DON'T MISS A THING

Whether you’re a seasoned wine connoisseur or simply looking for a relaxing escape, stunning wine landscapes across the world offer a getaway that’s both luxurious and wildly unique. These often overlooked five-star establishments offer the perfect combination of relaxation and wine adventures.

Imagine waking up in a vineyard surrounded by rolling hills and lush greenery, with a glass of world-class wine waiting for you. From sipping on the finest vintages to indulging in gourmet meals, a stay at a luxury wine hotel is an experience unlike any other. Why settle for ordinary when you can sip, savor, and indulge in a wine-filled paradise?

In this article, WSET wine expert and Manager at SommSelect, Meg Kehoe, highlights 10 of the world’s most magnificent—and off-the-beaten-path—wine hotels to visit this year. Pack your bags and get ready for a vacation you’ll never forget. 

1. The Louise | Barossa Valley, Australia

If you’ve ever wanted to enjoy a picnic with a kangaroo at sunrise and be harvesting wine by noon, this South Australian pick is calling your name. Located in the Barossa Valley, The Louise boasts an incredible array of activities. Ready for wine enthusiasts amidst a picaresque family vineyard originally planted in the 19th century. Have the concierge arrange for an excursion to nearby Seppeltsfield, home to 100-year-vintages that are released every year. This year vineyard-goers have the opportunity to taste the 1923 vintage and see just how incredible their winemaking truly is! 

Other options during your stay include a wine blending class, a trip to visit sustainable grape growers and sheep farmers at nearby Hutton Vale Farm, yoga and meditation courses, wine tours, and an abundance of other activities on or off the property. Having undergone an enormous renovation in 2022 (including a brand new walk-in wine cellar), The Louise will leave you breathless and ready to return as soon as possible! 

2. Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco | Montalcino, Italy

While a wine hotel in Italy may not be groundbreaking, the Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco remains a luxury cut above the rest. Located in the UNESCO World Heritage site of Val d’Orca in Tuscany, the 5,000-acre estate graces a hilltop overlooking the stunning vistas of the 800-year-old Brunello di Montalcino winery. If you visit in September, you can take part in the annual harvest. And if kicking back to relax is more your speed, the La Prairie spa will welcome you with open arms. With 42 lavish suites ranging from rustic-chic rooms to restored 17th and 18th-century farmhouse-style villas, Castiglione del Bosco is the perfect escape from your regular vacation routine. 

3. The Vines Resort & Spa | Mendoza, Argentina

In the shadow of the Andes mountains lies a cluster of glass and wood villas set among thousands of acres of private vineyards, each with plots available for purchase, including the opportunity to work alongside winemakers to cultivate your own grapes. Sound like a dream? At The Vines Resort & Spa, it becomes a reality. A perfect mix of rustic and modern, this West Argentinian property offers experiences like Wine Camp, sunrise horseback rides through the mountains with local gauchos, yoga sessions amid the vines, and celebrity chef Francis Mallman’s open-flame restaurant Siete Fuego, where you can pair local wine with Mallman’s latest menu. World-class service is the standard at this inventive ranch-style resort, and it’s an experience you won’t soon forget. 

4. Delaire Graff Estate | Stellenbosch, South Africa

Atop the hills of the Helshoogte Pass, you’ll find stunning views of Table Mountain and the Cape Winelands. Views to enjoy from the gorgeous seat of luxury that the Delaire Graff Estate wine hotel has to offer. With just ten villas on the property, you’ll find a private plunge pool in each. A perfect spot to enjoy a glass of wine overlooking the estate where the grapes were sourced. And if the private plunge pool isn’t quite scratching the relaxation itch, you can book a spa experience, including a range of options, saunas, and steam rooms alike. Built with the intention of maximizing opportunities for indoor/outdoor living, the outdoor terraces and Wine Lounge at Delaire Graff turn this extraordinary natural setting into a world-class destination with stunning art and cuisine. 

5. Pałac Mierzęcin Wellness & Wine Resort | Mierzęcin, Poland

If Poland’s wine country hasn’t been on your radar just yet, let the Pałac Mierzęcin Wellness & Wine Resort introduce you. Located in Lubusz Voivodeship, the surrounding region of Lubuskie boasts hundreds of stunning lakes, thousands of acres of vineyards, dense forests—oh, and don’t forget the medieval castles studding the countryside. Guests can acquaint themselves with the high-profile boutique wines via glass, or spa treatment. Mierzecin’s Grape Spa offers Burgundy wine baths, Viniferin extract facials, estate-grown grape seed scrubs, and more. Make sure to grab a glass of Zweigelt and take a stroll through the stunning restored botanical gardens on the property before you leave!

6. Le Sources de Caudalíe | Bordeaux, France

Since opening its doors in 1999, Les Sources de Caudalie has offered stunning views with the energy of a quintessential French country hideaway. With a two-Michelin-star restaurant on the wine hotel property, wooded forests and sprawling vineyards to explore, and a Spa that boasts Vinothérapie treatments (yes, vino therapy), it’s no wonder this lakeside resort is a favorite of those who appreciate understated luxury. From nearby castle tours to wine tasting, Cabernet baths to merlot wraps, guests at Les Sources de Caudalie should be prepared to indulge—especially in their impressive 16,000-bottle wine cellar. Make sure you leave room in your suitcase to bring a bottle or two home with you! 

7. Six Senses | Samodães, Portugal

Overlooking the verdant vineyards of the Duoro Valley and the stunning waters of the Duoro River, the Six Senses Duoro Valley is a gorgeous property not to be missed. With private fireplaces, floor-to-ceiling windows, gazebos, pools, and wooden footbridges that lead you to secret spots featuring secluded gardens and balconies, this hotel is perfect for unplugging and enjoying the serenity of the Valley. Arrange to go wine tasting at the local Quintas, or take part in bespoke tasting experiences at the Wine Library restaurant onsite. Either way, the Six Senses offers guests contemporary luxury with a locally inspired, sustainable twist. And be sure you hit the spa—it’s what Six Senses properties are known for.

8. Vik Hotel | San Vicente, Chile

While this 22-room luxury wine hotel might look like a slice of the future with its Gehry-inspired metal roof and transparent glass bungalows, the proprietors prefer to apply old-world wine techniques to the on-site vineyards of their carménère grapes. It’s the best of both worlds here in the Millahue Valley, with impressive architecture that’s just as stunning as the panoramic views surrounding it. With cooking lessons, horseback riding, mountain biking, tours, tastings, and the stunning glass-walled Milla Milla dining room, the Vik is truly a one-of-a-kind experience.

9. Alila Napa Valley | St. Helena, California

While visiting Napa Valley can feel overwhelming, the Alila takes the guesswork out of where to stay. Perfect for epicureans or couples looking for a romantic getaway, guests at this adults-only sanctuary will enjoy amenities like private outdoor fire pits, freestanding soaking tubs, and stunning views of the Beringer Vineyards. Anchored by a stunning restoration of a Georgian-style farmhouse from the early 1900s, the building now houses 68 rooms and suites, plus Acacia House—the property’s signature restaurant. With a focus on locally-sourced sustainable organic ingredients, your palate will be perfectly prepped for partaking in wine tasting, whether on-property or in charming downtown St. Helena just a stone’s throw away. 

10. Lapostolle Residence | Santa Cruz, Chile

Nestled in the hills overlooking the incredible Colchagua Valley, the Lapostolle Residence not only provides a one-of-a-kind location as a backdrop but shows off with its own striking architecture. Owned by winemaker Alexandra Marnier, Lapostolle isn’t just a stunning place to stay but an actively working biodynamic winery. The Clos Apalta winery provides Lapostolle with its house carménère—grown sustainably to reduce environmental impact. Tour the vineyards on horseback, dine alfresco on the terrace, or pick the perfect lounge chair at the vineyard-facing infinity pool. Whatever you’re looking for, Chile’s Lapostolle Residence is ready for you.

Words by Meg Kehoe, SommSelect Manager of Brand Marketing
Feature Image: Delaire Graff Estate (Photo Courtesy of)

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