By Imogen Cox, Digital Marketing Executive
A flute of crisp champagne? A robust ruby red? Or perhaps a fresh citrusy white? Whatever your preferred tipple, we’ve selected our top wine-based boutique hotels in which to brush up on your fine wines and sample the local grape. Whether it’s a romantic week away, a blissful break or an itinerant wine-tasting tour, there are acres of vines and countless groaning cellars to choose from. We’ve selected the best from around the world.
1. Cascina Galarej, Piedmont, Italy
Cascina Galarej is a contemporary and architectural 4-star hotel spa hotel in a historic village, in the heart of Italy’s Barolo wine region. Cascina Galarej overlooks the rolling hills of Piedmont – an area that was named the best wine region in Italy by Forbes in 2021. Take in 360-degree views of Unesco World Heritage hills and Langhe vineyards, and allow yourself to become heady with the scents of wine. Tours guide you down into the historic cellars of Villaggio Narrante, a 19th-century village that’s home to 15 local families, whose residents all work at the winery to this day. Follow this up with the luxurious option of a spa package or a trip to the local Michelin-starred restaurant Guidoristorante.
2. Tillingham, Sussex, UK
A former hop barn, charming and quirky Tillingham is an authentically unique combination of a UK boutique hotel, working farm, restaurant and winery. Avid wine-maker Ben Walgate was the brains behind the operation, having done a full eco-restoration of the estate, beginning the process by grape stomping with his own two feet. Now, the philosophy is progressive: combining modern technical knowledge and ancient farming techniques to yield organic wines without compromising on either flavour or environment. Wines are served in the on-site restaurant, which champions field-to-fork food, showcasing produce from their grounds and the local area.
3. Village Castigno, Languedoc- Roussillon, France
Uniquely dispersed around an authentic village in rural south-west France, Village Castigno boasts acres of vineyards. The owners rescued the original chateau from dereliction, transforming it into their own home, which then led to the revival of the vineyards. After hosting tastings and recognizing an appetite for overnight stays, they created 22 bewitching bedrooms and brought life back to this quaint town. The colour scheme across the rooms is inspired by wine hues – not for everyone, but a definite point of interest! The resort has three restaurants under its umbrella, all specialising in different cuisines, all phenomenal. Travel in style by buggy around the acres of land, vineyards and to a wine cave for tastings.
4. Tenuta San Pietro, Tuscany, Italy
Tenuta San Pietro is an intimate and chic 8-room, 2-suite Tuscan hideaway with a fabulous restaurant, a 350-bottle wine cellar and an on-site tasting room, all surrounded by olive trees and vineyards. Inside, the Norwegian owners have chosen Scandinavian minimalism for the individually decorated rooms, creating a crisp contrast to the beautiful ancient towns and Baroque palaces of the local area. Spend the day following the wine road with a guided tour (arranged by the hotel) of the area’s most important producers, such as Terre del Sillabo and Tenuta di Valgiano, before relaxing by the infinity pool overlooking the stunning Garfagnana Mountains.
5. The Terrace Rooms & Wine, Isle of Wight, UK
The Terrace is home to a 500+ bottle wine library, which comes with dreamy sea views. The young and fun team at this trendy seaside guesthouse pride themselves on creating bespoke experiences for their wine tasters, with innovative ideas such as a “snog, marry, avoid” of wines. Every day, 10 bottles of wine are opened for guests to enjoy, a particularly lovely experience when done so from their terrace. Chef owners Ashley and Tom say this isn’t a place for fussy eaters, those not interested in where food comes from, or anyone with a small appetite. But foodies, winos and seaside lovers will be in their element. They also offer decadent four-course breakfasts to residents, the perfect way to start a day.
6. Six Senses Douro Valley, Portugal
Portugal’s Douro Valley is the ultimate luxury destination for a wine lover, and Six Senses is the ultimate place to stay. It offers bountiful experiences to entice grape enthusiasts: daily wine tastings, wine dinners, vintage boat rides, a full-day sommelier tour, you name it. With a cellar of over 750 bottles, a wine manager and a team of sommeliers, it’s the place to become a master of vintage. Only 90 minutes from Porto, Douro has a unique micro-climate, which benefits not only the wine but the guests too. The estate focuses on wellness as well as wine, and in keeping with this ethos, the vibe is natural and clean. This one is a splurge for a romantic trip, minus the kids, but it’s well worth it.
7. Harmon Guest House, Sonoma Valley, US
Nestled between three celebrated wine-producing areas – Alexander Valley, Dry Creek Valley and Russian River Valley – Harmon Guest House has an abundance of incredible vineyards within touching distance. These world-class wineries offer public tours and tasting rooms as well as more exclusive, private affairs. Given its location, it’s unsurprising that Harmon offers a fine selection of local Californian wines to try. You can drink in views of Fitch Mountain from the comfort of a roaring firepit, as dusk falls over the rooftop restaurant and bar. Once a sleepy town of grape growers, Healdsburg has grown to become an esteemed wine destination and is renowned as the crown of Sonoma’s wine country.
8. Holden Manz Wine Estate, Franschhoek, South Africa
Holden Manz wine estate, guesthouse and restaurant is located on an award-winning vineyard at the foot of the staggering Franschhoek mountain range, under an hour’s drive from Cape Town. With just 5 suites, it offers more of an intimate experience than your classic hotel stay. Owners Migo and Gerard live on-site, and their design stamp and meticulous attention to detail is apparent throughout. Holden Manz produces big bold reds, some of the best in South Africa. Outside the property, you’ll find orchards growing fruits aplenty, a scenic lake, and a secret-garden-esque courtyard which invites you to relax – as a result of the couples’ feng shui design choices. Many pilgrimage to the nearby Franschhoek Kitchen for wine tastings alone, but the restaurant has established itself as one of the best in the region.
9. La Casona at Matetic Vineyards, Rosario Valley, Chile
With only 10 rooms, this stunning estancia (ranch), in one of Chile’s best wine regions, offers the ideal setting in which to pamper yourself. Matetic Vineyards has received awards across the world for its organic and biodynamic heritage, and it gained the 2023 world distinction in Sustainable Wine Tourism Practice. Flexible board options range from bed and breakfast, which includes a two-wine tasting, to a full board programme with a vineyard tour, a wine tasting and a 5-course dinner with wine pairing. The grounds of the vineyards and surrounding areas are stunning – explore them by horseback, bike or on foot.
10. Hotel Viura, Basque Country, Spain
A striking juxtaposition has been created between this architectural wonder and the charming traditional village in which it sits. And the strong look continues inside. Hotel Viura has nature-inspired imagery, polished concrete, an excellent restaurant and walls of glass framing stunning bedrooms. A visit to hilltop Laguardia provides the best views of the surrounding wine fields, or you can simply borrow the hotel bikes to cycle amongst them – be sure to stop by Briones’ excellent wine museum en route. Return for dinner under the wine-barrel studded ceiling of the hotel dining room, where an expert sommelier will offer and explain pairing for your chosen dishes.