When VIK Winery was officially crowned the Best Vineyard in the World by The World’s 50 Best Vineyards 2025, I wasn’t surprised. I had visited recently, and after spending a full day there—tasting their wines, touring the winery and enjoying an unforgettable lunch—I left thinking exactly the same: this place is on another level.
Below I break down why VIK won, what makes it unique, and my own real experience visiting what is now officially the world’s No. 1 vineyard.
Why VIK Winery Was Crowned the Best Vineyard in the World in 2025
The Award Behind the Recognition: World’s 50 Best Vineyards 2025
The World’s 50 Best Vineyards is one of the most respected global rankings in wine tourism. In 2025, the ceremony took place in Margaret River, Australia, where VIK took the No. 1 spot, beating iconic destinations across Europe, North America and South Africa.
This award doesn’t just judge wine quality—it evaluates the full visitor experience, including architecture, sustainability, gastronomy, innovation, landscape and hospitality. And VIK excels in every category.
What the Judges Highlighted About VIK
Judges praised:
- Its 4,450-hectare estate in Millahue, with diverse microclimates.
- Architectural excellence by Smiljan Radic.
- Premium wine production using precision viticulture.
- A fully integrated experience that blends nature, art, gastronomy and design.
- Sustainability practices and the winery’s strong focus on preserving the natural ecosystem.
Everything the ranking celebrates is visible the moment you arrive.
Where VIK Winery Is Located: The Millahue Valley Explained
VIK sits in the Millahue Valley, part of Chile’s Cachapoal region. The founders, Alexander and Carrie Vik, selected this specific site after years of scientific study focused on identifying the ideal terroir for a world-class red wine.
Climate, Micro-Valleys and the Science Behind the Terroir
VIK’s property includes 12 distinct micro-valleys, each with unique winds, slopes and soil compositions. This natural diversity allows the team to experiment and produce blends with depth, structure and remarkable complexity.
How to Get There (Including the Real Road Conditions)
One thing I appreciated from my visit was how straightforward the access is. From Ruta 5, the drive is about one hour inland. The road is sinuous but in excellent condition. You feel like you’re going deeper into nature—and you are—but never in an unsafe way.
This is practical info almost no travel guide mentions, but it matters.
Architecture & Innovation: What Makes VIK a Unique Winery
Smiljan Radic’s Iconic Design
The winery’s architecture is impossible to ignore. Designed by renowned Chilean architect Smiljan Radic, the building appears to float, thanks to a translucent, stretched-fabric roof that filters light in an almost magical way.
Inside, everything feels modern, intentional and deeply connected to the surrounding landscape.
Sustainability, “Barroir” Technology & Natural Winemaking
VIK has made innovation part of its identity. Some highlights:
- Barroir System: They produce barrels using wood from the estate, creating hyper-local aging conditions.
- Precision viticulture: Soil and climate scans define where each variety is planted.
- StoneVIK: A new natural white wine that ages outdoors in the property’s forest.
- Low-impact architecture and strong ecological conservation.
They don’t just make wine—they experiment, test and refine constantly.
My Own Visit to VIK: A World-Class Experience
Nothing beats firsthand experience, and mine truly confirmed why this winery earned global recognition.
A Three-Course Lunch With Wine Pairings
We started with a three-course lunch, choosing from three options for each dish. It included water, coffee and a surprise dessert, plus two wine pairings recommended by the sommelier.
The food was outstanding. As I like to put it: “The gastronomic experience was incredible, exquisite preparations and a first-class presentation.”
One highlight: the flank steak with fries and a poached egg—absolutely spectacular.
Touring the Winery: History, Art & State-of-the-Art Facilities
After lunch, we took the guided tour through the facilities. For me, this was the moment where VIK’s philosophy came alive.
“The tour was very interesting; they share plenty of historical information about how the winery started.”
You learn about:
- the scientific research behind the vineyard’s location,
- the artistic and architectural vision,
- sustainability in every operational detail.
The Five-Wine Tasting: My Impressions
The visit ends with a five-wine tasting, where you can notice the consistency of their blends and the elegance of their red wines.
It’s the perfect closing to what already feels like a premium experience.
What VIK Winery Produces: Signature Wines & New Projects
VIK, Milla Cala, La Piu Belle & More
VIK produces a full lineup of high-end wines, including:
- VIK (their flagship)
- Milla Cala
- La Piu Belle (with its distinctive artistic label)
- La Piu Belle Rosé
- Limited editions and experimental releases
All highlight the terroir and the precision behind the project.
StoneVIK: The Upcoming Natural White Wine
A very exciting development is StoneVIK, an ultra-natural white wine aged in the heart of the estate’s forest. No additives, no intervention—just pure expression of place.
Is VIK Winery Worth Visiting? My Honest Verdict
Absolutely—and not just because it won the award.
From my own experience:
“Modern, different from a traditional Chilean winery, a world-class experience that is absolutely worth knowing.”
VIK is:
- For wine lovers
- For travelers who appreciate architecture and design
- For foodies
- For nature seekers
- For people looking for a luxury but authentic experience
Tips for Planning Your Visit
- Book lunch and tour together—it’s worth it.
- Plan at least 4–5 hours for the visit.
- The road from Ruta 5 is curvy but fully paved.
- If you enjoy wine photography, bring your camera—everything is visually stunning.
Frequently Asked Questions About VIK Winery
Why was VIK Winery named the best vineyard in the world? Because it blends architecture, wine quality, nature, innovation and visitor experience at the highest possible level.
Where is VIK Winery located? In Millahue, Cachapoal Valley, Chile.
Is the road difficult? Not at all—curvy but in excellent shape.
What is the food like at VIK? Exceptional. My three-course menu was one of the best winery meals I’ve had.
Is it worth visiting even if you’re not a wine expert? Yes. The design, scenery and experience are impressive for anyone.
VIK’s recognition as the Best Vineyard in the World is more than a title—it’s a reflection of a truly world-class experience. After visiting myself, I can say the award is absolutely deserved.
