d’Arenberg in McLaren Vale has been named for the second year running in the Top 50 World’s Best Vineyards.

Coming in at number 34, d’Arenberg is among only three Australian wineries to make the list. The others are both fellow South Australian wineries: Penfolds Magill Estate at number 24, and Henschke’s in the Barossa Valley, at number 25.

d’Arenberg’s highlights were listed as the “strange” d'Arenberg Cube, the Salvador Dali exhibition and d'Arry's Verandah Restaurant.

Part of the Salvador Dali exhibition at d'Arenberg. Photo: Brooke DuBois

The Top 50 website describes d'Arenberg's wine style as "vibrant new-world wines in a diversity of styles - 70 wines from 37 grape varieties!" and its winemaker Chester Osborn as the "Willy Wonka of winemakers” with a “riot of long, curly blond hair, the retina-scorching shirts, the mind ever fizzing with wit, mischief and eccentricity”.

Topping the list was Zuccardi Valle de Uco in Argentina's Uco Valley. It’s an out of this world rock carved winery with views of the Andes.

Number 2 was Bodega Garzón in Uruguay's Maldonado region. It’s an impressive $85 million sustainable build with a luxury hotel, firepit restaurant and world-class wines.

Number 3 was Domäne Wachau in Austria's Wachau wine region. Its UNESCO-recognised cliffside vineyards overlook the Danube.

The list covers five continents and 18 countries. Among the top 50 are modern architectural wonders, UNESCO-protected ancient cellars, Michelen-starred restaurants and small, family-run wineries where the owners conduct the tours.

The World’s Best Vineyards list and announcement event are organised and compiled by William Reed Business Media in England together with 2020 host partner Sonoma County Winegrowers. 

The list is voted on by an Academy of more than 500 leading wine experts, sommeliers and travel correspondents from across the globe. They vote on the vineyard experience they deem to be the best in the world, taking in everything connected with the visit: tours, tasting, ambiance, wine, food, staff, view, value for money, reputation and accessibility.

For the full list see https://www.worldsbestvineyards.com/

Colourful urinals at d'Arenberg Cube. Photo: Brooke DuBois.