In the space of just over fifteen years, a remarkable resurgence in the quality and quantity of luxury Wine hotels has left the discerning oenophile seriously spoilt for choice. Pioneers like Rioja’s Marques de Riscal and Jean-Michel Cages, owner of Cordeillan Bages in Bordeaux, have given the industry a much needed boost with their natural talent for delivering exactly what today’s traveling gourmet wants – relaxed luxury, fine cuisine, a venerable selection of local vintages and privileged access to the vicissitudes and complexities of wine making.

Their hotels have successfully paved the way for passionate wine lovers to get an unparalleled ‘feel’ of the daily life of a winemaker: providing world-class service, food, amenities and accommodation in locations as diverse as Champagne, Rioja and Tuscany. Staying in the middle of an historic vineyard, tasting recent vintages and being given a tour of the cellar by the winemaker is a very special experience indeed. And with an increasing number of people finding that they want more authentic wine experiences, their importance is clear. Today, the only dilemma is where to start – so, in order to help the time strapped discerning traveler, we’ve selected our top choices for a glamorous wine vacation below;

Hotel Marques de Riscal

1 Calle Torrea, Elciego, La Rioja, Spain

www.hotel-marquesderiscal.com

It was Rioja’s Marques de Riscal that redefined the concept of a luxury hotel in rural Spain, offering a very contemporary and immersive experience at the heart of the gorgeous Riojan countryside. Opened by one of the regions’ oldest Bodegas (winery), the hotel has been welcoming visitors since 2006, and has caused more than a little controversy in the sleepy village of Elciego. Its avant-garde design was masterminded by legendary architect Frank Gehry, celebrated for creating the Guggenheim museum in Bilbao. His vision was of bold contrasts: the hotel’s asymmetrical curves and titanium roof provide a fascinating juxtaposition to the winery’s historical cellars, and indeed the ancient streets of Elciego itself. Outside the hotel’s walls, you’re ripe for exploring the Rioja Alavesa sub-region, home of such famous names as Luis Canas and Bodegas Ostatu. Inside, the visitor is mercilessly cocooned in absolute luxury – 43 top-notch rooms and suites are complemented by a state-of-the-art spa, a glorious rooftop terrace, wine library – with over 1000 different volumes – and special access to the Marques de Riscal cellars. But, the real highlight is surely Francis Paniego’s Michelin-starred restaurant, the finest destination in Rioja to experience contemporary, local cuisine. Paired with an amazing selection of Marques de Riscal wines (the winery has kept a few bottles of every vintage back since its inception in the 1860s) Paniego’s cooking is simply breathtaking in its intricacy and creativity. In fact, the only problem with this hotel is that guests never want to leave!

Enjoy a stay in this hotel on a Wine Tour of La Rioja

Abadia Retuerta

Le Domaine, 47340, Sardon de Duero, Ribera Del Duero, Spain

www.ledomaine.es

Just as Marques de Riscal reinvented the concept of visiting a wine hotel in Rioja, so Abadia Retuerta has led the way in revolutionising the tourism experience in Ribera Del Duero. The hotel’s setting is worth the price of a room alone; guests stay in an ancient abbey founded in 1146 by an order of monks from France, which is today one of the most important Romanesque buildings in Ribera Del Duero. It was opened as a luxury hotel in 2012, totally restored with the help of Swiss-Italian architect Marco Serra. From the outset, the hotel has made a name for itself by offering exceptional service – each bedroom comes equipped with a multilingual butler, who will do everything to make your experience as memorable as possible. 26 rooms and suites have been lavishly restored and updated, with top quality fabrics, iPod docks and super-modern and spacious bathrooms. A luxury spa has just opened this year, in addition guests can enjoy a fascinating tour of the surrounding vineyards, followed by an extensive tasting of Abadia Retuerta old vintages. Indeed, the hotel is ideally situated for exploring the Ribera Del Duero region, famous for its powerful, structured reds produced from the Tempranillo grape, or as the locals call it, Tinto Del Pais.

The historical city of Valladolid is also only 25 minutes away, but we’d advise visitors to stay put and experience the cuisine of head chef Pablo Montero, who oversees the dramatic Refectorio restaurant, situated in the abbey’s refectory. Awarded 1 Michelin star for his efforts, his cooking is bold, contemporary and downright delicious – the roast suckling pig a major highlight. Accompanying your gastronomic adventure is both a large selection of the estates’ wines and top choices from across the region, including old vintages of Vega Sicilia. There is also the Vinoteca restaurant, for those who want a more informal, tapas style dining experience.

Enjoy a stay in this hotel on a Wine Tour of Ribera Del Duero

The Yeatman

Rua do Choupelo (Sta. Marinha), Vila Nova de Gaia 4400-088, Oporto, Portugal

www.the-yeatman-hotel.com

Why can’t all wine hotels be like this? Located on the banks of the Douro in Oporto’s historic Vila Nova de Gaia, this stunning hotel offers superlative accommodation, amenities and cuisine in the most luxurious of surroundings. Opened in 2010, the Yeatman has become Portugal’s most iconic 5-star hotel, the perfect destination for wine lovers to explore both the port cellars of Vila Nova de Gaia and the majestic estates of the Douro valley. The hotel is modern in design, with 6 stories facing toward Oporto’s old town and the Douro, meaning that no guest is without a spectacular view! Each of the 82 bedroom and suites is individually furnished according to a wine theme and designed to an unparalleled standard; insanely comfortable beds, Portuguese tiles, indoor fires and, in the case of the top suites, copper baths that demand a leisurely soak, while sipping a glass of top port wine. The bar area is a similar haven of lavish design, and open 24/7. A Decanter shaped pool and pampering spa await the weary, but we’re more excited about the Michelin-starred creations of chef Chef Ricardo Costa, a man who has helped raise Oporto’s gastronomy credentials to new levels. His stunning creations are accompanied by an incredible selection of wines and ports – over 1000 different labels organized not by region, but by style, such as “ground breakers” or “iconic wines.” Service through-out is professional, discreet and extremely courteous.

Enjoy a stay in this hotel on a Wine Tour of Portugal

Les Crayères

64 Boulevard Henry Vasnier, 51100 Reims, France

www.lescrayeres.com

Les Crayeres prides itself on the highest standards of service — something that is immediately evident on entering this grand and palatial Chateau hotel. Warmly welcomed by a team of professional staff bar none, guests are made to feel right at home at Les Crayeres, and not a hint of pretension or snobbery is present. The Chateau was built in 1901 and spans seven hectares that contain a rich variety of trees and wild flowers, perfect for a pre-dinner stroll. In line with its personal and boutique approach only 20 immaculately positioned bedrooms are available, bursting with antique furniture and yet modern amenities and bathrooms, lending the Chateau both a classical and contemporary feel. But unlike some other modern wine hotels, Les Crayers does not boast an award winning spa, instead it offers exquisite cuisine at both the 2 Michelin-starred Le Parc, and the more informal Le Jardin Brasserie. Le Parc is overseen by maestro chef Philipe Mille, who is a master of turning select ingredients into magical creations – witness his black cod with a white truffle sauce, or the Wagyu beef served with beetroot and cabbage. But come on, what you really came here for is Champagne and Le Parc does not disappoint. Many hundreds of labels await, including rare old vintages of Dom Perignon, Krug and Cristal. For lovers of superlative bubbly, there really is no finer location in France.

Enjoy a stay in this hotel on a Champagne Wine Tour

Cordeillan Bages

Route des Châteaux, 33250 Pauillac, France

www.jmcazes.com/en/chateau-cordeillan-bages

Bordeaux is full of great hotels, but we can assure you that Cordeillan Bages is a serious cut above the rest. A sophisticated, elegant country hotel that boasts the only 2 Michelin-starred restaurant in the Medoc continues to draw discerning visitors in search of great food and even better wine. The building is a 17th century charter-house, that has been lovingly and tastefully transformed into a boutique hotel by Jean-Michel Cazes, the indefatigable owner of Chateau Lynch Bages in Pauillac. Cazes is as much an art lover as a lover of fine Bordeaux, and so the hotel’s public rooms also function as an exhibition space for contemporary artists, including Pierre Alechinsky and Alessandro Busci. The bright and elegant communal spaces complement 28 spacious, high-spec and airy rooms, some of which face onto the delightful courtyard, which houses a patio – take breakfast alfresco in the summer – and a pool.

Relaxation is the name of the game at Cordeillan Bages, simply chill on the terrace with a glass of wine in tow or make use of the superb outdoor swimming pool, working up an appetite for dinner. And what a treat you have in-store, for head chef Jean-Luc Rocha is one of France’s greats. He insists on only using locally sourced ingredients to craft a menu that changes according to the flavours of the month – expect bold flavours, imaginative creations and an evening of exciting theatre. All this pleasure is accompanied by an extensive list of both local wines and vintages from across Bordeaux, you must make time to visit other Chateau in Pauillac during your stay, as some of the most famous names in the region are on your doorstep; including Lafite, Latour and Chateau Mouton-Rothschild.

Enjoy a stay in this hotel on a Wine Tour of Bordeaux

Chateau Bagnols

69620 Bagnols, Beaujolais, France

www.chateaudebagnols.com

Chateau Bagnols is light years ahead of other hotels in Beaujolais, with its ideal situation close to Lyon and stunning grounds. Indeed, new visitors are usually quite enchanted with the setting; a moat, drawbridge and towers made of lightly coloured stone lends the Chateau a distinctly fairytale atmosphere. The Chateau has existed for centuries, lovingly restored by Lady Hamlyn who fell in love with its beauty and proximity to the Beaujolais vineyards. 27 rooms, including 6 suites are superbly appointed and endowed with high quality, traditional furnishings and insanely comfortable King-size beds. For those who crave rest and relaxation a well equipped spa awaits, with an indoor heated pool, a hamman and four treatment rooms. There is also an indoor pool for when the weather becomes more clement. Those, however, with more of a desire to explore the region will also not leave disappointed; Chateau Bagnols is right in the heart of Beaujolais wine country, and the hotel will gladly organize tastings both within the property and at neighboring estates. And all that wine tasting is bound to work up an appetite, luckily head chef Jean Alexandre Ouaratta is on hand to craft a mouthwatering selection of local dishes. For example: roast duck liver with wild Madagascar pepper, Breton blue lobster, roast saddle of lamb and citrus and passion fruit cheesecake are just some of the gastronomic delights that await you at Chateau Bagnols. All paired with, naturally, a wide selection of top Beaujolais cru wines, we’d usually go for a Fleurie.

Enjoy a stay in this hotel on a Food & Wine Tour of Lyon

L´Andana

Localita’ Badiola, Castiglione Della Pescaia, GR 58043, Tuscany, Italy

www.andana.it/en/hotel-castiglione-della-pescaia.htm

Tuscany is undoubtedly one of the most captivating and beautiful destinations on earth. The landscape, filled with cypresses and olive trees, shamelessly picturesque villages and hillside vineyards never fails to take first time visitor’s breath away. And there is no better place to experience Tuscany in all its splendour than L’Andana, brainchild of legendary chef Alain Ducasse. He worked with the Moretti family to open a luxury rural hideaway bar none in 2004, and it is now firmly established as one of Italy’s leading luxury country hotels, perfectly secluded in the gorgeous Maremma countryside. The expansive villa contains 33 bedrooms and suites that are superbly appointed with views of the surrounding vineyards; a gorgeous garden terrace and bar area overlooks the central swimming pool and those looking to simply relax will want to take advantage of the Wellness Spa Centre. Gourmets are also extremely well catered for at L’Anada. Ducasse’s consults for the La Villa restaurant, a temple to classical Tuscan cuisine, there is also a more informal Trattoria Toscana restaurant open during the summer months. The wine cellar is well stocked with fine wines from Italy and beyond and will satisfy even the most demanding of oenophiles.

Speaking of wine, your viticultural exploration at L’ Andana requires only a few steps, as the property is conveniently attached to the firm’s winery, Tenuta La Badiola. They will happily organise vineyard tours, tastings and, of course, visits to other leading properties in the region. The only problem will be where to start!

Enjoy a stay in this hotel on a Wine Tour of Tuscany

Relais San Maurizio

Piedmont

www.relaissanmaurizio.it

San Maurizio was inhabited by monks until 1862, when Count Luigi Beccaria purchased the estate for use as a private home. Thereafter it exchanged hands several times, until the current owner decided to transform the property into a 5-star hotel in 2007 – opening in 2002. Today, San Maurizio is undoubtedly the region’s most luxurious destination, complete with outdoor/indoor heated pool, the Thalassotherapy spa, which offers specialist treatments in a former salt cave and acres and acres of gorgeous parkland. Nestled deep in the Langhe vineyards, each of the hotels suites’ – 36 rooms in total – offer superlative views across the landscape, a land as famous for its white truffles as for its Nebbiolo based wines. Gourmets too, are going to love the Michelin-starred Guido da Costigliole, situated right in the middle of the hotel’s vaulted wine cellars. Head chef Andrea Alciati likes to surprise and astound, so expect modern interpretations of traditional Piedmont dishes – the truffle risotto being an obvious highlight – all matched with an incredible range of both local vintages and wines from across Italy, and indeed the world. Try the Gaja Barbareso for an unforgettable treat.

Enjoy a stay in this hotel on a Wine Tour of Piedmont

L’Albereta

Via Vittorio Emanuele, n° 23 – 25030 Erbusco (Brescia) – Italy

www.albereta.it/en/franciacorta-relais.htm

With its enviable position overlooking lake Iseo, an award winning spa and top-notch restaurant, Leonfelice, L’Albereta is probably Franciacorta‘s finest hotel. It is owned by the legendary Bella Vista family; Patriach Vittorio Moretti is Franciacorta’s most dynamic and visionary winemaker, his top Italian fizz Cuvee Vittorio Moretti rightly considered one of the world’s best sparkling wines. The hotel is based in a stunning, 19th century Neo-Renaissance country house, which was once the home of a famous lawyer, Giovanni Cavalleri. After it passed to Cavalleri’s niece, she encountered financial difficulties and was forced to sell to its current owner, the Moretti family, who opened the hotel in 1993 with just 9 rooms. Today it boasts 57 deluxe rooms, including the famous Suite Bellavista, a gloriously opulent complex that functions more as a family home than a hotel room. And then there is the spa Henri Chenot, surely one of Italy’s finest with its multiple treatment rooms, hydromassage heated pool, sauna, Turkish bath and a state-of-the-art gymnasium. For all this decadence you can credit Italian architect Ettore Mocchetti.

Gastronomic duties are handled by Fabio Abbattista, who proudly oversees the top restaurant, Leonfelice, which is complemented by the more informal Vistalago Bistro. Abbattista is no fan of molecular gastronomy, instead he serves mouthwatering, traditional northern-Italian dishes in portions that are the antithesis to irritating, undernourished nouvelle cuisine. Utilising fresh produce from his extensive vegetable/herb garden and working with local suppliers,, the cooking is all heart and soul – divine, yet intensely nourishing and homely. The wine list, however, is suitably grand and extensive, with plenty of still red and white wines in addition to the local fizz.

N.B: But what is Franciacota, you still may ask? The foremost source of Italy’s premium traditional method sparkling, Franciacorta is essentially Italy’s answer to Champagne. Both the grapes grown (Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, no Pinot Meunier) and the production methods mirror that of Champagne, although the acidity tends to be lower and the flavour profile more ripe and rounded. You must give it a try!

Enjoy a stay in this hotel on a Food & Wine Tour of Franciacorta

Convento Espinheiro

Evora, Alentejo Portugal

www.conventodoespinheiro.com

As the name suggests, this hotel was a former religious convent – built in the 15th century – that has been transformed into one of Portugal’s leading premium hotels, with all the amenities you could ask for. It attracts a discerning clientele who wish to experience classical, old school luxury updated for the 21st century. It is situated in Evora, undoubtedly southern Portugal’s most charming large town and just over an hour away from Lisbon by car. Evora has been a World Heritage Site since 1986, and continues to draw both architecture nuts, and lovers of fine cuisine and wine, which the Alentejo region is justly famous for. A total of 92 rooms, including 6 suites, await you, some of which are decidedly classical in décor while others have been updated with clean, modern lines and contemporary furniture.

Enjoy a stay in this hotel on a Wine Tour of Portugal

In keeping with the general trend of luxury today, service is engaging and friendly rather than stuffy and the list of facilities impressive: outdoor pool, luxury spa and 5 distinct bars and restaurants. Indeed, food is yet another highlight at Espinheiro, locally sourced and impeccably presented, particularly at our favourite restaurant, Divinus. You’ll dine in an ancient wine cellar, sampling local delicacies paired with a formidable array of both local and international wines – Paradise indeed!

Also, be sure to make time to explore Alentejo before you leave, Portugal’s most dynamic wine region. Once considered a poor and hopeless rural backwater, it is now full of great producers who generally grow international varieties to make fruit-driven, delicious wines. Cortes de Cima and Esporao are two must visit properties.

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