Here you’ll find wine recommendations, introductions to wine regions around the world, travel guides, recipes, home projects and more.
In recent years, visiting wine regions has become a focal point of my travels. After extensive research into renowned wine destinations, we have uncovered remarkable accommodations across the globe. From South Africa and Virginia to Italy, Argentina, and beyond, these vineyard hotels have consistently stood out as some of the most captivating and worthwhile locations I have had the privilege to explore. Join me as I dive into the reasons behind my fondness for these exceptional vineyard hotels and provide my candid reviews of each one below.
On our honeymoon, we had the pleasure of staying at the Leeu Estates in Franschhoek, South Africa. The refined elegance of this vineyard hotel, combined with the extraordinary surroundings, exceeded our expectations. Waking up each day to breathtaking vineyard and mountain views was surreal! The accommodations were five-star and the service really blew us away. Despite not having arranged any reservations or activities in advance, the staff effortlessly assisted us in securing dinner reservations, spa appointments, and wine tasting experiences.
The spa in particular was an incredible experience that I highly recommend. Leeu Estates has those most beautiful, well groomed property. It offers opportunities for leisurely walks, runs, and access to a well-equipped gym. For a more comprehensive list of our dining and wine tasting experiences in the region, you can visit my blog post on Our Honeymoon in South Africa.
During our recent visit to Mendoza, we had the pleasure of staying at Cavas Wine Lodge, a distinguished Relais and Chateaux property. If you’re looking for a five-star experience with jaw dropping mountain views and pergola vineyard paths, this is one of the best vineyard hotels in Argentina. While much of Mendoza exudes arid, desert-like landscapes, the Cavas Wine Lodge stands as an oasis of lush greenery, adorned with flourishing vineyards that grace every pathway. Each spacious room is accompanied with an outdoor plunge pool, outdoor shower, and a rooftop deck with a fireplace.
The service here exceeded all expectations. The staff tended to every need, including bringing fresh wood for our fireplace, accommodating in-room breakfast, and assistance with transportation arrangements. An unforgettable experience was the cooking class at Cavas. We learned how to make traditional Argentine dishes and sipped on local wine. For more on where we tasted wine and our full itinerary, check out my blog post on Mendoza.
If you’re looking for a romantic escape in the Appalachian region, Nicewonder Farm & Vineyards should be on your list! We are always looking for getaways on the east coast, and we were so excited when Nicewonder opened up in our home state of Virginia. They have stunning, brand-new rooms that will make you want to move in! The vineyards on the property not only offer captivating views but also produce a selection of exceptional wines. Visitors can indulge in a delightful wine-tasting experience at the on-site tasting room, perfect for a leisurely lunch paired with their local Virgina wines.
One of the most appealing features of Nicewonder is the option to reside in a suite within the main building or to opt for the spacious yurts nestled within a forest of trees. You can plan your visit within any season as Nicewonder offers an array of attractions year long. Enjoy the heated pool, hot tub, target sports, and luxury dining on site. Check out a video of our stay.
Chozos Resort was another incredible place we stayed on our trip to Mendoza. This resort offers the selection of one or two-bedroom suites, each outfitted with a refreshing plunge pool. For those seeking an unconventional and unique accommodation option, the resort also presents an enticing glamping experience. Our decision to reside in one of their glamourous camps proved to be an amazing choice. We found ourselves immersed in the midst of the vineyards with magnificent views of the Andes Mountains. Each camp has an outdoor shower and private deck perfect for stargazing or suntanning. While Chozos Resort offers fewer amenities compared to Cavas Wine Lodge, it undeniably provided an unforgettable stay at a vineyard hotel in Mendoza.
Capanna Suites was one of the first vineyard hotels I ever stayed at and is still one of the most memorable. Nestled right outside the small town of Montalcino, this establishment offers unparalleled proximity to vineyards and a breathtaking panorama of the esteemed Val d’Orcia. Complimentary wine-tasting experiences at Capanna Winery are extended to guests, accompanied by the added benefit of complimentary spa privileges. If you’re looking for a romantic and peaceful getaway in Tuscany, this place will not disappoint. For more details about our time in Italy, visit my blog post on Florence & Tuscany.
The Royal Champagne Hotel & Spa holds a distinguished status as one of the world’s most renowned vineyard hotels, and for good reason. Renowned for its top-tier service and luxury accommodations, the hotel offers generously spacious rooms, each with captivating vistas overlooking the sprawling vineyards of Champagne. The property sits a mere 10-minute drive from Epernay and a 20-minute drive from Reims, making it easy to drive around the region to visit different Champagne Houses.
Be sure to plan a full morning or afternoon to enjoy the indoor and outdoor heated pools, saunas, and spa services. Don’t miss dining on site at their Michelin Star restaurant for dinner. We were blown away by the creativity and Champagne pairings. Without a doubt, the Royal Champagne Hotel & Spa has secured its place as my definitive choice for future visits to Champagne. If you’re planning a trip to France, visit my itinerary for Paris & Champagne.
There is nothing like staying amongst the vines! While these are just a few of the places we’ve stayed over the last few years, they’ve definitely been some of the most memorable. We hope to add more incredible wine destinations and hotels to our list in the future. Let me know a wine region or hotel on your bucket list!