5 August 2026 – The World’s 50 Best Vineyards (formerly the World’s Best Vineyards) will head to Santiago de Chile for its 2026 awards programme, taking place during the week of 16 November in partnership with the Government of Santiago, its Regional Corporation and Grupo Liderazgo. Marking the awards’ debut in Chile, the event will bring the global wine tourism community to one of the continent’s most fascinating wine destinations, which boasts more than 40 vineyards open to tourists in the region. The annual ranking is created by 50 Best, the organisation behind a portfolio of leading restaurant, bar and hotel awards.
The 2026 list of the world’s most exceptional vineyard experiences will be unveiled at a special awards ceremony during the week, recognising the destinations that continue to set the benchmark for wine, hospitality and visitor experiences worldwide. The ceremony will form the culmination of a multi-day event programme across the city of Santiago, offering guests the opportunity to discover Chile’s rich cultural heritage, gastronomy and stunning landscapes.
Santiago is home to the renowned Maipo Valley and serves as the gateway to Chile’s most celebrated wine regions. The Chilean wine scene has gone from strength to strength in recent years, with a growing number of its leading vineyards earning places in previous rankings of The World’s 50 Best Vineyards. In 2025, seven Chilean vineyards earned a place on the list, including Almaviva (No.34) and Viña Santa Rita (No.41) in Maipo, as Vik was crowned The World’s Best Vineyard 2025, sponsored by Resy & Tock, and The Best Vineyard in South America during the awards ceremony in Margaret River, Western Australia. The wider region continues to gain international recognition for its pioneering viticulture, distinctive terroirs and outstanding visitor experiences.
Rikki Tidball, Managing Director of Events, The World’s 50 Best Vineyards, says: “We are thrilled to bring The World’s 50 Best Vineyards awards to Chile for the first time. It is fitting that we celebrate in a destination that has earned global recognition for the quality and diversity of its wine offering. Chile continues to set the standard through innovation, authenticity and a deep connection to its winemaking heritage, making Santiago the perfect host destination for this year’s awards.”
Claudio Orrego, Governor of Santiago, says: “We are filled with deep pride that an organisation of 50 Best’s standing has chosen Santiago for its grand debut in Chile. Our region is making steady progress towards becoming the wine and tourism capital of South America, and hosting this international event strengthens our global leadership. Santiago is the main gateway to wine tourism in our country; a unique setting where urban energy and winemaking tradition come together to create a grand symphony in the Maipo Valley.”
Max Raide, President of Grupo Liderazgo, says: “For us as Chileans, it is of great pride to be hosting for the first time in Santiago the most important event in the wine world, The World’s 50 Best Vineyards, thus making our dream come true. This is an invitation to all to visit and know not only our recognised valleys, which house the best strains such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Carménère, but also our products that come from the land and coasts of Chile, and that can be enjoyed with the best Chilean wines in the restaurants and vineyards located in Santiago.”
The World’s 50 Best Vineyards list is compiled annually to spotlight and celebrate the leading wine tourism destinations around the globe. Each year, it highlights exceptional vineyards that offer unique visitor experiences, ranging from modern architectural masterpieces and UNESCO-protected ancient cellars to award-winning dining spots and intimate family-run wineries.
The Voting Academy, made up of more than 700 influential wine and travel experts and sommeliers, submit their nominations based on their best vineyard experience during the voting period. There is no set criteria for what constitutes best – elements such as overall visitor experience, ambiance, cuisine, activities, views, service, staff and value for money may have varying degrees of importance to different voters. The votes are then collated to determine the annual list of The World’s 50 Best Vineyards. Vineyards cannot apply to be on the list. Equally, no sponsor has any influence on the voting process.
Since 2025, The World’s 50 Best Vineyards has been part of the 50 Best portfolio, published by William Reed, alongside its globally recognised Restaurants, Bars and Hotels rankings. The move brings the wine awards and events — including World’s Best Vineyards and the World’s Best Sommeliers’ Selection — under the 50 Best umbrella, a leading authority in gastronomy, hospitality and travel.
