four Australian vineyards have ever made the top 50 list: Penfolds Magill Estate, d’Arenberg, and Seppeltsfield in addition to Henschke, all from South Australia.

This year marks the first year the awards were held in Australia, and the first year as part of the 50 Best brand.

Richard Owens is the academy chair for the Australian region and says he is proud to see World’s 50 Best here, with wine experts and international media busily exploring the Margaret River region during their visit.

“It’s getting us on the map,” Owens says. “You can send wine to the far reaches of the globe, but instead of bringing the wine to the humans, you’ve got to bring the humans to the region to experience it. It wouldn’t surprise me if we have more listings in the 50 Best next year.”

Top Margaret River wineries

Amelia Park Wines in Wilyabrup, Western Australia, hosted this year’s awards.WA Tourism

While Margaret River, the host region, didn’t get a Best 50 mention in 2025, visitors can choose from 100 or so cellar doors, offering hatted restaurants, alternative grapes, or simply a rustic winery shed tasting. Here are five to try.

Amelia Park
The host of the World’s 50 Best Vineyards is a polished, grown-up experience. A barrel-lined foyer leads to the tasting room, where award-winning wines are tasted overlooking the vines. Next door, the striking restaurant is spaceship-esque with sharp angles, serving local produce from a wood-fired oven. See ameliaparkwines.com.au

Vasse Felix
The founding vineyard of the region, Vasse Felix consistently delivers an excellent visitor experience, from the fine wines, to the underground vault museum collection and immersive tours. The fine dining restaurant is a south-west triumph. See vassefelix.com.au

Swings and Roundabouts
For a casual tipple, head to Swings and Roundabouts. Think: wood-fired pizzas and gelato with sweeping vineyard and bushland views. The best outdoor seats are actual swings, and there’s room to kick a footy. Wines start at $9 per glass. See swings.com.au

Glenarty Road
South of Margaret River, Glenarty Road is a regenerative farm, vineyard and restaurant. Take a tour of the farm (with quaffing stops), and try some of the best farm-to-table dining in WA. See glenartyroad.com.au

Rosily Vineyard
For purists, the wonderfully unpretentious Rosily Vineyard is a winner. Step inside the certified organic winery’s shed, and amid the barrels and the admin office, sip great value wines made right here. No food, no souvenirs, just wine. Call ahead on 0475 412 373. See rosily.com.au