Top 50 World’s Best Vineyards lists Smith Haut Lafite, Chateau Kefraya
The Top 50 World’s Best Vineyards list features outstanding vineyards that uphold a high standard of wines, hospitality, and remarkable locations. Cognac One proudly imports and distributes seven wines featured on the 2023 and 2024 lists!
Behind The Top 50 World’s Best Vineyards Rankings
The Top 50 World’s Best Vineyards ranking is an initiative that celebrates the excellence of global wine tourism, focusing on wineries that offer a superior combination of exceptional wines, visitor experience, and remarkable locations. Established in 2017, this list was created by a panel of wine industry experts, sommeliers, and influential travel professionals and is compiled annually by The World’s Best Vineyards organization.
The ranking aims to highlight wineries that provide more than just great wine – they also offer immersive, unique experiences for visitors, ranging from world-class wine tastings and tours to exceptional hospitality and breathtaking views. The list covers vineyards from across the globe, including top regions in France, Italy, Spain, Argentina, South Africa, the U.S., and beyond, reflecting the diversity and growth in the wine tourism industry.
Since its foundation, the rankings have drawn attention to emerging wine regions, showcased lesser-known but outstanding vineyards, and helped promote wine tourism as an essential part of the global wine culture.
Cognac One proudly imports and represents some of the top wineries showcased on the 2023 and recent 2024 World’s Best Vineyards list.
Top 50 Best Vineyards List 2023-2024
Discover the vineyards featured in the Top 50 Wolrd’s Best Vineyards list carried by Cognac One, LLC.
Smith Haut Lafitte, Pessac-Léognan, France
Smith Haut Laffite in Pessac-Léognan.
Ranked #5 (2023), #7 (2024)
Located just 20 minutes outside of the Bordeaux city center in the Graves region of Pessac-Leógnan, French vineyard Smith Haut Lafite is renowned for combining art, viticulture, and innovation to produce incredible wines. The vineyard dates back to the 14th century when the first recorded deeds for vine rows were signed. The estate is particularly famous for its Grand Vin, a blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Petit Verdot. Known for its balance and elegance, the wines are rich and age-worthy, with a distinct smoky mineral character. Smith Haut Lafite is also recognized for its biodynamic and sustainable farming practices.
One of only three Bordeaux châteaux to own a cooperage on the property, almost all barrels used at the estate are made in-house, allowing the Smith Haut Lafitte team to master the relationship between oak and wine.
Château d’Yquem, Sauternes, France
Chateau d’Yquem in Sauternes.
Ranked #18 (2023), #13 (2024)
This iconic winery is situated in the Sauternes region of Bordeaux and is famous for producing the world’s finest sweet wine, made primarily from Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc grapes affected by noble rot (botrytis cinerea). Château d’Yquem’s wines are legendary for their complexity, concentration, and longevity, often aging gracefully for decades. It is among the few wines to have earned the prestigious “Premier Cru Supérieur” classification.
Château Pape Clément, Pessac-Léognan, France
Château Pape Clement in Pessac-Léognan.
Ranked #19 (2023), #21 (2024)
A historic estate in the Pessac-Léognan appellation of Bordeaux, Château Pape Clément produces both red and white wines of exceptional quality. The estate is named after Pope Clement V, who was instrumental in its founding. The red wines are typically blends of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc, showcasing deep flavors, complexity, and structure. The whites, made predominantly from Sauvignon Blanc, offer freshness and finesse.
Klein Constantia, Constantia, South Africa
Klein Constantia in Constantia.
Ranked #32 (2023), #41 (2024)
Situated in the Constantia Valley of South Africa, Klein Constantia is one of the oldest wineries in the Southern Hemisphere, dating back to 1685. It’s best known for its legendary sweet wine, Vin de Constance, a dessert wine made from Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains. The estate also produces high-quality reds and whites, often with a distinctive minerality due to its unique terroir.
The roots of Klein Constantia date back to 1652, with records showing the first vines planted by Commander Jan van Riebeeck. Since its foundation in 1980, the vineyard has stayed true to its goal of creating world-class wines. After launching the first vintage of Vin de Constance in 1990, it became one of only three wines from the southern hemisphere to be featured in David Cobold’s 1997 list of the 44 best wines in the world, followed by a mention as one of the top 25 vineyards in 2002 by Wine and Spirits magazine.
Château Pichon Baron, Paulliac, France
Château Pichon Baron in Paulliac.
Ranked #33 (2023)
Château Pichon Baron is a prestigious winery located in the Pauillac appellation of Bordeaux, France. The estate, known for its elegance, complexity, and aging potential, is classified as a Second Growth in the official 1855 Bordeaux Classification. The wines are primarily produced from Cabernet Sauvignon, with smaller amounts of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot. The château, with its striking, turreted architecture, symbolizes the estate’s rich history and commitment to quality winemaking.
Clos Aplata, Colchagua Valley, Chile
Clos Apalta in Colchagua Valley.
Ranked #39 (2023)
Located in the Maipo Valley of Chile, Clos Aplata is a boutique winery that focuses on producing premium wines with an emphasis on sustainability and biodynamic practices. Clos Aplata’s wines are rich and elegant, with a focus on expressing the region’s terroir.
The steep slopes of the vineyards at Clos Apalta yield impressive and expressive wines true to their terroir. Situated between the Tinguiririca River and Andean precordillera hills in Chile’s Colchagua Valley, Clos Apalta has a unique microclimate distinct from the country’s typical weather conditions. The vineyard’s position provides exposure from the southeast side of the valley, which is quite rare in Colchagua and limits exposure to the area’s extreme heat. This semi-Mediterranean environment creates the ideal climate for optimum maturity and prevents the vines from scalding and dehydration.
Named as one of the World’s Top 50 Vineyards in 2023, the prestigious wines of Clos Apalta are well recognized and highly regarded. Our current vintages hold high ratings ranging from 94-98 points.
Château Kefraya, Bekaa Valley, Lebanon
Château Kefraya in Bekaa Valley.
Ranked #41 (2023), #46 (2024)
Chateau Kefraya is a family estate situated in the hills of Lebanon’s Bekaa Valley, one of the oldest wine regions in the world. Since 1979, the Bustros family has skillfully worked to produce high-quality wines with levels of richness and complexity. In order to maintain the integrity of their diverse terroir, the vineyard has implemented several sustainable practices, earning them organic and vegan certifications.
The wines are crafted with both local and international grape varieties, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and the indigenous Obaideh and Merwah. The blends are full-bodied and robust with deep flavors and a distinctive earthy character, reflecting the region’s unique climate and terroir.
Discover these renowned vineyards and more with Cognac One! Contact us with inquires regarding pricing and inventory.
View the complete Top 50 World’s Best Vineyards list.
