Astute oenophiles know that for every Bordeaux, Champagne, or Barossa Valley winery touted on the numerous ‘best of’ lists, there’s an underrated winery—perhaps in an equally underrated region–simply waiting to be discovered. The joys of discovering the best wineries in the world extends beyond imbibement, with the most delicious drops often coming from outposts in equally beautiful locations.
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While you can discover some of the best wineries in the world by sifting through the heady World’s Best Vineyards lists, according to Michael Anderson, head of auctions and secondary market at Langtons, there are a few underrated gems that miss the list. “Some of these are harder to get into than Fort Knox,” says Anderson, who shared his exclusive picks of the best wineries in the world with Albert Review. From relatively inclusive favourites in South Australia to well-kept secrets in Europe, these are the wineries worth travelling for.
The best wineries in Europe and the United States
1. Gaja (Piedmont, Langhe, Italy)
Known for pioneering single vineyard wines in Piedmont and introducing Bordeaux varietals and the use of barriques into the region, Gaja creates wines that showcase the terroir of northwestern Italy. “Not as hard to get into, more a matter of money,” says Anderson on the winery’s exclusivity. “The tasting is in the hundreds of euros per person but well worth it. The tour is in-depth, the knowledge is comprehensive. It’s likely you will get shown around by a family member and the wines on pour are nothing short of the benchmark of the region (some say the world).”
Address: Via Torino 5, Barbaresco, Italy
2. Krug (Reims, Champagne, France)
A name known the world over, Krug Champagne has spread the essence of the region far and wide since its inception in 1843. However, Anderson says that tasting Krug in its hometown is an experience well worth the effort. “In the centre of Reims, this winery is hidden away in the quiet, charming streets of Champagne’s main town centre,” he tells Albert Review. “The team here is as well presented as the wines. The tours weave the incredible underground caves where hundreds and thousands of bottles lay dormant, in the pitch-black for years on end. If you can get through the doors and in for a taste, it’s a memory you will never forget.”
Address: 5 Rue Coquebert, Reims, France
3. Domaine de la Romanée-Conti (Burgundy, France)
Domaine de la Romanée-Conti is responsible for creating some of the most exclusive wines in the world—with a price tag to match. However, their four- to five-figure price tag is the least of your worries; gaining entry into these hallowed vineyards is notoriously difficult and a pipe dream for all but few. As Anderson succinctly puts it: “Virtually impossible unless you’re a VIP… but we can dream.”
Address: 1 Pl. de l’Église, Vosne-Romanée, France
4. Chateau Montelena (Napa Valley, California, United States)
“A stunning, ivy covered winery and tasting building greets at the end of the drive and offers the sort of grandeur you expect from a region like the Napa Valley,” says Anderson. “Everything here is dialled up. The people, the wine, the passion. The suite of wines at this world-famous U.S. winery are head and shoulders above so many others in the region and the general feel of the property is ever so welcoming.”
Address: 1429 Tubbs Ln, Calistoga, CA, Unites States
The best wineries in Australia
While some of the best wineries in Europe and the United States may require a secret handshake and a bank balance that reads like a mobile number to get into, the top-shelf wineries in Australia take a more inclusive approach.
“In Australia tasting visits are much easier and rarely paid,” notes Anderson. “Here we are famous for an open door policy to tasting wines on long counters with happy, bubbly winery staff always on hand to teach you about each wine you’re trying.”
5. Penfolds Magill Estate (Adelaide, South Australia, Australia)
Perhaps the most famous Australian wine brand, Penfolds was founded in 1844 and pioneered fortified wines. “Innovators like Max Schubert and Dr. Ray Beckwith shaped Barossa’s techniques, explains Anderson. “Their legacy continues through iconic blends like Grange and Bin 389, showcasing mastery. Led by Peter Gago, the current team combines tradition and innovation, ensuring Penfolds’ celebrated consistency and expertise in every bottle.”
Address: 78 Penfold Road, Magill, SA, Australia
6. Rockford (Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia)
“Rockford, in Barossa Valley, thrives on Robert O’Callaghan’s innovation, standing among winemaking greats,” shares Anderson. “Championing old vine shiraz, their ethos melds tradition with modernity. The Basket Press Shiraz shines. Their range, crafted from esteemed Barossa growers, echoes an ideology—melding craftsmanship and tradition into each bottle.”
Address: 131 Krondorf Rd, Tanunda, SA, Australia
7. Tyrrell’s (Hunter Valley, New South Wales, Australia)
“Established in the mid 19th century, Tyrrell’s is among Australia’s oldest family wineries,” says Anderson. “Edward Tyrrell planted the first vines in 1858 on 330 acres in the Hunter Valley, launching their winemaking legacy in 1864. Despite a downturn in the 1930s, Tyrrell persevered, crafting esteemed wines like Vat 1 Semillon, Vat 47 Chardonnay, and Vat 9 Shiraz.”
Address: 1838 Broke Rd, Pokolbin, NSW, 2320
8. Yarra Yering (Yarra Valley, Victoria, Australia)
“In 1969, Dr. Bailey Carrodus established Yarra Yering in Victoria’s Yarra Valley. The estate’s wines, crafted with Carrodus’s meticulous vineyard selection and warm fermentation, showcase the flagship Bordeaux-style No. 1, evolving remarkably for over a decade, alongside diverse options like the Touriga Naçional-based No. 3.”
Address: 4 Briarty Rd, Gruyere, VIC, Australia
9. Wynns Coonawarra Estate (Coonawarra, South Australia, Australia)
“Wynns Coonawarra Estate, esteemed for its prime terra rossa vineyards, embraces heritage from John Riddoch’s 1896 winery. Purchased by the Wynns in 1951, Sue Hodder and Allen Jenkins enhanced quality. Their single block wines showcase Coonawarra’s terroir in exceptional vintages, representing vineyard nuances superbly.”
Address: 77 Memorial Dr, Coonawarra, SA, Australia
10. Cullen (Margaret River, Western Australia, Australia)
Diana and Dr. Kevin Cullen established their first vineyard in Wilyabrup, within the Margaret River wine region in 1966 and have been steadily expanding ever since. Rather than placing an emphasis on the tastes of individual winemakers, Cullen wines showcase the terroir of the land. Recognising its role as custodian of the land, Cullen works to look after the ancient Wilyabrup soils while acknowledging the Wadandi people its previous custodians.
“Vanya Cullen [daughter of the founders and managing director at Cullen] champions biodynamic viticulture, honouring nature’s rhythms,” says Anderson. “The diligent practices yield fruit of intense flavours, ripe tannins, and balanced acidity. Their legacy resonates in a winery harmonising craft and environmental empathy.”
Address: 4323 Caves Rd, Wilyabrup, WA, Australia
Insights courtesy of Michael Anderson, head of auctions and secondary market at Langtons
