The 10 best winery hotels in Australia

Jutting out to sea from the city of Melbourne is Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula, where Jackalope sits proudly amongst proceedings, close to beaches, golf courses and hiking trails galore. The estate itself takes up 28 acres within Willow Creek vineyards and each of the 45 modern suites comes designed with floor-to-ceiling windows and a secluded terrace, all the better to enjoy the pristine landscapes and David Lynch-inspired sculpture. Arguable the best winery Melbourne can call its own, Jackalope ensures guests need not leave the estate, offering two on-site restaurants, a cocktail bar and a 30-metre infinity pool for soaking up the views. Another neat attraction bordering on the surreal is the hotel’s interactive Rain Room, adding to the property’s already futuristic design and moodily-lit hallways, to create a wholly unique experience.

Sail south from Mornington Peninsula and you’ll eventually catch a glimpse of Tasmania, a devilishly beautiful island known for its cool-climate pinot noir and as the home of MONA Pavilions. The hotel’s acronym stands for the Museum of Old and New Art, pointing out that MONA is home to Australia’s largest private art collection. Besides art, the property comes close to both the world-class wines of the Moorilla Estate and Hobart town. All of the eight pavilions on the property come stylishly fitted with spa baths and elegant artworks, moments from the heated infinity pool. Sip fine local pinot from your balcony in view of the Derwent River, later trying The Source restaurant and Moo Brew Brewery when the mood strikes.

The Louise is the choice for all those visiting Adelaide in Southern Australia, a firm favourite among Barossa Valley wineries for its sweeping views over endless Australian Shiraz country. Barossa wineries come both new and old, some planted as early as the 19th century and others serving boutique, biodynamic tastes. The Louise lies close to many of them, allowing for day trips to try the century-old vintage wine of Seppeltsfield or to pet the sheep on Hutton Vale Farm, a sustainable winery and merino wool producer. After immersive hot-air balloon tours of the region and close encounters with kangaroos, return to The Louise for luxurious relaxation, wine tasting on the terrace in view of vineyard and bushland before award-winning meals at Appellation restaurant.

Set on the serpentine Goulburn River in Victoria’s Nagambie Lakes region, Mitchelton Estate will ensure your cup never runs dry as one of a handful of top wineries in the area. The Mitchelton property, designed by Hecker Guthrie, offers travellers a sleek stay with nature on all sides, no better than at sunset when the 1970s Ashton Tower becomes the place to mingle in the peachy light. At all other times, guests are free to enjoy the Aboriginal art gallery, tour the wine cellar and book in for as many spa treatments as needed. Otherwise, one can explore further out on the river trails or simply swim in the heated pool before a bliss breakfast, lunch or dinner at Muse Restaurant.

Another fine choice on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula is Lancemore Lindenderry Red Hill, a restored country estate turned boutique hotel serving up modern European decadence over 30 acres. Roam the lakeside gardens and vineyards with ease, sampling an extensive range of local wines from the cellar, including those from Macedon Ranges and King Valley wineries. Cosy is the name of the game at Lancemore Lindenberry, where wood-fired pizza nights or gourmet picnics on the lawn come followed by fireplace lounging and sauna sessions. Additional facilities include the tennis courts, wellness centre and pool.

Coming full circle back to Western Australia, we head this time into the heart of the Margaret River wine region to stay at Cape Lodge. This exclusive Cape Dutch-style country house brings the hinterlands in reach, while also maintaining the lavish environment we’re used to across its spa, fine French bistro and private suites. Being in Margaret River, there is of course much to try, across nearby estates such as Larry Cherubino’s winery in Cullen or even craft beers at Black Brewery. As for nature, it’s just 10 kilometres to Smiths Beach where whale watching tours and horseback riding can keep all amused, though Cape Lodge’s own 40 acres of lakeside gardens and manicured lawns backed by native bush trails is more than enough for many.