Santiago, Chile, will host The 50 Best Vineyards 2026 awards ceremony on November 18 at Viña Don Melchor, located within the Viña Concha y Toro Wine Centre in Pirque. The selection of Viña Don Melchor as the Official Venue Partner, announced in October 2026, marks the first time the prestigious event will be held in Chile and underscores the country's growing reputation as a world-class wine tourism destination.
The 50 Best Vineyards, organized by William Reed and formerly known as The World's 50 Best Vineyards, celebrates the finest winery and vineyard experiences globally, based on the opinions of more than 700 travel and wine tourism experts. The event's Chilean debut is supported by the Government of Santiago as Official Host Partner, its Regional Corporation, and Grupo Liderazgo as Official Partner. The ceremony will be a highlight of a week-long program bringing together leading figures from wine, gastronomy, hospitality, and travel.
Viña Don Melchor, situated in the Maipo Valley's renowned Puente Alto appellation, is celebrated for its iconic Cabernet Sauvignon. The winery opened its Viña Concha y Toro Wine Centre in 2025 as a significant investment in Chilean wine tourism, blending heritage, wine, gastronomy, art, landscape, and hospitality. Enrique Tirado, CEO and Technical Director of Viña Don Melchor, said, "The selection of Viña Don Melchor as the venue for this ceremony is recognition of the excellence Chile has achieved as a producer of world-class wines and as a leading international wine tourism destination. It is an honour to welcome the industry's most influential global figures to the birthplace of Don Melchor and share the excellence of our origin."
Rikki Tidball, Managing Director of Events for The 50 Best Vineyards, expressed enthusiasm: "We are thrilled to bring The 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."
The announcement reflects years of strategic effort by Chile's wine industry, regional governments, and tourism authorities to elevate the country's wine tourism infrastructure and international profile. Claudio Orrego, Governor of Santiago, remarked, "We are filled with deep pride that an organisation of The 50'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."
Max Raide, President of Grupo Liderazgo, added, "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 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."
Isabel Guilisasti, Vice President of Fine Wines and Corporate Image at Viña Concha y Toro, noted, "Santiago de Chile's role as host of The 50 Best Vineyards 2026 sends a highly positive signal regarding the international projection of our wine and tourism industries. Bringing this international community together in Santiago represents a unique opportunity to showcase the quality of our wines, the richness of our territories and the level of development achieved by Chilean wine tourism."
The event is expected to draw global media attention, further cementing Santiago's status as a gateway to Chilean wine regions and a hub for luxury wine experiences. For the industry, it validates Chile's commitment to raising standards in hospitality, infrastructure, and cultural offerings. For readers, it signals a rising destination for wine tourism, with potential economic benefits for local businesses and increased global appreciation for Chilean wines.
