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The World’s 50 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. The Santiago region is home to more than 40 vineyards open to tourists, while the city itself serves as a gateway to some of Chile’s most celebrated wine regions.

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 destinations that continue to set the benchmark for wine, hospitality and visitor experiences worldwide. The ceremony will form the culmination of a multi-day programme across Santiago, giving guests the opportunity to experience Chile’s rich cultural heritage, gastronomy and spectacular landscapes.

Chile’s wine country takes centre stage

Santiago is home to the renowned Maipo Valley and provides access to Chile’s celebrated wine regions. The country’s wine scene has gone from strength to strength in recent years, with a growing number of leading vineyards earning places in previous editions of The World’s 50 Best Vineyards.

In 2025, seven Chilean vineyards were included in the ranking, including Almaviva at No. 34 and Viña Santa Rita at No. 41, both in Maipo. Vik was crowned The World’s Best Vineyard 2025, sponsored by Resy & Tock, as well as 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 wine tourism experiences.

Rikki Tidball, Managing Director of Events at 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.”

Celebrating the world’s best wine tourism experiences

The World’s 50 Best Vineyards list is compiled annually to spotlight and celebrate leading wine tourism destinations around the globe.

Each year, the ranking highlights exceptional vineyards offering distinctive visitor experiences, from modern architectural masterpieces and UNESCO-protected ancient cellars to award-winning restaurants and intimate family-run wineries.

The Voting Academy comprises more than 700 influential wine and travel experts and sommeliers, who submit nominations based on their best vineyard experiences during the voting period.

There is no fixed set of criteria defining the best experience. Elements including overall visitor experience, ambience, cuisine, activities, views, service, staff and value for money may carry different levels of importance for individual voters.

The votes are then collated to determine the annual list of The World’s 50 Best Vineyards. Vineyards cannot apply to be included in the ranking, and sponsors have no influence on the voting process.

Since 2025, The World’s 50 Best Vineyards has formed 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 The World’s Best Vineyards and the World’s Best Sommeliers’ Selection – under the 50 Best umbrella, further strengthening its position as a leading authority in gastronomy, hospitality and travel.