Santiago, Chile will host The 50 Best Vineyards 2026 awards ceremony on 18 November at Viña Don Melchor, located within the Viña Concha y Toro Wine Centre in Pirque. The selection of Viña Don Melchor as Official Venue Partner represents a major milestone for Chile's wine tourism industry, which has invested heavily in infrastructure, hospitality, gastronomy and cultural experiences to compete on the global stage. The event, organised by The 50 Best Vineyards and published by William Reed, is expected to draw the industry's most influential opinion leaders, vineyard owners and media from around the world, providing an unparalleled platform to showcase Chilean wines and wine regions.
The implications of this announcement extend well beyond a single ceremony. Hosting The 50 Best Vineyards for the first time in Chile validates years of strategic work by the national wine industry, regional governments, tourism authorities and private stakeholders to position the country as a premier wine destination. Rikki Tidball, Managing Director of Events for The 50 Best Vineyards, noted that Chile 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," Tidball said, explaining why Santiago was chosen as the perfect host destination. Such endorsements from a globally respected organisation can significantly boost Chile's international profile, attracting higher-value visitors and stimulating investment in wine tourism infrastructure.
The economic and cultural impact is likely to be substantial. The awards ceremony will form part of a week-long programme that brings together leaders from wine, gastronomy, hospitality and travel, creating opportunities for business networking and knowledge exchange. Claudio Orrego, Governor of Santiago, emphasised the region's ambition: "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." Orrego also highlighted Santiago's unique position as the main gateway to Chilean wine tourism, where urban energy and winemaking tradition converge in the Maipo Valley. This convergence is expected to generate increased tourist traffic and spending, benefiting hotels, restaurants and local communities.
Viña Don Melchor itself stands to gain considerable prestige. Located in the Puente Alto appellation of the Maipo Valley, the winery is renowned for its iconic Cabernet Sauvignon and has established itself as a leading luxury wine tourism destination in South America. Enrique Tirado, CEO and Technical Director of Viña Don Melchor, described the selection as recognition of Chile's excellence as a wine producer and 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," Tirado said. The newly opened Viña Concha y Toro Wine Centre, which houses the winery, represents one of the most significant recent investments in Chilean wine tourism, blending heritage, wine, gastronomy, art, landscape and world-class hospitality.
The event also underscores the collaborative efforts driving Chile's wine tourism strategy. Max Raide, President of Grupo Liderazgo, expressed pride in hosting the event, calling it a dream come true for Chileans and an invitation to discover the country's renowned valleys and products. Isabel Guilisasti, Vice President of Fine Wines and Corporate Image at Viña Concha y Toro, added that hosting The 50 Best Vineyards sends a highly positive signal about the international projection of Chile's wine and tourism industries. With the support of the Government of Santiago, its Regional Corporation, and Grupo Liderazgo, the event is expected to leave a lasting legacy, inspiring further improvements in visitor experiences and reinforcing Chile's reputation as a must-visit destination for wine lovers worldwide.
