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Slideshow
Top 10 hotels for wine lovers
The wine enthusiast is spoilt for choice when searching for a holiday that combines luxury accommodation with world-class wine tasting.
Wine tourism, or enotourism, has grown massively since the turn of the 21st century with hotels now packaging holidays specifically targeted at those looking to immerse themselves in the world of winemaking by touring a region’s vineyards and sampling its wines.
Wine tourism is an area with enormous room for growth with some regions only just beginning to tune into its potential.
Many, however, are well ahead of the trend with a host of wineries now offering boutique and luxury accommodation just steps from their vineyards.
Whether its a rural retreat in France full of rustic charm, or an avant-garde luxury hotel in Spain’s Rioja regions – there is a hotel for every wine lover.
Scroll through to see some of our picks of some of the world’s most high-profile wine hotels.
To view our previous picks of some of the best wine hotels in northern Portugal click here.
L’Andana – Tuscany, Italy
This wine hotel is situated in the heart of the Tuscan Maremma within the 500-hectare La Badiola Estate complete with a spa, driving range and private chapel. The hotel has its own wine cellar where guests can take part in tastings, wine classes and cooking classes. The hotel was once a Medici villa where Grand Duke Leopold II and his court stayed during the summers.
Cavas Wine Lodge – Mendoza, Argentina
Nestled at the foot of the Andes Mountains within a 35-acre vineyard, this 14-room lodge offers guests the chance to explore a vast wine cellar featuring 250 of Mendoza’s best wines. The hotel regularly puts on wine tastings and private dinners in the cellar and also provides a signature wine therapy treatment at its on-site spa which involves a scrub and bath in red wine, nutrition wrap and massage.
Domaine de la Noria, Côtes du Rhône, France
Domaine de la Noria is a provincial vineyard country house situated in Chusclan, near Nimes, within the famous vineyards of the Côtes du Rhône Villages. Dating back to the late nineteenth century, the building was completely renovated in 2003 and offers guests simple and authentic B&B accommodation. Those really wanting to get a taste of life on a working vineyard can book a stay at the vineyard during harvest where guests are able to pick their own grapes and take a tour of the winery’s cellar.
L’Auberge du Vin, Rhône Valley, France
From her French farmhouse home in the Rhône Valley, British expat Linda runs her own wine school offering tuition, tasting and advice. Enjoy a stay at this enchanting rural retreat while enhancing your knowledge and enjoyment of wine.
Marqués de Riscal – Elciego, Spain
This futuristic hotel, designed by world renowned architect Frank O Gehry opened in September 2006 in the middle of the Vinos de los Herederos de Marqués de Riscal’s vineyard. The expansive vineyard, dates back to 1858, making its the oldest winery in the region. During a stay guests can learn more about wine-making on one of the hotel’s daily tours through the vineyard and to its enormous cellar housing eight million bottles of wine featuring vintages dating back to 1862.
Alluvia Stellenbosch Wine Farm – Stellenbosch, South Africa
Alluvia is set on a working wine estate in the heart of the Stellenbosch Winelands in South Africa. The luxury resort, complete with spa and golf green, offers regular wine tasting from its on-site vineyard where it produces its Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Franc varietals, named Ilka and Lisa.
The Carneros Inn – Napa, California
Situated in California’s Napa Valley, the Carneros Inn sits within 27-acres of grape vines and apple trees combining a luxury resort with countryside living. Delve into Napa’s wine country or enjoy a wine themed treatment at the Inn’s spa including the Chardonnay Anti-Oxidant Wine Therapy Facial or the Grape Seed and Guava Manicure and Pedicure.
Posado Campotinto, Carmelo, Uruguay
Posada Campotinto is located in the San Roque countryside surrounded by farms, vineyards and wineries. It’s lodge is located within 25-hectares with views to its vineyard and the Chapel of San Roque. Carmelo is considered one of the traditional viticulture areas of Uruguay with regular tours of wineries in the area offered to guests.
Buçaco Palace Hotel – Bairrada, Portugal
This 5-star hotel is set in the Buçaco National Forest and was once a convent before becoming a hunting palace of the last of the Portuguese kings. While staying in a palace that will make you feel like royalty, one can also enjoy the wines from the local region of Bairrada. Very little is known about this extremely underrated region outside of Portugal, but word is getting out. Within Portugal it is known for exceptionally well-priced sparkling wines, and red wine from the grape Baga. A hotel fit for kings.
Owhanake Bay Estate – Aukland, New Zealand
Located on a “working boutique vineyard” the luxurious Owhanake Bay Estate offers accommodation overlooking Owhanake Bay on Waiheke Island in New Zealand. Private tours of the estate’s vineyard and tastings are available with a selection of packages avaiable to the wine enthusiast including the “Island of Wine Package”, which includes a selection of wines, tours and tastings, homemade bread and local olive oil, and dinner at a local vineyard restaurant.