Viña Santa Rita was chosen as the best in the world by Forbes
The prestigious Forbes magazine surprised the wine world by crowning Viña Santa Rita as the best winery on the planet in The World's 50 Best Wineries 2025 ranking, a list that distinguishes the most influential, consistent and innovative wineries on the international scene.
The recognition not only places the century-old Chilean winery at the top, but also reaffirms Chile's leading role in the world of winemaking.
The Forbes article highlights Santa Rita's ability to intertwine its vast heritage with a world-class wine tourism experience . Forbes notes that, just 45 minutes from Santiago , the winery invites visitors to immerse themselves in Chilean winemaking tradition , with roots stretching back to the 17th century , when the first vines were planted to produce wine and brandy.
Founded in 1880 , Santa Rita stands on the slopes of Alto Jahuel , home to one of the most symbolic sites in national history: the Bodega de los 120 Patriotas , where soldiers of the Chilean independence process took refuge and whose memory is kept alive in the iconic 120 label.
Santa Rita Vineyard: Heritage, tourism and excellence
The Forbes article also emphasizes the architectural and heritage value of the place. The main house, built in 1883 and now the Hotel Casa Real , is complemented by a neo-Gothic chapel and a century-old, 40-hectare park that offers a privileged setting for tastings, guided tours, and carriage rides.
The property was declared a Historical Monument in 1972, reinforcing its cultural relevance for the country.
The tourism offerings are one of the key pillars of its recognition. Santa Rita boasts eight regular tours , historic wineries, classic tastings, premium vertical tastings, horseback riding, and pairings designed to highlight the essence of the Maipo Valley .
In addition, there are spaces such as the Doña Paula restaurant, the Café La Panadería , a wine shop and the Andean Museum , which houses more than 3,000 archaeological and ethnographic pieces.
The ranking selection process evaluated dimensions such as heritage , history , innovation in winemaking techniques, sustainability, vineyard management, mentorship of new generations, global presence, and the consistency of the wines in international rankings . Santa Rita received outstanding ratings in all of these areas.
Other Chilean wineries entered the top 50
Chilean leadership became even clearer with the presence of four other national wineries on the list: Santa Carolina (#11) , Viu Manent (#14) , De Martino (#37) and VIK (#48) , positioning Chile among the most represented countries along with Argentina, Spain, France and Australia.
Virgin Wines, responsible for compiling the list published by Forbes, also produced an independent Quality Ranking where Santa Rita once again took first place globally for the "outstanding quality and craftsmanship" of its wines , surpassing iconic wineries such as Dr. Loosen, Zuccardi, Duckhorn Vineyards, Seppeltsfield Wines and Bodega Garzón.
Santa Rita celebrates the recognition
The winery celebrated the award as a tribute to the work of generations. Elena Carretero, Manager of Corporate Affairs, Sustainability and Tourism at Santa Rita, emphasized that this award "reflects the work of generations who have made Santa Rita a benchmark for wine and culture in South America."
He added that the distinction synthesizes a vision where history , sustainability and a clear projection of the future converge, always with the commitment to safeguard Chilean heritage for future generations.
On several occasions, Viña Santa Rita has been included among the " World's Most Admired Wine Brands " by Drinks International, chosen as "Winery of the Year " by Wine & Spirits and highlighted among the "Best Vineyards to Visit in the World" by World's Best Vineyards.
With the publication of its 2025 ranking, Forbes confirms what tourists, wine experts, and wine lovers have recognized for years: Viña Santa Rita is a symbol of excellence, tradition, and winemaking craftsmanship . The award solidifies its position as the best winery in the world and positions it as an ambassador of Chile's cultural and winemaking heritage to the global stage.
You might also be interested in: 3 all-inclusive Meliá hotels in the Caribbean for your next vacation
