The concept of winery and vineyard hotels has grown in popularity over the last few years. Guests have a unique opportunity to sample the local vintages and learn about the intricacies of the wine making process, from grape to bottle, whilst still enjoying all the facilities and amenities of a luxury hotel. Here we offer some of the pick of the crop.
Located in Saint-Emilion, a UNESCO World Heritage Site 50km from Bordeaux, this charming and welcoming Premier Grand Cru estate combines luxurious accommodation and a Michelin star restaurant with a state-of-the-art winery that offers an exceptional experience for all who visit. Meticulously restored, the château itself offers five suites and a stunning pool with panoramic views over the vineyards. Further accommodation is available in an equally charming annexe. The property’s  destination restaurant, Les Belles Perdrix, boasts Chef de Cuisine David Charrier’s innovative menus that capitalise on the season’s best picks from the kitchen garden, along with produce from key local suppliers. The environmental impact of the estate is at the heart of every decision made by the winery and hotel, from its animals down to the waste corks sent to Belgium and Portugal to be made into shoe soles.
Situated in the heart of Burgundy, whose roots in viticulture date all the way back to the second century AD, COMO Le Montrachet is a celebration of French winemaking, gastronomy, hospitality and style. A 19th century ‘place du village’ inn located in the village of Puligny-Montrachet, it has been sensitively reimagined across three heritage buildings arranged around the charming village square which lies just steps from the legendary ‘Le Montrachet’ vineyard. Guests can choose from 30 individual rooms and suites while the hotel has its own wine cave consisting of some 17,000 bottles, mostly from the local region. Full-day wine tours through Côte de Beaune and Côte de Nuits are also available.
Masseria Pistola is a magnificent and stylish family home and estate that affords stunning views of the beautiful Canale di Pirro Valley in Puglia, Italy. With over two hectares of vineyards, the estate produces its own organic wine including a delicious Nero di Troia. Set across three buildings, this charmingly restored 350-year-old masseria offers seclusion and privacy. Most of the 10 ensuite bedrooms are located in the trulli with their domed roofs, while two further suites, with vaulted ceilings and fireplaces, occupy the first floor of the main building Although fully staffed and equipped, guests can find beach clubs, a wide selection of restaurants and the famous white city of Ostuni all within a 30-minute drive.
Overlooking the vineyards that stripe the hills of the Champagne region, Royal Champagne Hotel & Spa reimagines the wine-country retreat. The property offers exclusive access to private Champagne houses, as well as tasting and harvesting sessions with local wine and Champagne producers, personally curated by the in-house concierge team. Guests are also invited to discover the Avenue de Champagne and the Champagne Museum and experience a once-in-a-lifetime hot-air balloon flight over the Montagne de Reims. Each of the 47 rooms and suites offers spectacular views of the Champagne valley, while the hotel is also home to the region’s first world-class destination spa, spanning 16,000ft2 and offering exclusive treatments set amongst this serene, bucolic landscape.
Set on Santorini’s secluded north-eastern coast in the village of Vourvoulos, Magma Resort Santorini is surrounded by an enchanting setting of lava-made slopes, volcanic vineyards and endless Aegean Sea views. Guests can book a private tasting session in the property’s Magma Vineyards to uncover the island’s fascinating history of grape production and enjoy a selection of native wines, ranging from the indigenous white Assyrtiko grape – recognisable by its sophisticated acidic flavour – to naturally sweet dessert wine Vinsanto. The property boasts 59 stylish guestrooms, featuring verandas, Jacuzzis and private plunge pools, alongside the largest wellness centre on the island, offering a range of holistic wellness experiences and volcanic-inspired treatments.
