Chile’s position within the global travel landscape reached a major milestone following the official announcement of the World Travel Awards 2026 regional results. Centro del Vino Concha y Toro secured the title of “South America’s Leading Tourism Winery 2026,” earning top honors in one of the international travel industry’s most respected recognition programs.
The annual selection process gathered votes from travelers and travel industry stakeholders across multiple continents, placing the Chilean destination ahead of nominated wine tourism experiences across Chile, Argentina, and Uruguay. The recognition underscores Chile’s ongoing commitment to turning its viticultural heritage, cultural identity, and landscape into world-class visitor offerings.
International Honor Presented at Caribbean & Americas Gala
Now in its 33rd edition, the World Travel Awards program honors high-performing destinations, hospitality companies, and visitor attractions that set quality standards across global travel markets. The 2026 regional distinctions were formally presented during the World Travel Awards Caribbean & The Americas Gala Ceremony on October 11 at the Princess Grand Jamaica Hotel.
Delegates representing Centro del Vino Concha y Toro attended the gala event in Jamaica to accept the trophy. The ceremony brought together tourism leaders and institutions from across the Western Hemisphere, confirming the award as a significant international accolade for Chilean hospitality.
Leadership from Viña Concha y Toro emphasized that the recognition reflects a broader national achievement. Representatives noted that receiving the award validates an authentic approach to storytelling that integrates fine wine, local history, and cultural heritage, satisfying an increasing demand among international travelers for immersive destination experiences.
Immersive Heritage and Architecture in the Maipo Valley
Opened in July 2025, Centro del Vino Concha y Toro was designed to elevate regional wine tourism through an integrated journey incorporating winemaking, architecture, gastronomy, and environmental conservation. Located in Pirque, approximately 20 kilometers from central Santiago, the facility spans over 12,000 square meters and offers curated multi-sensory experiences.
Visitors navigate structured exhibition areas detailing the geological development of Chile’s winemaking valleys, historical artifacts, and interactive installations. A central feature of the estate is El Origen de una Leyenda (The Origin of a Legend), an immersive experience that guides guests through historical displays before concluding in the underground Casillero del Diablo cellar, where the estate’s iconic 19th-century legend originated.
Beyond historical tours, the complex functions as a contemporary cultural hub. The estate features Plaza Concha y Toro—a restored 19th-century cellar space used for rotating art exhibitions—alongside regional dining venues such as Bodega 1883. This combination of heritage preservation and modern visitor amenities has made the estate a prominent day-trip destination for both domestic visitors and international tour delegations exploring the Maipo Valley.
Rigorous Standards and Global Shortlist Qualification
Since its public launch, Centro del Vino Concha y Toro has earned multiple operational, design, and sustainability credentials:
Environmental Sustainability: The facility holds the Preferred by Nature Sustainable Tourism Certification, achieving continuous regulatory compliance.
Conservation Site Status: In 2024, Viña Concha y Toro partnered with the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh and Fundación Chilco to establish a designated Safe Conservation Site.
Design Excellence: In 2025, the El Origen de una Leyenda exhibition took top honors at the Chile Design Awards, winning first place in the Environment & Space Design category for museography.
Following its regional victory, Centro del Vino Concha y Toro has qualified for the global nomination slate for “World’s Leading Tourism Winery 2026”. The global voting phase remains active through October 30. The ultimate international winners will be announced during the World Travel Awards Grand Final Gala Ceremony in December 2026, scheduled to take place in Tanzania.
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