Top Wine Country Retreats

LA VERRIERE - PROVENCE, FRANCE Hidden away in the heart of Provence, above Crestet, an unspoiled medieval hilltop village, Domaine de La Verriere is a private estate comprised of a medieval priory and winery surrounded by its own working vineyard and lush private woodlands in a nature reserve. No stay in Provence would be complete without a private tasting of regional wines. Sample La Verriere's handpicked collection of memorable vintages in a cellar restored to its original charm, complete with an ancient wine press. read more

CHATEAU DE BAGNOLS - FRANCE is the finest five-star deluxe château hotel in France and is regarded by many as the finest vineyard chateau hotel in the world. The Chateau is located in the heart of the beautiful Beaujolais countryside, just 17 miles from Lyon which has an international airport. Discovered by Lady Hamlyn in 1987 in a derelict state, she painstakingly restored the château with much energy and vision, to its former glory, revealing Renaissance wall and ceiling paintings created during the château's finest period when nearby Lyon was one of Europe's great Renaissance cities. Dating from the 13th century, the chateau features impressive towers, the original dry moat, honey-coloured stone known as pierres dorées and a dramatic entrance across a drawbridge. The Château de Bagnols is one of France's major historic monuments as well as a unique luxury hotel with 21 of the most superb rooms and suites in France. The Michelin star Salle des Gardes restaurant offers diners the most wonderful selection of regional specialities as well as an impressive selection of French wines. Outside, the sun-facing terrace, shaded by 100-year-old lime trees, provides the most spectacular view of the Beaujolais countryside. read more

FAIRMONT SONOMA MISSION INN & SPA Embraced by the rolling hills and sprawling vineyards of California's breathtaking wine country, the inn resides in one of America's finest wine-producing regions. The Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa is a one-of-a-kind resort providing discerning travelers with an experience in ultimate luxury and relaxation and the perfect Wine Country getaway. Uncork a bottle of wine at Santé, their premier dining establishment, recipient of the prestigious AAA Four Diamond award. Upon arrival, a complimentary bottle of wine is provided in every room, and guests are invited to attend the hosted daily wine tasting from 4:30 pm – 5:30 pm in the Lobby. With over 350 wineries in the direct vicinity, it comes as no surprise that The Restaurant at the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa has been honored by Wine Spectator for its commanding wine list of mouthwatering varietals. read more

BERNARDUS LODGE - CALIFORNIA A member of The Leading Small Hotels of the World and recipient of many prestigious awards, Bernardus Lodge is a romantic retreat nestled in the idyllic Carmel Valley, amongst sprawling oaks and sun-dappled vineyards. Scents of lavender, rosemary and lemongrass, sounds of bubbling fountains, and the warm breezes from the valley surround this hidden jewel. Savor the gracious intimacy of a resort with epicurean flair. Feather beds, cozy fireplaces and oversized bathtubs for two. Vintage wine and cheese welcome. A "wine grotto" mini bar. The spa's meditation garden, warming room and soaking pool. And dining at Marinus, voted one of the Zagat's top restaurants in the Bay Area. Discover why Bernardus is known for the premier culinary events in Carmel Valley, and why its celebrated restaurant continues to earn top honors. Marinus is a favorite among food and wine lovers, repeatedly lauded by Wine Spectator and Zagat. Populated by quaint inns, ranches, and world-class resorts, Carmel Valley is a pastoral river basin and one of the finest wine growing regions. Embark on a wine safari to sample the fruits of area vintners. read more

MARQUES DE RISCAL - ELCIEGO, SPAIN The landmark hotel designed by architect Frank Gehry, is nestled in Spain's "City of Wine" located in the heart of the Rioja wine region. Enjoy the views of the vineyards and the town of Elciego from any of the eight terraces located in the two wing building, or experience a memorable meeting in an ancient wine cellar which was converted to a banqueting space. The Marqués de Riscal Restaurant and the 1860 Restaurant delight with an elite selection of wines of the world and offer the best traditional Basque-Riojan cuisine combined with modern influences. The Wine Bar Vinoteca and the Rooftop Lounge - Library present a stylish, yet comfortable atmosphere with panoramic views. The Caudalíe Vinothérapie® Spa leads the leisure facilities, offering a wide variety of "wine therapy" massages and treatments. All products are made of grape's extract and mineral water, created exclusively by Caudalíe Vinothérapie. read more

AQUAPURA - DOURO VALLEY, PORTUGAL offers a wonderful mix of history, great wines and the ultimate in wellbeing. Set on the sunny banks of the Douro river, surrounded by vineyards, in a beautiful World Heritage area. Experience a world-class spa and a superb gastronomic blend of Portuguese and Mediterranean cuisine. The 19th century manor house overlooks the Douro River from its magnificent setting on the south bank. Vineyard Rooms features recreate the presence of the vineyard atmosphere inside the room, which can be also felt outside, with stunning views to the Porto wine vineyards. read more

CASTELLO BANFI IL BORGO - TUSCANY, ITALY
Voted "Italy's Premier Vineyard Estate" for 11 consecutive years at the VinItaly wine fair, as well as "Winery of the Year" by Wine Enthusiast and Top Ten Wines by Wine Spectator, among other accolades, Castello Banfi Il Borgo provides the extraordinary Tuscan Experience. Wine mastery is a gentle, passionate calling inherently linked to other artistic pursuits. These are reflected in the environs and daily activities of the Castello Banfi estate. Castello Banfi has two restaurants at its vineyard estate in Montalcino, Tuscany, offering both formal and casual takes on local cuisine. Dining rooms in a historic stone building offer breathtaking views of the rolling Tuscan countryside, with patios for al fresco dining in the shadow of the medieval castle. Winemakers and sommeliers are available to reveal the character, nuances and origins behind the wines created in their vineyards and nurtured in the winery. read more

L'ANDANA - TUSCANY, ITALY Located in the Maremma region, near the Tuscan coast, facing the Island of Elba, the estate is located in Castiglione de la Pescaia, in the province of Grosseto. The cities of Florence, Siena, Pisa, as well as many other major historical, archaeological and cultural sites are in the vicinity. Chef Alain Ducasse runs two hotels in his native France, but for his first Italian venture he hooked up with wine producer Vittorio Moretti to create L'Andana. L'Andana offers a beautiful swimming pool, a large outdoor Jacuzzi in the gardens, bicycle rental, horseback riding, Spa, tennis court, golf course. read more

CAVAS WINE LODGE - MENDOZA, ARGENTINA Mendoza is at the center of Argentina's wine industry, with over 900 wineries in this vast region at the foothills of the Andes. Fabulous landscapes for outdoor activities, great weather -- over 320 days of sun a year -- and friendly people are some of the irresistible aspects of the region. Mendoza is 90 minutes flight from Buenos Aires, and a 45 minute flight from Santiago, Chile. read more

THE CELLARS HOHENORT - CONSTANTIA VALLEY, SOUTH AFRICA Situated in the heart of the Constantia Valley in Cape Town, South Africa, The Cellars-Hohenort is a haven of peace and tranquility unifying two great traditions, the magnificent restoration of the 18th Century Klaasenbosch wine cellars and the splendid Manor House of the Hohenort, previously owned by the Spilhaus family. The Hotel is adjacent to the world famous Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens and minutes away from the Constantia Wine Route. There are breathtaking scenic drives around the Cape of Good Hope and 11 world class golf courses in close proximity. read more