Experts recently convened at The World’s Best Vineyards 2023 in La Rioja, Spain to evaluate and celebrate outstanding estates from around the globe. The top honor went to Argentina’s Catena Zapata, which was named the best vineyard in the world for 2023.
Founded in 1902, Catena Zapata is Argentina’s oldest family-owned winery and remains under family stewardship today. Located in Mendoza, the estate is widely credited for reinventing Malbec and elevating Argentina’s international wine reputation. In 2023 the vineyard also opened its first on-site restaurant, further enriching the visitor experience.
© Catena Zapata
The restaurant, Angélica, is named after Angélica Zapata, the family matriarch and educator. Angélica follows a “wine first” philosophy: guests select from carefully curated wine menus designed by specialist sommeliers and wine chefs. Some dishes are paired in the classic sense to complement a chosen wine, while others are created to provide deliberate contrasts that highlight both food and bottle. The menu and décor pay homage to the Catena family’s heritage, reflecting their culinary and cultural roots.
Visitors begin their meal by passing through a gallery that leads to an underground distillery, then proceed to a tower with sweeping vineyard views and to an architecturally striking winery inspired by Mesoamerican pyramids. The overall design evokes an Italian borgo village as a nod to the family’s Italian ancestry. The restaurant’s dishes focus on local, seasonal ingredients selected to harmonize with the winery’s diverse wine portfolio.
© Catena Zapata
Catena Zapata holds more 100-point scores than any other South American winery. Its celebrated Adrianna Vineyard, planted at about 5,000 feet above sea level, is widely regarded as South America’s equivalent of a Grand Cru site, notable for its high elevation, distinctive soils and exceptional grape quality.
The recognition at The World’s Best Vineyards reinforces Catena Zapata’s reputation for innovation, terroir-driven winemaking and cultural stewardship. For visitors and wine enthusiasts, the estate offers a comprehensive experience: historic lineage, groundbreaking viticulture and a culinary program that places wine at the center of the table.